Wayne County Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcyclists understand that certain risks are inherent in operating a motorcycle. In some ways, the danger of riding the open road is thrilling and exhilarating. However, the fact that riding a motorcycle is riskier than driving a car does not excuse negligence by other drivers. Motorists have a duty to drive safely and responsibly to avoid injuring motorcyclists and other road users.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you need an attorney who knows the road and is prepared to fight for your rights. At Sommers Schwartz, our motorcycle injury team commands an advanced knowledge of Michigan’s motorcycle laws. Our dedicated personal injury lawyers routinely handle some of the most complex and high-stakes motorcycle accident lawsuits in the area. We are well-equipped to take on negligent drivers and their insurance companies to ensure you receive the damages you deserve.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

The Michigan State Police track all traffic accidents in the state, including motorcycle accidents. According to the most recent data, there are over 3,000 Michigan motorcycle accidents each year. These accidents cause 160 deaths and over 2,200 injuries; more than five percent of all motorcycle accidents are fatal, and over 75 percent result in rider injury.

Wayne County motorcycle accidents occur at twice the rate of any other county in Michigan, including a disproportionately high number of serious motorcycle accidents. In 2020, over 520 motorcycle accidents in Wayne County resulted in 40 fatalities and over 360 injuries.

Leading Causes of Wayne County Motorcycle Accidents

A common misconception is that most motorcycle accidents are single-vehicle accidents. This is not the case. In 2020, sixty percent of all Michigan motorcycle accidents were multi-vehicle collisions, and over two-thirds of all fatal motorcycle accidents involved another vehicle.

Motorcycle accidents involving another driver occur for many reasons. However, certain driving maneuvers pose an incredibly high risk to motorcyclists. According to the most recent data from the Michigan State Police, the most common types of Wayne County motorcycle accidents involve:

• Head-on collisions.
• Rear-end collisions.
• Left-turn accidents.
• Sideswipe accidents.

Most motorcycle accidents result from one or more driver’s negligence. The leading factors contributing to Wayne County motorcycle accidents include:

• Distracted driving.
• Speeding.
• Drunk driving.
• Failure to yield the right of way.
• Reckless driving.

Often, a driver or their insurance company will claim a motorcyclist was partly or wholly responsible for an accident. Under Michigan law, sharing responsibility for an accident will not necessarily preclude you from bringing a claim against a negligent driver. The modified comparative fault doctrine provides that a partially responsible accident victim’s damages award will be reduced by their own percentage of fault.

For example, assume you were injured in a Wayne County motorcycle accident when another driver ran a red light, colliding with you as you were speeding through an intersection. Say you suffered $200,000 in damages. If the jury determined you were 30 percent at fault (for speeding) and the other driver 70 percent at fault (for running the red light), you would recover just 70 percent of the $200,000, or $140,000.

However, if the jury finds you were the party most responsible for the accident, you will not recover anything.

The modified comparative fault doctrine highlights the importance of working with an experienced Wayne County motorcycle accident lawyer. At Sommers Schwartz, we command an impressive knowledge of the state’s modified comparative fault laws. We know how to effectively minimize your role in an accident to maximize the compensation you recover.

Contact a Wayne County Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for Immediate Assistance

If you have suffered injuries in a Wayne County motorcycle accident, reach out to the renowned personal injury lawyers at Sommers Schwartz to schedule a free consultation today. For more than 45 years, we have represented motorcycle accident victims and their families in personal injury and wrongful death cases. We understand the challenges you can expect to encounter and are prepared to help you through every step of the process.

We have recovered more than $1 billion for our injured clients, and we look forward to discussing how we can help you with your case. To learn more and schedule a free consultation, call Sommers Schwartz today at 800-783-0989. You can also reach us through our online contact form; send us a message, and one of our Wayne County personal injury lawyers will promptly contact you.