Have been seriously injured or lost a loved one in a Southfield motorcycle accident due to someone else’s negligence? You could be entitled to significant compensation. The at-fault party could owe you money for your medical bills, the work you missed, and your pain and suffering. Consult with attorney David Christensen who started his riding career in 1972.
Legal claims involving motorcycle accidents are more complex than those involving car accidents. Michigan’s no-fault insurance laws do not consider motorcycles to be “motor vehicles” and are sometimes excluded from many benefits. That’s why you need an experienced Michigan attorney on your side.
If you are looking for a skilled motorcycle accident attorney who has helped Southfield accident victims navigate Michigan’s complex no-fault and liability systems, choose Christensen Law. Our compassionate Southfield motorcycle accident lawyers will help you get the compensation you deserve. Call today to schedule a free initial consultation.
Why You Need an Attorney After a Motorcycle Crash
The Southfield motorcycle accident lawyers at Christensen Law help Michigan residents who have been injured in crashes. We will ensure your legal rights are protected after your motorcycle accident. We will handle all aspects of your claim by:
- Making sure you receive all of the no-fault insurance benefits you are entitled to.
- Launching a thorough investigation into your motorcycle accident so that your case is strong. Best done by an attorney who rides.
- Verifying all of the insurance policies in your case.
- Maximizing your compensation by determining the full extent of your damages.
- Advocating for your needs throughout the legal process.
- Seeking a full settlement for you, including compensation for your future losses and the pain and suffering you’ve experienced.
Demanding Full Compensation for Your Losses
If you were injured in a collision with a motor vehicle, you will be covered for no-fault benefits as long as you have insurance. No-fault benefits include medical bills and a large portion of your lost wages, and much more.
The value of your motorcycle accident case depends on several factors, including the extent of your injuries, the estimated time of your recovery, and the property damage to your motorcycle. You may be able to seek compensation for:
- Related past and future excess medical bills
- Loss of income
- Loss of future earnings
- Prescription costs
- Property damage
- Funeral or burial costs (in wrongful death cases)
- Medical equipment costs
- Housing modifications if necessary
- Attendant care if necessary
If you were seriously injured in an accident caused by a negligent driver, it is critical that you contact a knowledgeable Michigan motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney can fight for the insurance company to pay you what you need and deserve.
Time Is Limited for Filing a Motorcycle Accident Claim
Your attorney may recommend that you file a first-party claim, also known as a no-fault or personal injury protection (PIP) claim. Your attorney will negotiate for compensation directly with the insurance company responsible for your no-fault benefits.
No-fault benefits can cover medical bills related to the accident, wage loss for the first three years following the accident, household replacement services, payment for mileage to and from medical appointments, and attendant care. According to Michigan’s statute of limitations, you only have one year from the date of the motorcycle accident to make a first-party claim.
A third-party claim is filed against the negligent driver who caused the motorcycle accident. The damages available in a third-party claim after a motorcycle accident include pain and suffering damages and excess medical benefits. The statute of limitations for a third-party claim is three years from the date of the accident.
If you miss these deadlines, you may lose the full and fair settlement you’re owed.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcyclists expect other drivers to drive safely and respect the rules of the road. When other drivers hit motorcyclists, the injuries that motorcyclists suffer are often severe or even catastrophic. Common motorcycle accident injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are among the most severe injuries that motorcycle accident victims experience. Unfortunately, motorcyclists suffer TBIs after crashes, both with and without helmets. Impact-induced brain injuries can cause cognitive deficiency and many more problems. A victim’s head may strike the pavement, causing their brain to hit the inside of their skull and swell. Many TBIs can have permanent consequences, leaving victims with the limited ability to handle even simple daily activities.
- Road Rash. This injury results from skin-to-pavement contact. When motorcyclists fall off their bikes, they tend to slide along a road surface, shredding clothes and, ultimately, skin. While motorcyclists can wear protective clothing that reduces the risk of road rash, there is a limit to how much protection clothing can offer when an accident occurs at high speeds or on rough surfaces.
- Amputation. Unfortunately, a fairly common injury suffered by motorcyclists is the loss of a leg from being impacted by an automobile or a truck.
- Biker’s arm. When motorcyclists fall to the ground, they may try to use their arms to protect their bodies. Unfortunately, the result of this can be nerve damage known as “biker’s arm.” Biker’s arm varies widely in severity, but the most serious cases result in permanent damage.
- Spinal cord injuries. Spinal cord injuries are among the most severe injuries in a motorcycle accident, and they require immediate medical attention. Even a small amount of spinal cord damage can result in permanent disability, including partial or full paralysis.
- Broken bones. When motorcyclists are thrown from their bikes, they may suffer broken bones. The speed and force of a motorcycle accident can shatter bones and twist limbs in ways that seriously damage the joints and the surrounding soft tissue. High-speed falls onto the pavement inflict blunt-force injury to limbs.
- Emotional trauma. When riders endure serious motorcycle accidents, they may suffer emotional as well as physical injuries. Long-term treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), such as counseling, may be necessary.
Talk to a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Southfield, MI Now
The motorcycle accident attorneys in Southfield at Christensen Law know the physical, mental and financial stress you’re experiencing after your crash. We’re ready to take some of these burdens off your shoulders. We can help you heal financially by recovering the money you spent treating your injuries.
When you schedule a free consultation with our highly skilled and compassionate personal injury lawyers in Southfield, we will discuss the details of your accident and your legal options.
Don’t delay. The sooner we can start investigating your accident, the better. We are committed to helping you seek the full and fair compensation you deserve. Call today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
Visit our Southfield Office
