Troy Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Dedicated Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Help Injury Victims

The fun and freedom of riding a motorcycle come with an increased risk of injury in a collision. Motorcyclists understand these risks, and most bikers take extra care when riding to mitigate these concerns.

However, even the most careful motorcyclist cannot control the behavior of others on the road. Motorcyclists rely on other drivers to meet their duty of care when driving. When a driver is inattentive, distracted, intoxicated, or otherwise negligent, that driver can cause a serious accident – one the motorcyclist could not avoid or prevent.

Motorcyclists also face challenges after a crash. Getting insurance companies to cooperate, dealing with government entities, and managing their own lives while struggling with serious injuries can pose significant hurdles.

An experienced Troy motorcycle crash attorney can help. At Sommers Schwartz, P.C., we have lawyers who ride, giving us an informed perspective on a motorcyclist’s awareness and safety concerns. We advocate fiercely for every one of our clients with respect, commitment, and dedication.

Michigan Motorcycle Accident Statistics

While traffic crash deaths have declined over the past twenty years, motorcycle crash deaths are increasing. In 2023, 164 Michigan motorcyclists lost their lives in roadway crashes. Motorcyclists are at higher risk of death and serious injury in a collision than vehicle drivers.

Some of the risks bikers face are easy to spot. Motorcyclists aren’t surrounded by a car’s steel frame, and they don’t have seat belts or airbags to protect them in a crash. At high speeds, a motorcyclist will likely be thrown from the bike in a collision, causing serious injuries.

Riders can’t anticipate many accidents. According to Michigan State Police reports, most fatal crashes involved motorcyclists proceeding “straight ahead” on the roadway. Many were struck by drivers who weren’t paying attention, were distracted, or were under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.

Common Injuries in Troy Motorcycle Crashes

A motorcycle crash can cause serious injuries. Common injuries in Oakland County motorcycle accidents include:

• Head, neck, and back injuries.
• Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis.
• Broken bones.
• Internal injuries such as organ damage.
• Amputations or crush injuries.
• “Road rash,” or damage to the skin from sliding.
• Psychological injuries like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress.

For many motorcyclists, a crash causes multiple injuries, many of which are severe. A motorcyclist who survives a crash may have a brain injury, broken bones, internal organ damage, and psychological trauma.

One study found that motorcyclists who ride larger bikes (1000 cc engines and above) were more likely to have injuries to the trunk of the body, including rib fractures. However, these riders were less likely to suffer injuries to the abdomen.

Injuries from a motorcycle accident can be expensive to treat and often take months or years to heal. In many cases, these injuries leave permanent impairments and scars. The motorcyclist’s life is changed forever. Too often, someone else’s negligence is to blame.

How Common Motorcycle Crashes Occur

Some motorcycle accidents occur because of how a rider handles the bike. For instance, approaching a sharp corner too fast can cause the bike to skid and fall. Other accidents occur in traffic. These are often caused by other drivers’ failure to pay attention, watch for motorcycles, and drive safely near them.

Common types of motorcycle crashes in Oakland County include:

• Rear-end accidents. Motorcycles can stop faster than cars and are smaller when viewed from the rear. Drivers who aren’t paying attention can fail to stop safely behind a bike, causing a rear-end crash.
• Left-turning vehicles. A common type of motorcycle accident occurs when a motorcycle is driving straight, with the right of way, and a driver from the opposite direction turns left into the biker’s path. These crashes often occur when drivers don’t slow down and wait long enough to ensure their path is clear before turning.
• Lane changes. Drivers who don’t look carefully before changing lanes can cut off or sideswipe a motorcyclist. Bikers may have only a fraction of a second to react; a crash may be unavoidable if they have no safe path away from the oncoming vehicle.
• Roadway hazards. Mud, water, leaves, oil spills, litter, and glass are just some examples of road debris that can cause a crash. When any of these substances spill off a vehicle, what looked like a safe roadway can become dangerous in an instant.
• Head-on collisions. When a motorcycle and a car collide head-on, the motorcyclist pays a high price. These collisions are more likely on two-lane roads, where drivers may try to pass other vehicles by entering the oncoming lane without paying attention to the traffic in that lane.

Other types of bike crashes can also occur. No matter what happened in your accident, it’s essential to speak to an experienced Troy motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible after the crash. A lawyer can answer your questions and help you protect your legal rights.

Types of Compensation in a Troy Motorcycle Accident Claim

In Michigan, an injured motorcyclist or the family of a deceased motorcyclist may be able to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. It focuses on securing compensation for the injured person’s or family’s losses.

Compensation in a motorcycle accident case may cover losses like:

• Medical bills, including bills for future medical needs.
• Lost wages, including lost future wages, if injuries prevent the victim from working.
• Damaged property.
• Pain and suffering.
• Scarring and disfigurement.
• Mental and emotional trauma.

In some Troy motorcycle accidents, the Oakland County prosecutor’s office will file criminal charges against the driver. A criminal case is more likely when a driver was drinking, under the influence of drugs, or caused a death.

Criminal and civil claims are different. In the criminal case, the prosecutor brings the case to hold the driver accountable for breaking state laws. The prosecutor must prove that the driver broke the law beyond a reasonable doubt. The motorcyclist or their family may be asked to participate in the case as witnesses. They may have little control over whether the case proceeds, and they may receive little or nothing to compensate them for the loss.

In a civil case, the injured person or the family of a deceased motorcyclist files the case themselves. The victim or surviving family members can work with an experienced lawyer to gather evidence and build their case to recover compensation for their damages.

The outcome of a criminal case related to your motorcycle accident can affect any civil case. Contact a motorcycle injury lawyer if you receive news that a criminal case has been filed. They will investigate how the cases are related and help you protect your legal rights.

Dealing With Insurance Companies After a Troy Motorcycle Crash

Michigan’s no-fault auto insurance system requires each driver’s own insurance company to pay the costs of a crash, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. However, insurance companies can fight hard to avoid paying motorcycle injury claims – even when bikers carry more than the minimum required coverage. An insurer may delay making the payments or refuse to pay fair compensation.

Whether you’ve already begun dealing with your insurance company or are waiting for a first phone call, keep these tips in mind:

• Stick to the facts. Don’t say who you think was at fault.
• Keep copies of all paperwork. If you fill out forms to send to the insurer, scan or make physical copies for your own records before sending them in.
• Don’t agree to give a recorded statement or answer questions under oath without a lawyer present.

For many motorcyclists and their families, the only way to get an insurer to do its job is to hire an experienced Oakland County motorcycle crash lawyer. Attorneys know how the insurance companies operate. They know how to build a case and fight for the compensation you deserve. If the insurance company acts in bad faith or violates Michigan law, your lawyer can help you hold the insurer accountable.

Contact a Dedicated Troy Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today

A motorcycle accident attorney can offer invaluable help after a crash. Your lawyer can deal with insurance companies, gather evidence, answer your questions, and build a strong case on your behalf. As your attorney works on your case, you can focus on healing.

At Sommers Schwartz, P.C., our lawyers understand the joy of being on a bike and the terror and hardship of a crash. We’re here for our clients every step of the way. To learn more, contact us today to schedule a free, confidential consultation.