Michigan Motorcycle Accident Laws and Statistics
Riding a motorcycle can cause personal injury and even wrongful death. Consider the following statistics gathered by our motorcycle accident attorneys: in Michigan in 2007, there were 120 motorcycle accident fatalities, 90 percent of which were wearing helmets, and 28 percent of which were riding while intoxicated, at the time of the crash*. If you are among those who have suffered injury or the death of a loved one in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries. Proner & Proner can help. A motorcycle accident law firm known throughout the nation for its track record of successful case resolutions, the firm provides the top-notch legal counsel necessary to obtain damages for a motorcycle accident injury or death. Our motorcycle accident attorneys serve injured Michigan bikers with expertise and passion for protecting motorcyclists’ rights. When you secure the services of our team, you will receive the outstanding legal representation for which the firm is known.
Attorneys Dedicated to Protecting the Rights of Motorcycle Accident Victims
When a motorcyclist is injured in a motorcycle accident caused by another party’s actions or negligence, the injured may file a motorcycle accident lawsuit, thereby seeking damages for his or her injuries. (In cases of wrongful death, the victim’s surviving family members may be able to seek compensation.) The types of injuries for which a victim may seek damages, components of a motorcycle accident settlement, and the process of filing a lawsuit are as follows:
Types of Injuries
Generally speaking, since motorcycles offer no protection to riders in the event of a crash, motorcycle accident injuries tend to be catastrophic (e.g., back, spinal cord, burn, and brain injury). A crash can also cause injuries of less severity (e.g., “road rash” and broken bones). Whatever the severity of the injury, a victim may be entitled to damages and should secure the services of an experienced motorcycle accident attorney.
Motorcycle Accident Compensation
A motorcycle accident settlement compensates the financial losses a victim suffers as a result of his or her injuries. These losses can include the victim’s medical expenses, rehabilitative care, lost income, decreased earning potential, household expenses during recovery, and pain and suffering. The settlement amount a victim obtains depends on a number of factors, including the severity of his or her injuries, state law, and the skill of his or her attorney.
Filing a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit
Motorcycle accident claims center on proving the fault of the party or parties responsible for the accident (the defendant). Accordingly, filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit can be overwhelming, as it requires proving the defendant’s fault as well as filing the appropriate paperwork, meeting the deadlines as required by law, and other steps. Therefore, it is crucial that accident victims hire a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney has the know-how necessary to obtain compensation for his or her client’s injuries.
Learn more about Michigan motorcycle accident laws.
If you have suffered injury or the loss of a loved one in a crash, you need a practiced lawyer on your side. Contact Proner & Proner to schedule a consultation with one of our motorcycle accident attorneys. When you secure our services, we will fight to protect your rights.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
The following motorcycle accident statistics underscore accident trends in Michigan and throughout the nation since 1999*:
- In 1999, there was an 8 percent increase in motorcycle accident fatalities, and a 2 percent increase in motorcycle accident injuries, from 1998 rates in the U.S.
- In 2004, there were 81 motorcycle accident deaths in Michigan – 7 percent of the 1,159 motor vehicle accident deaths in the state that year. Three hundred sixty-seven (32 percent) of these motor vehicle accident fatalities involved driver impairment.
- In 2005, there were 124 motorcycle accident deaths in Michigan – 11 percent of the 1,129 motor vehicle accident deaths in the state that year. Three hundred sixty-three (32 percent) of these motor vehicle accident fatalities involved driver impairment, while 43 percent of the motorcycle accident deaths involved rider impairment.
- In 2006, there were 114 motorcycle accident deaths in Michigan – 11 percent of the 1,085 motor vehicle accident deaths in the state that year.
- Michigan is one of 20 states that have a universal helmet law; 17 with educational programs designed to increase helmet use and decreased impaired riding; and 16 that require rider training for riders under a certain age.
Contact Our Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
If you have suffered personal injury or lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, contact Proner & Proner to schedule a free case evaluation or to learn more about motorcycle accident statistics. Our attorneys serve clients throughout Michigan. When you secure our services, we will work diligently to obtain compensation for your injuries.
*Motorcycle accident statistic references: the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation Bureau of Transportation Statistics, and Governors Highway Safety Association websites.
We serve motorcycle accident victims throughout Michigan, including the following cities:
- Detroit
- Grand Rapids
- Warren
- Sterling Heights
- Flint
- Lansing
- Ann Arbor
- Livonia
- Clinton
- Township
- Dearborn
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