Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Even the most defensive motorcyclists are at risk of being involved in a crash. Often the accidents are the result of another driver’s negligence, and not the motorcyclist. Crashes involving motorcycles can be very serious and result in a much higher level of fatalities than crashes involving cars and trucks. The number of serious injuries and deaths related to motorcycles continues to increase yearly.
In Michigan, motorcycle accidents are treated differently than car accidents because motorcycles are not considered “motor vehicles” under the Michigan No-Fault Act. You are required to carry liability insurance and can pay extra to have no-fault benefits under your motorcyclist insurance policy. If you are involved in an accident that does not involve contact with a motor vehicle, you will only be entitled to no-fault benefits if you carry a no-fault policy on your motorcycle insurance.
If you are in an accident that involves contact with a car or truck, you will be entitled to no-fault benefits so long as you have motorcycle insurance. The no-fault benefits include wage loss, medical bills, attendant care benefits, replacement services benefits and mileage reimbursement. There is a very strict one year statute of limitations on no-fault claims. The No-Fault statute sets out specific guidelines of who will be required to pay you those benefits. The order of priority is:
1. The insurer of the owner/registrant of the motor vehicle involved in the crash.
2. The insurer of the operator of the motor vehicle involved in the crash.
3. The insurer of the operator of the motorcycle involved in the accident.
4. The insurer of the owner/registrant of the motorcycle involved in the accident if they are different from the operator.
If you were injured in a motorcycle crash involving a motor vehicle and were not at fault, you may be able to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver for pain and suffering damages. You have three years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit.
Multiple issues can arise in motorcycle accidents and it is important you seek the advice of an experienced attorney as soon as possible. The laws regarding motorcycle accidents are more complicated than car accidents. There are strict notice requirements and statutes of limitations on motorcycle accidents.
Contact our office today for a free consultation. We don’t collect a fee if we can’t win for you!
For more information on motorcycle safety, click here: http://www.michigan.gov/msp/0,4643,7-123-1589_1711_4587-13676–,00.html