Southfield, MI Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

While motorcycle owners know the thrill of the open road, they also know the added dangers of riding such a vehicle. For example, unlike typical vehicles, motorcycles do not have seat belts, airbags, or any other type of protection beyond a helmet. Motorcycle riders also know the bias some insurance companies have against motorcyclists.

If you have been in a motorcycle accident, you may be facing an upward battle with the insurance company when it comes to receiving damages and compensation for your accident. By working with experienced motorcycle accident lawyers in Southfield, MI, make sure you stand a fighting chance. Whether you were the at-fault driver or a victim of someone else’s negligence, hiring a Southfield motorcycle accident attorney means someone will fight on your behalf for the best possible legal outcome.

What Are Common Reasons for Michigan Motorcycle Accidents?

Motorcycle accidents occur for a variety of reasons that are often consistent across different states. Understanding these factors can help riders take necessary precautions to enhance their safety on the road. Here are some of the most common reasons behind motorcycle accidents:

1. Speeding: One of the primary causes of motorcycle accidents is speeding. Riders may exceed the speed limit or drive too fast for road conditions, significantly increasing the risk of losing control or not having enough time to react to sudden changes in traffic.
2. Failure to Use Turn Signals: Many motorcycle accidents occur when riders neglect to signal their intentions. Not using turn signals can lead to confusion among other drivers, resulting in collisions when a vehicle makes an unexpected move based on an incorrect assumption about the rider’s actions.
3. Failing to Yield the Right of Way: Accidents often happen when a motorcyclist or another driver fails to yield the right of way. This is particularly dangerous at intersections, where vehicles may not see motorcycles or misjudge their speed.
4. Sudden Stops: Quick or abrupt stops can catch both motorcyclists and other drivers off guard, leading to rear-end collisions or loss of control. This issue is exacerbated by the smaller size of motorcycles, which can be less visible in traffic.
5. Illegal Lane Changes: Riders may attempt to change lanes without ensuring it is safe to do so, leading to crashes with vehicles that are already occupying that space. Illegal lane changes can also involve motorcyclists weaving in and out of traffic without proper caution.

In addition to these common causes, there are unique factors specific to motorcycle riding that contribute to accidents:

6. Lane Splitting: Lane splitting refers to the practice of riding a motorcycle between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic. While it can help riders navigate congested roads more efficiently, it also poses significant risks. Riders may misjudge the space available or other drivers may not expect a motorcycle to pass between lanes, resulting in collisions.
7. Car Doors: A frequent hazard for motorcyclists is parked vehicles. Drivers exiting their cars may open doors into the path of an approaching motorcycle, often leading to severe accidents. This can happen unexpectedly, as motorcyclists may not have enough time to react to a suddenly opened door.
8. Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol and drug use significantly impair judgment and reaction times, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Motorcyclists under the influence are at a higher risk of making dangerous decisions, which can lead to devastating consequences.
9. Failure to Follow Traffic Laws: Adhering to traffic laws is essential for all road users. Motorcyclists who disregard traffic signals, speed limits, and other regulations not only jeopardize their safety but also endanger other drivers.

Understanding these common reasons for motorcycle accidents can empower riders to take proactive measures, such as improving their awareness, following traffic laws diligently, and avoiding risky behaviors. By recognizing and mitigating these risks, motorcyclists can enhance their safety and reduce the likelihood of accidents on the road.

What are Common Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents?

While any accident has the potential to cause bodily harm, motorcycles are notorious for gruesome injuries. A motorcycle has very little in place to protect the rider, which means in an impact, the rider is often thrown from the motorcycle.

This can lead to injuries such as road rash, lacerations, loss of limb, facial injury or disfigurement, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, broken bones, and even death. In addition to experiencing a host of painful injuries as a direct result of the accident, victims may also find themselves dealing with long-term disability or limitations after the accident.

Accident victims may also experience mental and emotional suffering as a result of the accident itself, the injuries sustained, or a combination of the two. Regardless of the type of injuries or their severity, speaking with a Southfield motorcycle accident attorney is always a smart first step on the road to recovery.

Should You Hire a Lawyer After a Motorcycle Accident?

It may be tempting to skip the proper steps following an accident, especially if you and the other party both deem the damage rather minor. While it can be tempting to simply shake hands and drive off in minor scrapes, you should always exchange insurance information, notify the police of an accident to obtain an official accident report for your motorcycle accident case, and then take any necessary legal steps after following any required medical treatment as a result of the accident.

While there are many reasons to hire a lawyer after being in a motorcycle accident, a few of the main reasons are to recover damages and ensure that your legal interests are protected. If you are unsure if you should hire a lawyer after an accident, it is best to speak with a motorcycle accident lawyer to see what legal options may be available to you.

How Can a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help You?

In a motorcycle accident case, victims can face several legal battles as a result of their accident. For starters, there can be consequences such as fines, traffic tickets, lost wages due to injury, and even dramatic outcomes like criminal charges or lifelong disabilities.

With the help of an experienced Southfield motorcycle accident lawyer fighting on your behalf, you have a chance to come out ahead instead of allowing the justice system to potentially take advantage of you. From ensuring the responsible party is held accountable to fighting to obtain maximum compensation for damages and suffering, a motorcycle accident lawyer works on behalf of their client to find the best possible solution to your legal matters.

Best of all, an experienced Southfield motorcycle accident lawyer serves as your guide and counsel, answering questions along the way, to ensure that you are always in control and supported.

Find Legal Guidance Now

Regardless of whether your injuries were minor or serious enough to warrant a stay in the hospital, working with a lawyer after your motorcycle accident could be the difference between receiving the compensation you deserve and allowing the insurance company to push you around.

Our law firm works diligently on behalf of clients in an effort to reach the best legal outcome possible. If you are unsure how we may be able to help, contact our law firm and speak to a lawyer today. We are ready to assess your situation and discuss possible next steps. Call us at 248-671-6794 today and let us fight for you in a court of law.