Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Lansing MI

One of the most common and dangerous types of motorcycle crashes occurs when a vehicle turns left in front of an oncoming motorcycle. Drivers often fail to see motorcyclists or misjudge their speed, causing devastating T-bone collisions. These accidents frequently result in severe injuries because the motorcyclist has little time to react. Michigan law is clear about right-of-way in these situations, and we hold negligent drivers accountable for failing to yield. If you’ve been injured in a left-turn accident, our team will investigate the scene, gather witness statements, and work with accident reconstruction experts to prove the other driver’s fault.

When a vehicle strikes a motorcycle from behind, the rider often suffers catastrophic injuries or is thrown from their bike entirely. These accidents commonly occur at stop lights, in heavy traffic, or when drivers are distracted by their phones. Rear-end collisions are typically straightforward liability cases, but insurance companies still try to minimize compensation. We document all aspects of your injuries and connect them directly to the negligent driver’s actions, ensuring you receive full compensation for your losses. These cases often overlap with our car accident practice when the at-fault driver was operating a passenger vehicle.

Motorcycles operate in blind spots that drivers frequently ignore. When a vehicle changes lanes without checking or merges into a motorcycle’s path, the results can be deadly. We handle cases where drivers failed to check mirrors, signal properly, or look over their shoulders before changing lanes. These accidents require careful investigation of driver behavior, road conditions, and vehicle positioning at the time of impact.

Intersections in Lansing, East Lansing, and throughout the Greater Lansing area are dangerous for motorcyclists. Drivers running red lights, failing to stop at stop signs, or misjudging gaps in traffic cause serious motorcycle crashes. Our firm investigates these accidents thoroughly, often obtaining traffic camera footage, signal timing records, and witness testimony to establish fault. Intersection cases may also involve pedestrian accidents when multiple victims are injured in the same collision.

Potholes, uneven pavement, gravel in curves, and missing road signs create serious hazards for motorcyclists. When poor road maintenance causes a crash, we pursue claims against the responsible government entity. Michigan law allows injury victims to file claims against municipalities and the Michigan Department of Transportation when road defects contribute to accidents. These cases have specific notice requirements and shorter deadlines, so immediate legal action is essential.

In urban areas of Lansing, parked car doors opening into traffic pose a significant danger to motorcyclists. When a driver or passenger opens a door without checking for oncoming traffic, a motorcyclist can be seriously injured or killed. We hold negligent door-openers accountable and pursue full compensation for our clients’ injuries.

Motorcyclists caught in multi-vehicle accidents on highways and busy roads face complex legal challenges. Determining fault when several vehicles are involved requires extensive investigation and often multiple insurance claims. Our experience handling these complicated cases ensures that every responsible party is held accountable. These cases sometimes connect with our truck accident practice when commercial vehicles are involved.

When a negligent driver flees the scene, you’re not left without options. Michigan’s uninsured motorist coverage can provide compensation when the at-fault driver cannot be identified or located. We help clients navigate these claims and work with law enforcement to identify hit-and-run drivers whenever possible.

Sometimes the motorcycle itself or safety equipment is defective, contributing to the severity of injuries. We handle product liability cases involving defective helmets, faulty brakes, tire failures, and other equipment malfunctions. These cases may involve manufacturers, distributors, and sellers.

We begin with a thorough consultation to understand what happened, review any documentation you have, and explain your legal options. This meeting is completely free and confidential. We’ll assess the strength of your case and provide honest guidance about the best path forward.

Once you hire us, we immediately begin investigating your accident. We visit the crash scene, photograph evidence, obtain police reports, interview witnesses, and request traffic camera footage before it’s deleted. We also work with accident reconstruction experts when needed to prove how the crash occurred and who was at fault.

We coordinate with your healthcare providers to obtain complete medical records and bills. For serious injuries, we consult with medical experts who can explain your prognosis, future treatment needs, and permanent limitations. This documentation is crucial for proving the full extent of your damages.

We handle all communications with insurance companies on your behalf. This includes filing your no-fault claim for medical benefits and wage loss, as well as pursuing third-party liability claims against the at-fault driver. Insurance adjusters often try to take advantage of unrepresented accident victims, but they know we won’t accept lowball settlement offers.

When you’ve reached maximum medical improvement or we have a clear picture of your future needs, we prepare a comprehensive demand package. This document presents all evidence of liability and damages, along with a detailed calculation of the compensation you deserve. We negotiate aggressively to reach a fair settlement without the need for trial.

If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, we’re fully prepared to file a lawsuit and take your case to trial. We prepare every case as if it will go to trial, which strengthens our negotiating position. Our trial gives us the credibility to demand fair treatment.

Whether through settlement or trial verdict, we work to secure the maximum compensation available under Michigan law. Once your case resolves, we handle all paperwork and ensure you receive your settlement funds promptly. We remain available to answer questions even after your case concludes.

Motorcyclists are entitled to Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits from their own auto insurance policy, even though they weren’t driving a car at the time of the crash. These benefits cover medical expenses, 85 percent of lost wages (up to certain limits), replacement services for household tasks you can no longer perform, and attendant care if you need assistance with daily activities.

When another driver caused your motorcycle crash, you can file a liability claim against them for damages that no-fault insurance doesn’t cover. These damages include pain and suffering, permanent injury and disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, and the portion of wage loss not covered by no-fault benefits. To pursue pain and suffering compensation in Michigan, you must meet the state’s serious impairment threshold, which requires an injury that has significantly affected your ability to live your normal life.

Beyond insurance benefits, you can recover compensation for all financial losses caused by the accident. This includes current and future medical expenses not covered by insurance, lost earning capacity if you cannot return to your previous work, property damage to your motorcycle and gear, and out-of-pocket expenses related to your injury.

These damages compensate you for the intangible impacts of your injury. Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of companionship if your injuries affect your relationships, permanent scarring and disfigurement, and diminished quality of life all factor into your total compensation. Michigan law doesn’t cap non-economic damages in most personal injury cases, though caps do apply to certain wrongful death claims against government entities.

Several factors influence the total compensation available in your case. The severity and permanence of your injuries carry significant weight (spinal cord injuries and brain injuries) typically result in higher settlements than minor fractures. Your age and occupation matter because younger victims with higher earning potential face greater lifetime losses. The clarity of liability is crucial; cases with obvious fault yield better results than those with disputed responsibility. The at-fault driver’s insurance coverage limits may cap your recovery unless additional policies or assets are available. Finally, the quality of your medical documentation and expert testimony can make or break your case.

Michigan law requires motorcycle operators and passengers to wear helmets unless they’re at least 21 years old, have held a motorcycle endorsement for at least two years, and carry at least $20,000 in first-party medical benefits on their insurance policy. While wearing a helmet is optional for some riders, failing to wear one can affect your case. Insurance companies often argue that not wearing a helmet contributed to your injuries, potentially reducing your compensation even when another driver caused the crash.

You generally have three years from the date of your motorcycle accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Michigan. This deadline is strictly enforced, and missing it means losing your right to compensation forever. However, some situations have shorter deadlines. Claims against government entities require notice within 120 days and must be filed within one year. If your accident involved a hit-and-run driver or uninsured motorist, different deadlines may apply. Don’t wait, contact a motorcycle accident attorney in Lansing MI as soon as possible to protect your rights.

Michigan follows a modified comparative negligence system, which means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident, as long as your fault doesn’t exceed 50 percent. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found 20 percent at fault, you’ll receive 80 percent of your total damages. This rule makes it critical to fight against unfair allegations that you contributed to your crash.

All Michigan vehicle owners must carry no-fault insurance, and this coverage extends to motorcycle accidents even though motorcycles themselves don’t require no-fault insurance. When you’re injured while riding, you claim PIP benefits through the no-fault policy on any vehicle you own, a vehicle owned by a family member in your household, or the policy of the vehicle that struck you if you don’t have your own coverage.

Michigan law prohibits lane splitting (riding between lanes of traffic) except in limited circumstances, though this practice is common in other states. Motorcyclists must follow the same traffic laws as other vehicles, including speed limits, traffic signals, and right-of-way rules. The state also requires working headlights to be illuminated at all times while riding. Violating these laws can impact your case, even if another driver was primarily at fault.

Because many at-fault drivers lack adequate insurance to compensate seriously injured motorcyclists, carrying uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage is essential. These optional coverages protect you when the at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient coverage to pay your full damages. We help clients navigate these claims when they apply.

Texting, phone calls, eating, adjusting the radio, and other distractions take drivers’ attention away from the road. Motorcycles are already less visible than cars, and distracted drivers often don’t see motorcyclists until it’s too late. Michigan law prohibits texting while driving, and violating this law constitutes negligence per se.

Drivers who don’t yield to motorcycles at intersections, when making left turns, or when merging cause a significant percentage of motorcycle crashes. Many drivers simply don’t see motorcycles or misjudge their speed and distance.

Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases the severity of collisions. When drivers speed through residential areas of East Lansing or on highways around mid-Michigan, they put motorcyclists at serious risk.

Drunk and drugged driving remains a leading cause of motorcycle accidents. Impaired drivers have reduced reaction times, poor judgment, and difficulty perceiving motorcycles on the road.

Potholes, uneven pavement, debris, and inadequate signage create hazards that affect motorcycles more severely than larger vehicles. Local governments have a responsibility to maintain safe roads, and failure to do so can result in liability for injuries.

While not all motorcycle accidents stem from rider error, lack of motorcycle rider education and experience can contribute to crashes. Michigan offers motorcycle safety courses that significantly reduce accident risk, and we encourage all riders to complete these programs.

Our firm handles all motorcycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.

Our fee is a percentage of your final settlement or court award, and we advance all case expenses including investigation costs, expert witness fees, and court filing fees. You never receive a bill if we don’t win your case. This arrangement allows everyone to access experienced legal representation regardless of their financial situation, and it aligns our interests with yours, we only get paid when you do.

Michigan’s statute of limitations gives you three years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.

However, you should never wait that long to contact an attorney. Evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and insurance companies become more difficult to negotiate with as time passes. Additionally, some situations have much shorter deadlines, claims against government entities require notice within 120 days and must be filed within one year. Contact a Lansing motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible after your crash to protect your rights.

The value of your case depends on many factors including the severity of your injuries, the extent of your medical treatment, how long you’re unable to work, whether you have permanent limitations or disfigurement, the clarity of the other driver’s fault, and the available insurance coverage.

Minor injuries might settle for thousands of dollars, while catastrophic injuries can result in settlements or verdicts worth hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. During your free consultation, we’ll provide an honest assessment based on our experience with similar cases. Remember that we cannot make guarantees about your case outcome, but we can explain what cases like yours have been worth in the past.

Most motorcycle accident cases in Michigan settle within 12 to 18 months, though complex cases can take longer.

Several factors affect timeline: the severity of your injuries and how long treatment takes, whether liability is clear or disputed, the insurance company’s willingness to negotiate fairly, and whether litigation becomes necessary.

We never rush your case to settlement before we understand the full extent of your injuries and future needs. Some clients reach maximum medical improvement quickly, allowing for faster resolution, while others need years of treatment before we can accurately value their case.

While you’re not legally required to hire an attorney, having experienced representation dramatically increases your chances of recovering fair compensation.

Insurance companies know that unrepresented accident victims often don’t understand the true value of their claims and can be pressured into accepting inadequate settlements. Studies consistently show that injury victims who hire attorneys recover significantly more compensation than those who handle claims themselves, even after paying attorney fees.

A motorcycle accident attorney in Lansing MI protects your rights, handles all negotiations, gathers evidence, consults experts, and isn’t afraid to take your case to trial if necessary. Given that we work on contingency and you risk nothing by hiring us, there’s no reason to face insurance companies alone.

Michigan’s modified comparative negligence law allows you to recover compensation even if you were partially at fault, as long as your fault doesn’t exceed 50 percent.

Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found 30 percent at fault, you’ll receive 70 percent of your total damages.

Insurance companies often try to shift blame to motorcyclists, so having an attorney who can fight against unfair fault allegations is critical. We gather evidence proving the other driver’s negligence and minimize any claims that you contributed to the crash.

Yes, you can still recover compensation, though not wearing a helmet when legally required or choosing not to wear one when optional can affect your case.

Michigan allows riders over 21 with proper endorsements and insurance to ride without helmets. However, insurance companies often argue that failure to wear a helmet caused or worsened your injuries, potentially reducing your compensation. We work with medical experts to separate injuries that would have occurred regardless of helmet use from those potentially affected by not wearing one. Your decision about whether to wear a helmet is a personal choice, and it shouldn’t prevent you from seeking the compensation you deserve when someone else causes your crash.

If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you’re not without options. Your own uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage can provide compensation when the at-fault driver cannot.

These optional coverages essentially allow you to make a claim against your own insurance policy for the damages the at-fault driver should have paid. We help clients navigate these claims, which can be complex since you’re filing against your own insurer.

If you don’t have UM/UIM coverage, we explore other options including pursuing the at-fault driver’s personal assets, though this is less common given the difficulty of collecting judgments from individuals.

Most motorcycle accident cases settle without going to trial, but we prepare every case as if it will.

This preparation strengthens our negotiating position and shows insurance companies we’re serious. If your case does go to trial in Ingham County Circuit Court or any other Michigan court, we’ll guide you through every step of the process and prepare you thoroughly for testimony. Trials typically occur 18 to 24 months after filing a lawsuit, and they usually last a few days to a week.

While going to court can be intimidating, sometimes it’s the only way to recover fair compensation when insurance companies refuse to make reasonable settlement offers.

You can recover compensation for all losses caused by the accident.

This includes past and future medical expenses, lost wages and lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, permanent injury and disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, property damage to your motorcycle and gear, and out-of-pocket expenses. Through no-fault insurance, you’ll also receive benefits for medical costs, 85 percent of lost wages up to certain limits, and attendant care services if needed.

The total compensation available depends on the severity of your injuries, the clarity of fault, and the insurance coverage available.

Your no-fault auto insurance should cover medical expenses through Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits, regardless of who caused the accident.

These benefits pay for treatment as you receive it, so you don’t have to wait for your case to settle. If you don’t have auto insurance, you may be able to claim PIP benefits through a family member’s policy or the at-fault driver’s policy. Many healthcare providers also treat injury victims on a lien basis, meaning they agree to be paid from your settlement.

We help coordinate these arrangements so you can focus on healing without worrying about medical bills.