Motorcycle Accidents

If you are involved in an accident as a motorcycle rider in Michigan, you should contact a lawyer to explore your legal right to compensation right away. Insurance coverage for any injuries or damage to your bike can vary, depending on the facts of the crash.

For example, if a car was involved, that car’s driver or owner’s insurance will pay for the motorcyclist’s medical expenses, wage lose, and other Personal Injury Protection (PIP benefits. Seriously injured motorcyclists may also be able to recover pain and suffering damages. If no car was involved, the insurance coverage on the motorcycle should provide benefits.

This process can be complicated, and there are often unexpected issues that a victim must navigate. At McCroskey Law, our Grand Rapids motorcycle accident lawyers have helped many Michigan motorcycle riders and passengers understand their legal rights. We can ensure that they are treated fairly by insurance companies. We maintain offices in Grand Rapids, Muskegon, and Battle Creek, from which we represent victims throughout West Michigan.

There are more than 3,000 miles of shoreline in Michigan, making it a beautiful location for motorcycle enthusiasts. Unfortunately, many riders are at risk of suffering serious injuries due to the inattention and carelessness of other motorists. Motorcycle riders are treated differently than automobile drivers and passengers under Michigan law. A dedicated motorcycle accident lawyer can help you determine whether you are able to bring a claim against the driver involved in the crash.

Even though Michigan is a “no-fault” auto state, proving who is at fault in causing a crash is very important. It can determine whether an injured motorcyclist or passenger can claim pain and suffering damages for serious and life-altering injuries. A skilled motorcycle accident attorney in Grand Rapids can prove another driver was “at-fault” or acted negligently to cause a crash or injuries. Examples of acting negligently on the road include texting while driving, being intoxicated behind the wheel, ignoring traffic laws, and failing to adjust one’s driving for severe weather, heavy traffic, or roadway construction.

Once you have shown that the other driver was negligent, you must prove that this negligence was the direct cause of your injuries. If the defendant can show that you were also negligent at the time of the crash and that your negligence partly caused your injuries, your recovery might be reduced. If you are determined to have been more than 50% at fault, for example, you will not be allowed to recover compensation for your pain and suffering.

There are various types of damages that a Grand Rapids motorcycle accident attorney can pursue on behalf of a victim, including medical bills. Since motorcycle accidents often result in serious injuries, it is important to ensure that you will have enough resources to cover any ongoing medical care and treatment. Also, if the accident caused you to suffer disabilities that prevent you from returning to your usual occupation, you can receive compensation for your lost income and earning capacity. You can also claim compensation for your pain and suffering. If you lost a loved one in a fatal motorcycle accident, moreover, you should explore the possibility of filing a wrongful death claim against the at-fault driver.

A motorcycle accident is always a stressful situation that causes major disruptions in a victim’s life. At McCroskey Law, we have seen firsthand what victims must overcome in order to return to their normal lives, if that is even possible. As motorcycle accident lawyers serving Grand Rapids and the surrounding cities and counties, we are prepared to provide you with diligent and attentive legal representation. Call us at one of our three office locations to schedule your free consultation: Muskegon at 231-726-4861, Grand Rapids at 616-364-6607, or Battle Creek at 269-968-2215.