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5 Reasons to Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Michigan motorcyclists agree there’s nothing like a scenic ride on a colorful fall day. However, when an accident occurs, the most beautiful day can turn deadly in an instant. Having a motorcycle accident lawyer could help.
Here are some 2018 motorcycle accident statistics from the Michigan State Police crash reporting system:
- There were 2,648 motorcycle accidents across the state.
- As a result of these accidents, 134 people were killed and 2,325 were injured.
- The majority of these victims were men between the ages of 25 – 64.
- The most common reported causes of these crashes were:
- Failing to yield
- Being unable to stop
- Speeding
- Most of these accidents happened on city streets, roads and M Routes.
- Approximately half (1,191) of the accidents involved a motor vehicle (passenger car, SUV or van).
- 51 of the riders who died from their injuries were not wearing helmets.
When an accident happens, many victims end up settling for far less than they deserve. Hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer will help you avoid this unfortunate outcome. Michigan’s No-Fault laws regarding motorcycle accidents are complicated. And, when a passenger car is involved, filing a claim becomes even more confusing. Here are five examples that demonstrate why you need a qualified legal expert to achieve the most successful result.
A motorcycle is not a motor vehicle
Although motorcycles are equipped with engines, they are not considered motor vehicles under Michigan No-Fault law. Therefore, motorcyclists don’t have the same insurance coverage as automobile owners.
The most important difference is that every No-Fault auto policy includes Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits. These benefits provide unlimited lifetime coverage of necessary medical expenses; including rehabilitation, attendant care, lost wages and replacement services.
In contrast, most basic motorcycle policies only provide liability coverage. So, unless a motorcycle owner has purchased optional motorcycle PIP coverage, the medical care required to treat their injuries may not be covered.
The insurance company may pressure you to accept a “low-ball” offer
It’s an unfortunate fact that insurance companies, even your own, want to avoid paying out large sums of money. In addition, if another driver was at fault, their insurance company may try to coerce you into a premature and inadequate settlement. This is a mistake, one that can have a lasting negative impact on you and your family. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer knows what your claim is worth and will fight to win every dollar you deserve.
No-Fault coverage varies according to the type of accident
Coverage can be different for an accident involving an automobile than for an accident where no other vehicle was involved. For example, a motorcyclist who is hit by a car or truck is entitled to Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits, according to a specific order of priority.
On the other hand, a motorcyclist who hits a deer or a tree or loses control on a slippery road is not entitled to PIP benefits. The same holds true for a motorcyclist who is injured in an accident involving a pedestrian.
Some motorcycle accidents are caused by defective roads
A motorcyclist who is injured in an accident caused by a defective or improperly maintained road may be able to file a claim against the responsible municipality. However, proving negligence can be difficult in these cases, which also has stricter filing timelines. It is in your best interest to hire a skilled motorcycle accident lawyer if you plan to sue a government agency.
Juries sometimes discriminate against motorcyclists
While most motorcyclists are careful and responsible, studies show many people are biased toward those who ride motorcycles. When those people end up on a jury, it can result in an unfavorable verdict for the injured rider. An experienced trial lawyer with expertise in motorcycle accident law knows how to overcome this prejudice and achieve the desired result.
Motorcycle accident law is complicated, but finding the right lawyer is simple.
Get the Bernstein Biker Advantage.
Call 1-800-CALL-SAM today for a free no-obligation consultation.
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