When other motorists fail to give motorcycles their attention and respect, motorcyclists can suffer serious injuries. If you are the victim of a motorcycle accident in Ann Arbor, Michigan, you should not have to pay for injuries caused by an at-fault driver. The Ann Arbor motorcycle accident lawyers at Christensen Law are here to help. We can fight for the medical expenses, lost income, and other damages you need to get back on your feet.
Our personal injury law firm has stood for the rights of injured Michiganders since 1991, so we know what it takes to get the compensation you are rightfully owed. Contact us for a free initial consultation.
How We Can Help You With Your Motorcycle Crash in Ann Arbor
If you or your loved one suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident, it can be difficult to recover compensation – especially while coping with your physical recovery or caring for a hurt family member. Fortunately, our attorneys are here to assist.
Our firm’s founding partner, Attorney David E. Christensen, knows firsthand how a serious auto accident can upend the victim’s life and their family. Attorney Christensen has dedicated his legal career to building a practice focused on advocating for injured Michigan residents and their loved ones.
Our Ann Arbor motorcycle accident attorneys serve as the voice for the unheard, and we do everything we can to minimize your insurance or legal burden while working tirelessly to maximize your financial awards. Our attorneys will explain all your options for pursuing compensation for your medical bills and other losses. If you contact us immediately after your accident, we can begin collecting evidence to support your case.
Christensen Law will make a strong argument for compensation on your behalf by:
- Gathering police reports
- Taking photos of the accident scene
- Interviewing eyewitnesses
- Examining the at-fault party’s driving record and history
- Employing accident reconstruction experts to recreate the accident scene
- Reviewing and analyzing your medical records
- Proving the extent of your injuries
- Negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf
- Filing a lawsuit if the insurer refuses to pay a fair settlement or denies liability for the accident
Let Our Lawyers Be Your Voice
We advise you not to make a statement to the insurance company or accept a settlement agreement without first speaking to a motorcycle accident lawyer in Ann Arbor. Statements you make to an adjuster can jeopardize your ability to pursue compensation later, and the insurer’s initial offer usually benefits their bottom line more than it does your pocketbook.
Our attorneys will determine the maximum compensation available to you via insurance claims. We will then build a strong case to ensure you recover a settlement that satisfies your losses and does not leave you paying out-of-pocket for a motorcycle injury you did not cause.
In addition, we prepare each case as though for trial and will not back down from taking action in civil court if that is the best route for securing the awards you need. Our legal team has handled thousands of cases and hundreds of trials. We have no interest in settling for less than you deserve and will spare no resources when seeking financial justice.
We Will Explore Your Options for Compensation
Under Michigan’s No-Fault laws, car and truck drivers must purchase personal injury protection (PIP) insurance.
PIP covers the policyholder’s medical bills after a crash, no matter who is at fault. However, according to the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services, motorcycle riders do not have to carry PIP unless they are over age 21 and do not want to wear a helmet.
Our motorcycle collision attorneys can explain all the options you have to pursue compensation for your medical treatment and other losses after a collision, including exhausting any PIP coverage you have. We can also help you hold liable parties financially accountable with a claim against their liability insurance or a personal injury lawsuit.
We Will Pursue the Damages You or Your Loved One Should Recover
We help those injured by the negligent, reckless, or wrongful actions of others. If you suffered physical harm and financial losses and were not at fault, Christensen Law will advocate for the compensation you deserve – ensuring that your financial stability is not threatened by another party’s mistakes.
Our lawyers will identify every cent owed to you and build a robust case proving a liable party is responsible for your damages. In general, we can seek awards for the following:
- Ambulance transportation and emergency medical services
- Surgeries
- Hospital stays and doctors’ office visits
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Extended nursing and life care
- Lost income, earnings, and benefits
- Lost future earning capacity
- Motorcycle repairs or replacement costs
- Physical pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement, scarring, and disabling injuries
- Loss of quality of life
- Wrongful death of a loved one
In general, motorcycle accidents tend to settle for more than the average car accident claim because the injuries and resulting damages in these cases are much more serious. Without the protection a vehicle offers, motorcycle riders are susceptible to catastrophic injuries like amputations, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries that can cause paralysis.
Motorcycle Collisions Can Be Catastrophic
Motorcycle accidents often result in severe or even life-altering injuries. Unlike drivers and passengers in enclosed vehicles, motorcyclists lack the protective barriers that can absorb the force of a collision. As a result, even relatively low-speed crashes can lead to significant physical harm. Some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Even with a helmet, a violent impact can cause concussions or more severe brain trauma, affecting cognitive function, memory, and quality of life.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spine can lead to partial or total paralysis, requiring extensive long-term care and rehabilitation.
- Fractures and Broken Bones: Arms, legs, ribs, and hips are particularly vulnerable in a crash, especially during a fall or slide.
- Road Rash: When a rider slides across pavement, it can cause painful abrasions, deep skin damage, or even nerve injuries requiring skin grafts.
- Internal Injuries: Blunt-force trauma can lead to internal bleeding or damage to organs, often requiring emergency surgery.
- Facial and Dental Injuries: Riders without full-face helmets may suffer broken jaws, lost teeth, or facial disfigurement.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Torn ligaments, muscle damage, and sprains can result in long-term pain and limited mobility.
After a motorcycle accident, it’s vital to seek immediate medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor. Some conditions—such as internal bleeding or TBIs—may not show symptoms right away. Prompt treatment not only protects your health but also strengthens your legal case.
Keeping Track of Your Losses Is Crucial
Keep thorough records of:
- All doctor visits and medical procedures
- Prescriptions and over-the-counter medications
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation sessions
- Diagnostic tests, such as X-rays or MRIs
- Out-of-pocket expenses for medical care or transportation
- Notes about your pain levels, symptoms, and recovery progress
These records help your attorney demonstrate the full impact of your injuries when negotiating with insurance companies or pursuing a lawsuit. They are also critical in proving pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and other non-economic damages.
If you’ve suffered any of these injuries due to a negligent driver, Christensen Law is here to fight for the compensation you need to heal and move forward.
Representation with Compassion, Excellence, and Results
Christensen Law strives to ensure those who seek our help feel heard and supported through every step of their case. Our award-winning team of attorneys and staff will give you their undivided attention and provide you with compassionate, personalized representation.
However, you do not have to take our word for it. Just read what past clients have to say about our service on our testimonials page. We are committed to professionalism, transparency, and fair settlements. Our client-centered approach gets real results. Our settlements and verdicts include:
- $3.2 million for a head-on collision
- $2 million for a car wreck
- $1.25 million for a motorcycle accident
- $1.1 million for a truck accident
How Negligent Motorists Can Be Liable for a Motorcycle Crash
If you ride a motorcycle, you are most likely well aware that when an accident involves a motorcycle, people tend to assume the motorcycle rider was at fault. However, many times, an investigation will prove that the involved motor vehicle’s driver was the negligent party in the accident.
Common causes of driver negligence in motorcycle accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Cars making left-hand turns
- Failing to yield the right-of-way
- Improperly signaling
- Failing to check blind spots or not seeing motorcyclists
- Driving too fast for weather conditions or road conditions
- Tailgating and misjudging stopping distance
- Driving drunk or under the influence of drugs
- Manufacturing or maintenance defects
Bikers have rights on the road, and our team is determined to defend those riders who have been hurt by another person’s carelessness.
Damage to Your Motorcycle After an Accident: Who Is Responsible?
According to Michigan’s no-fault laws, when a motorcycle is damaged in a collision, the rider won’t be able to recover the cost of replacing or repairing the motorcycle if the owner of the vehicle that was involved in the wreck carries No-Fault insurance. If the driver did not, they will be personally liable for covering the damages.
If your motorcycle was parked in a reasonable manner at the time of the accident, you can make a claim for property protection benefits, which could include repair costs and damages related to your inability to use the motorcycle.
