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At Christensen Law, we don’t just represent motorcycle riders. We are riders. Many of our attorneys enjoy riding, so we understand first-hand the danger negligent drivers can pose to motorcyclists. If you or someone you love suffered an injury, we will fight for you.
Our Westland, MI, personal injury lawyers will aggressively seek motorcycle accident damages so you are not left paying out of pocket for the irresponsible actions of a liable driver. We prepare every case for trial and will not back down from going to court to get the money you deserve. Contact us online or call today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Michigan Motorcycle Riders Deserve Safety and Respect
Christensen Law has motorcycle riders on its legal team, so we know from experience that most riders strive to operate their bikes safely and take the proper precautions. Unfortunately, others look to blame motorcyclists for accidents because they view riding as an “unsafe” or “risky” hobby.
When you work with us, we will never make you feel guilty for riding. We believe in giving victims the chance to tell their stories and holding liable parties accountable. We will listen to you without judgment and do everything in our power to secure the compensation you need to get back on your feet.
Bikers have the same right to use Michigan’s roadways as motor vehicle drivers. When drivers do not respect this right, and their actions cause injuries, they should pay. We will fight to make sure they do.
Your Needs Are Our Priority
When your health and future are on the line, you want a law firm that puts your needs first. Christensen Law is that firm. Client service is at the center of everything we do. We aim to get the maximum compensation possible while supporting injured parties with personalized and attentive representation.
Read what previous clients have to say about working with our team:
- “Christensen Law handled my son’s case after his motorcycle accident, and we couldn’t be happier…They were incredibly attentive, helpful, and diligent. Our case was a bit complicated, but they explained everything in a clear and understanding way. They were always available for questions and support… Highly recommend Christensen Law!” -Dell Haralson-El
- “I was looking for a company that had experience with motorcycle accidents, and they delivered. It takes patience, and they will take care of the rest. If you aren’t sure about a firm, try these guys first!” -Andrew Reichelderfer
Our Case Results for Other Accident Victims
Christensen Law has helped motorcycle accident victims recover significant settlements and judgments. Our case results include a $9.5 million settlement for a motorcycle rider who suffered life-changing injuries after being hit by a car that crossed the centerline.
We also have the distinction of winning Michigan’s largest-ever jury verdict. In this car accident case, we secured a $17.8 million judgment for a victim injured by a negligent truck driver.
We prepare every case for court and will take your legal issue to trial if necessary. Contact us online or call 24/7 for a free consultation and connect with our Westland, MI, motorcycle accident attorney today.
How to Recover Damages After a Westland Motorcycle Accident
Under Michigan’s No-Fault insurance system, motorcycle riders may have several options for recovering crash damages:
Personal Injury Protection Insurance
Motor vehicle drivers in Michigan must carry personal injury protection insurance (PIP). In most cases, drivers must seek compensation through this policy for accident-related damages, regardless of fault for the collision.
However, bikers do not have to carry PIP, as MCL 500.3101 states that motorcycles are not motor vehicles under Michigan law. Instead, the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) states that motorcyclists can receive PIP medical benefits through an involved vehicle owner’s or operator’s No-Fault policy. How much you can recover will depend on the policy limit.
The Michigan Assigned Claims Plan (MACP)
If no PIP coverage is available, motorcycle riders can seek up to $250,000 in medical benefits through the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan (MACP). The MACP will match qualifying claimants with a participating PIP provider.
Medical Benefits Insurance
According to the DIFS, bikers in Michigan can purchase medical benefits coverage for auto accidents in increments of $5,000. This insurance is optional unless you wish to ride without a helmet. If you want to ride without a helmet, the law requires you to carry at least $20,000 in medical benefits for yourself and $20,000 for each rider who does not wear a helmet.
Liability Claim or Personal Injury Lawsuit
If you have medical expenses that exceed the insurance you can claim, you may be able to go outside the No-Fault model and seek compensation from a liable driver or other at-fault party.
A liability auto insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit will allow you to pursue uncovered medical expenses and damages that may not be recoverable through other types of insurance, including compensation for:
- Current and future lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Diminished quality of life
Wrongful Death Lawsuit for Deceased Riders
Motorcycle accidents have a high rate of fatality. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2022, riders were 22 times more likely to die in a collision than passenger vehicle occupants.
If you lost a loved one, our lawyers will seek damages with a wrongful death lawsuit. Compensation may include medical bills, funeral and burial costs, lost income, and loss of the deceased’s services, companionship, and intangible benefits.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Collisions
Michigan Traffic Crash Facts reports that Wayne County had the highest number of motorcycle accidents of any county in the state in 2023, with 515 collisions. According to the State of Michigan, most motorcycle accidents happen on city streets (not highways) and occur at intersections when a vehicle turns into an oncoming motorcycle’s path.
Other common causes of motorcycle collisions include:
- Drunk driving
- Distracted driving
- Aggressive or reckless driving
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Passing too closely/passing illegally
- Failing to yield the right of way or obey traffic signs and signals
How Our Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Will Build Your Case
You do not have to navigate your motorcycle accident case alone. You can enlist our experienced legal team (and all the skills and resources we possess) to fight for you. Our law firm will:
- Prove your claim for compensation. We will handle the accident investigation and collect case evidence, including police reports, eyewitness statements, medical records, and proof of your losses. We will also establish your right to step outside the No-Fault system (when applicable), identify liable parties, and show they acted negligently.
- Handle details and “red tape.” Your time and energy are better spent on healing than haggling with insurance agents or filing paperwork. We will draft your claims, track and manage deadlines, and communicate with involved parties on your behalf.
- Negotiate for the maximum compensation possible. We will handle case-related phone calls, emails, and meetings and represent your best interests in every interaction. We will not allow insurers to push you around, employ bad-faith tactics, or get away with lowball settlements. We will tirelessly negotiate for full and fair awards, and if we cannot get them outside of court, we will take your case to trial.
- Keep you informed and updated. We know that this is a challenging time for you and your family. We want to eliminate as much stress as possible by keeping you informed and making our team accessible when you have questions or concerns.
How Long Do You Have to Act?
You do not have unlimited time to seek motorcycle accident compensation. The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit in Michigan is three years, according to Mich. Comp. Laws Ann. § 600.5805. If time runs out, the court will likely refuse your case.
The deadline will also affect your insurance claims. If it expires and you cannot sue, it will reduce your bargaining power. The insurance company may deny or underpay your claim, and you will have no legal recourse.
In addition, acting quickly can benefit because it:
- Prevents you from missing insurance policy deadlines, which may give you a limited window to notify insurers about the accident
- Allows your legal representative to collect case evidence before it gets lost or deteriorates
- Will enable your lawyer to interview eyewitnesses before their memories fade
- Protects you from allegations that your injuries did not arise from the accident
Contact Christensen Law for Motorcycle Accident Assistance
We fight hard for bikers because we are bikers. We know how fun and thrilling riding motorcycles can be. We also know how scary it can be when drivers behave negligently and threaten your safety. If you or someone you love has a motorcycle accident injury, we will put our years of experience behind getting the money you deserve.
Since 1991, we have represented personal injury victims in Michigan. Our Westland motorcycle accident lawyers know how to build a solid case focused on your goals and needs. Contact us online or call today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
