Have you suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident in Grand Rapids? If it was due to another person's negligence, we can help you get compensation. Contact the Law Offices of Christopher Trainor & Associates for a free consultation.
Not much compares to the carefree feeling of riding a motorcycle throughout Grand Rapids. But what happens when you crash because of someone else's carelessness? You sustain serious injuries. You’re unable to work, so you lose income. On top of that, you’re facing unexpected medical bills. As you fight through serious injuries, the medical debts pile up. We understand your challenges, and our law firm can assist you. To speak with a motorcycle accident attorney in Grand Rapids, give us a call at 248-886-8650 or send an email.
Get Help With Your Claim
We at the Law Offices of Christopher Trainor & Associates can assist you in getting your claim resolved. A motorcycle accident puts you in an unexpected circumstance. You long to return to your normal life but feel like you're facing an uphill battle.
For many years, our legal team has helped motorcycle accident clients. Our top priorities are protecting victims' rights and obtaining the highest compensation.
To recover what is owed to you, we operate as follows:
First Step: Make an appointment for a free initial consultation. One of our motorcycle accident lawyers will listen to how the collision affected your life.
Second Step: Take a tailored approach. We will create a customized strategy based on your circumstances to achieve the best outcome for your case.
Third Step. Our law firm fights for you. We'll provide aggressive legal representation to secure the maximum compensation to cover the full scope of your losses.
What is the cost of not having legal counsel? You may accept a payout from an insurance adjuster that is far less than you deserve. That's a costly mistake. Let us help you avoid this pitfall.
Imagine entering the next chapter in your life free from the financial and legal difficulties associated with the motorcycle crash. We can work together to make that happen. Want your peace of mind back? Contact us now.
Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents in Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids had 129 motorcycle crashes in 2020. A car driver’s failure to notice the motorcycle near them is frequently the cause of accidents involving motorcycles. Nonetheless, there are other ways in which motorcyclists and automobiles clash. The most typical crash types are as follows:
Rear-end collisions: When a vehicle crashes into the rear of a motorcycle.
Intersection accidents: Collisions that occur at intersections, often when a vehicle fails to yield to a motorcycle.
Lane-change accidents: When a vehicle changes lanes without noticing a motorcycle in its blind spot.
Left-turn accidents: When a vehicle turning left collides with a motorcycle going straight or passing through the intersection.
Single-vehicle accidents: Accidents involving only the motorcycle, such as losing control, hitting a fixed object, or road hazards.
T-bone accidents: When a vehicle strikes the side of a motorcycle, forming a "T" shape.
Head-on collisions: Accidents where a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction crashes into a motorcycle head-on.
Side-swipe accidents: When a vehicle strikes the side of a motorcycle while passing or changing lanes.
Drunk driving accidents: Accidents involving a motorcycle and a vehicle where alcohol or drugs impair the driver's ability.
Distracted driving accidents: Accidents caused by drivers not paying attention to the road, often due to phone use or other distractions.
According to National Technical Information Service research, collisions with other vehicles occur in approximately 75% of motorbike accidents. These vehicles consist of sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, and 18-wheelers.
Why Michigan Has Banned Lane Splitting
For motorcycle riders, "lane splitting" is a common traffic strategy. It permits bicyclists to switch between two stationary or slowly moving vehicle lanes. This driving method allows motorcycles to cut through traffic and avoid bottlenecks quickly. Lane splitting reduces the likelihood of additional events like rear-end crashes.
Lane splitting is illegal in Michigan, even though it may be beneficial in crowded places. According to state legislation, a motorbike has "full use of a lane," and splitting lanes is forbidden.
The Perils of Splitting Lanes
Lane-splitting is prohibited in Michigan because of the following possible risks:
Reduced Reaction Time: Motorcyclists are less prepared to react to unanticipated obstacles or road dangers, like sudden lane changes from other cars or pieces of pavement.
Increased Collision Risk: Motorcyclists who ride between traffic lanes risk colliding with other vehicles, especially if incoming traffic ignores them or expects them to be there.
Greater Speed Rate: Motorcycles and other cars can move at different speeds when dividing lanes. Riders struggle to maintain control and steer their motorcycles with increased acceleration.
Limited vision: Poor weather, blind areas, and heavy traffic can all impair vision. A biker that splits their lane is less noticeable to other cars.
Some advocates argue that regulated lane splitting can be safe and beneficial. However, Michigan lawmakers have maintained a clear prohibition on the practice. The aim is to prioritize road safety and simplicity in traffic regulations.
The Hidden Dangers of Speeding
The top speed on the highway is between 65 and 75 miles per hour. The speed at which you drive and your location determine the rate of speed. If your motivation is a "need for speed," you run the following risks:
Increased risk of accidents: Riding at high speeds reduces a motorcyclist's ability to react to hazards, increases stopping distances, and makes it more challenging to control the motorcycle, especially in curves or adverse weather conditions.
Severity of injuries: Speeding-related motorcycle accidents tend to result in more severe injuries or fatalities compared to accidents that occur at lower speeds. The force of impact is much greater in high-speed collisions, leading to more extensive damage to both the motorcycle and the rider's body.
Reduced maneuverability: Riding at excessive speeds reduces a motorcyclist's ability to maneuver safely, especially when driving through traffic or encountering unexpected obstacles on the road. This can increase the likelihood of losing control and crashing.
Limited protection: Unlike occupants of passenger vehicles, motorcyclists have minimal protection in the event of a crash. Without the structural integrity of a car or the safety features like airbags and seat belts, motorcyclists are more vulnerable to serious injuries when involved in high-speed accidents.
Contributing factor in fatal crashes: Speeding is often cited as a contributing factor in a significant percentage of fatal motorcycle accidents. Riding at extreme speeds heightens the probability of a crash and intensifies the severity of injuries riders suffer.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that in 2021, speeding contributed to 33% of motorcycle fatalities. The relationship between speeding and motorcycle accidents is undeniable. Promoting speed limit adherence and safe riding practices is vital to lowering motorcycle accidents and enhancing road safety for everyone.
The Most Serious Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle collisions occur very quickly. Specific injuries may affect the victims for the rest of their lives. Injuries from motorcycle accidents usually result in the following types of bodily and psychological harm:
Road rash: Abrasions and lacerations caused by contact with the road surface during a slide.
Fractures: Broken bones, including those in the arms, legs, wrists, and ribs.
Head injuries:Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), concussions, and skull fractures, often resulting from impacts or falls.
Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord, which can lead to paralysis or loss of sensation.
Soft tissue injuries: Damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments, including strains, sprains, and tears.
Contusions and bruises: Skin discoloration and tissue damage caused by impacts with objects or surfaces.
Internal injuries: Damage to organs such as the lungs, liver, spleen, or kidneys due to blunt force trauma.
Dislocations: Joints forced out of their normal positions, often resulting from impacts or sudden movements.
Burns: Thermal burns from contact with hot surfaces, fires, or chemicals, sometimes exacerbated by friction from sliding on the road.
Psychological trauma: Emotional distress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and anxiety related to the accident and its aftermath.
Have you been in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else? Have any of these typical injuries happened to you? It's time to see a skilled Grand Rapids motorcycle accident lawyer. They can handle every aspect of your claim to ensure you receive compensation to cover your medical expenses.
The Impact of a Fatal Motorcycle Accident
According to the Michigan State Police, motorcycle fatalities increased by 22% from 2019 to 2020. Fatal motorcycle accidents represent a sobering reality on our roads. The loss of life highlights the inherent risks motorcyclists face. It also exposes the ongoing need for comprehensive safety measures.
Causes of Fatal Motorcycle Accidents
Several factors contribute to fatal motorcycle accidents, with speeding being a primary culprit. High-speed rates reduce a rider's ability to react to hazards and increase the severity of collisions. Other common factors include alcohol or drug impairment, distracted driving, lack of rider experience, and failure to wear protective gear such as helmets.
Single-vehicle crashes often result from losing control due to high speeds or road hazards. Intersection collisions are another prevalent scenario where other vehicles fail to yield to motorcycles, especially during left-turn maneuvers.
Impacts of Fatal Motorcycle Accidents
The impacts of fatal motorcycle accidents reverberate far beyond the immediate loss of life. Families face profound grief while the Grand Rapids community mourns the loss of cherished members. Head injuries top the list of fatal outcomes in motorcycle accidents, underscoring the critical need for helmet usage.
Family Members' Rights After a Motorcycle Accident Death
According to data from the National Safety Council, motorcycles make up 14% of all road deaths. In addition, there was an 8% rise in motorcycle rider and passenger fatalities between 2020 and 2021.
When someone else's negligent behavior results in a fatality, Michigan law provides consolation to the surviving family members. A wrongful death lawsuit may be filed against the negligent party, such as:
Another motorist
A parts manufacturer
Government entity
We know money can never ease the grief caused by losing a loved one. On the other hand, compensation can definitely ease the financial burden. If you're considering filing a claim, consult a Grand Rapids motorcycle accident lawyer.
Fatal Motorcycle Accident Prevention
Preventing fatal motorcycle accidents requires a multi-faceted approach encompassing various stakeholders and strategies. Here are some ideas to prevent motorcycle deaths:
Enforcing traffic laws can deter risky behaviors among motorcyclists and other road users.
Enhancing infrastructure and road design, like installing barriers and improving intersection visibility, can boost motorcycle safety.
Educating motorcyclists and drivers on safe road sharing and defensive driving can reduce collision risks.
Investing in rider training programs helps ensure motorcyclists have the skills and knowledge to handle all kinds of road conditions safely. For example, Grand Rapids Community College offers a motorcycle safety training course.
Improving licensing requirements that encourage using protective gear like helmets and armored clothing to reduce fatal and nonfatal injuries.
Public awareness campaigns are vital in changing attitudes and behaviors towards motorcycle safety. For instance, Governor Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed May Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. These efforts can foster a culture of safety and mutual respect among all road users.
Michigan's Helmet Law
Motorcyclists and passengers in Michigan are required to wear approved helmets.There are penalties for violating the helmet rule, including fines and having their motorcycle impounded.
Helmets reduce the danger of death by about 50% and the risk of head injuries by about 69%, according to Advocates for Highway & Au to Safety. These figures highlight the benefits of wearing a helmet for rider safety.
How to React After a Motorcycle Crash
Here are some tips about what to do in the event of an accident. The actions you take directly after being injured can impact both your health and your financial wellbeing.
Dial 911: Give the operator details about the accident, including your location, the make and model of vehicles involved, and any injuries. First responders will be dispatched.
Talk to Law Enforcement: A Grand Rapids Police Department officer can fill out an official report of the collision. The document aids in determining who is responsible for legal disputes or insurance claims.
Exchange Information: You should provide the other driver with your name, phone number, insurance information, and license plate number. You will require these facts to submit an insurance claim or pursue legal action.
Get Photos: If you can, take pictures with your phone of the damage to the motorcycle, your injuries, and the accident location.
Seek Medical Attention: Some severe injuries from motorcycle accidents, like traumatic brain injury (TBI), may take time to show symptoms. Even if everything seems well, get emergency medical assistance.
Gather the Required Documentation: Compile damage reports, insurance policies, police reports, and medical records. Using this documentation, the insurance adjuster assesses your claim and establishes liability.
Talk With Your Insurance Provider - Let them know about the collision. By submitting a claim for a motorbike accident, you may be able to receive compensation for your injuries and bike repairs.
Talk With a Grand Rapids Motorcycle Accident Attorney: Schedule a free consultation with a personal injury attorney. An experienced lawyer can negotiate with your insurance company, protect your legal rights, and get you the most money possible.
The Role of Insurance in Grand Rapids Motorcycle Accident Cases
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is insurance that covers medical expenses, lost wages, and related costs from motor vehicle accidents, regardless of fault.
Michigan mandates PIP coverage for all motor vehicles, including motorcycles. However, the state's unique no-fault insurance system has the following limitations for motorcycle accidents:
PIP benefits for motorcyclists: Motorcyclists are eligible for PIP benefits under their motorcycle insurance policies. These benefits cover medical expenses, wage loss, replacement services, and other essential services resulting from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.
Exclusion of certain benefits: Unlike occupants of motor vehicles, motorcyclists are not entitled to receive PIP benefits for unlimited medical expenses under Michigan's No-Fault Law. Instead, they have the option to purchase different levels of coverage, such as limited PIP coverage or no PIP coverage at all.
Exclusion of motorcycle passengers: Michigan's No-Fault Law does not require PIP coverage for passengers injured in motorcycle accidents. However, motorcycle owners can voluntarily purchase PIP coverage for their passengers to ensure they receive compensation for medical expenses and other losses resulting from injuries sustained in an accident.
Coordination of benefits: If a motorcyclist has health insurance coverage, PIP benefits may coordinate with their health insurance to cover medical expenses. In such cases, PIP benefits may serve as the primary coverage for accident-related injuries until the PIP coverage limits are exhausted.
The state's unique insurance laws and regulations require motorcyclists to understand their coverage options. Consulting with an insurance agent or Grand Rapids motorcycle accident lawyer can help you make informed policy decisions.
How to Prove Negligence in a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit
In successful personal injury cases, at least one person is held legally liable for the incident. Legally speaking, that person must pay the damages for the motorcycle accident victim.
If you demonstrate that the defendant in a lawsuit satisfies the four components of negligence, you have a high chance of winning the case in court. The following standards determine liability:
Duty of care: You must establish that the accused had a reasonable obligation to you. In this case, all drivers must drive intelligently and follow the law.
Breach of duty: Proof that the duty of care was violated must be presented. For example, when a truck driver runs a red light, they violate their duties.
Causation: You must show that your injury resulted from the duty violation. For instance, did the trucker's inability to stop at the red light cause the biker's injuries?
Damages: You must demonstrate that the mishap caused losses. You must provide proof, such as hospital bills, pay slips, and associated costs.
The Value of Your Motorcycle Accident Claim
Motorcycle riders in Grand Rapids injured in accidents caused by someone else's negligence may have a right to compensation. These monetary awards pay for the costs associated with the accident. You are entitled to collect non-economic and economic damages.
Financial Losses
The following are some examples of what is covered under these damages:
Hospitalizations
Medical visits
Physiotherapy
Prescription medications
Non-financial Losses
The following non-tangible costs are the focus of these damages:
Anguish and distress
A state of emotional anguish
Inability to enjoy life
Other non-quantifiable damages might also exist. Since every situation is different, it's ideal to book your free consultation with a Grand Rapids motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as you can to learn more about the possible claims you may have.
Penalties
The courts often award punitive damages to the victim of a defendant's particularly vile or reckless action that causes injuries to a motorcyclist. For instance, in a case where an intoxicated motorist runs over a biker and becomes paralyzed from the neck down, the judge may grant punitive damages.
Why Hire a Grand Rapids Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
There are several benefits to partnering with an attorney. If you're a motorcycle accident victim, lawyers provide many services to help you recover compensation.
Your lawyer will handle every aspect of your motorcycle accident claim so you can focus on getting better.
A motorcycle accident lawyer is adept at negotiating with insurance companies to secure the maximum settlement for your injuries.
If the settlement amount is insufficient, an attorney can take the at-fault party to court and present your case to a judge or jury.
A motorcycle accident attorney possesses the knowledge, resources, and abilities to secure the best outcome for your case.
We Deliver Results for Motorcycle Accident Victims
You experienced a terrible collision. How you will pay your medical bills is the last thing you should worry about. The good news is you might be eligible for compensation for your injuries, lost income, and medical costs. Victims in Grand Rapids, just like you, have benefited from our law firm's aggressive legal representation.
Our legal team at the Law Offices of Christopher Trainor & Associates includes experienced negotiators. We don't give up on getting full and just compensation. Should settlement talks fail, one of our firm's skilled trial attorneys can also represent you in court.
Are you ready to hold others responsible for your injuries? We certainly are! Please email or call us at 248-886-8650 to arrange a free introductory consultation with a Grand Rapids motorcycle accident lawyer.
