Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Ann Arbor, MI

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Ann Arbor, Michigan?

  The non-emergency contact number for the Ann Arbor police station is 734-994-2911.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Ann Arbor, Michigan?

  Individuals should make a call first at 734-794-6954 or email a2policerecords@a2gov.org. Send a copy of your photo ID, incident number, and $5 fee to AAPD Records.

• Is there a time limit for filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Ann Arbor?

  Yes. According to Michigan's statute of limitations, you should file a no-fault motorcycle injury claim in Ann Arbor one year from the date of the accident. If you have been hurt or injured by a careless driver, you are given three years to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party.

• Who is responsible for your compensation if you were a victim of a hit-and-run motorcycle accident in Ann Arbor?

  Injured victims in Ann Arbor should apply for benefits from the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan. MACP is in charge of assigning an insurance company to help plaintiffs recover no-fault benefits. Wronged individuals are encouraged to coordinate with motorcycle accident lawyers to help them navigate the complicated nature of Michigan’s insurance laws.

• Who will pay for your damaged motorcycle after an accident in Ann Arbor?

  Under Michigan's law, motorcyclists are not entitled to make a mini-tort claim because it is only limited to motor vehicles, and a motorcycle is not considered a motor vehicle according to the Michigan No-Fault Act. However, in an accident with another motorcycle, the at-fault driver and owner are liable to pay for the damage and repairs for your motorcycle. You should make a claim against their insurance companies to have your motorcycle fixed.

• If you were not wearing a helmet, can you still sue for a motorcycle accident in Ann Arbor?

  Yes. You can still file a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Ann Arbor even if you were not wearing a helmet. In Michigan, the general rule is that both riders and passengers who are 21 years of age or older are not required to wear a crash helmet. Only riders and passengers who are younger than 21 years old are required to wear a helmet.

• What should you do if your motorcycle crashed on a road that was poorly maintained?

  If there was no other vehicle involved, injured motorcyclists can file a claim against the state, county, and local government agencies responsible for the roadway. These cases raise complicated legal issues because many municipalities are protected by the governmental immunity law. The time limit for filing these claims is shorter than the time frames for pursuing other legal actions.

• What does a motorcycle accident attorney do?

  Motorcycle accident attorneys provide legal advice, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent accident victims in and out of court. They investigate the cause of collisions, establish fault, value claims, prepare legal documents, and fight to recover adequate compensation for their clients. Most lawyers in this practice area also handle car and truck accidents and other personal injury claims.

• What is my motorcycle accident injury claim worth?

  Injured motorcyclists may be eligible for several types of compensation depending on their losses, state of residence, and level of fault. Whether or not they were wearing a helmet may also come into play. A lawyer can help to evaluate claims based on medical expenses, property damage, past and future lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.

• How long after a motorcycle accident can you claim an injury?

  The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically two years from the date of the accident. However, each state has its own rules. In Tennessee and Louisiana, for example, victims of motorcycle accidents have just one year to file a lawsuit. In Maine, Minnesota, and North Dakota, individuals have up to six years to initiate a claim.

• What is the average settlement for a motorcycle accident injury?

  Based on eight years of national data, the average verdict in motorcycle accident cases ranges from $74,000 to $560,000. Also note that the majority of claims are settled out of court. Riders may receive compensatory damages for medical bills, property damage, and lost wages, as well as general damages for emotional trauma, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium. Additionally, in states that follow a comparative negligence model, the plaintiff’s claim may be reduced according to his or her level of fault.

• What is the first thing I should do after a motorcycle accident?

  The steps that you take immediately after a collision can be instrumental in proving an accident or injury claim. In general, you should follow these guidelines:

  • Gather insurance and contact information from the other driver and any witnesses.
  • Contact law enforcement to report the collision and complete an accident report.
  • Document injuries, property damage, and road conditions.
  • Visit a doctor or hospital within 24 hours.
  • Avoid discussing the accident with the other driver or their insurance company.

  
  

• How does the motorcycle injury claim process work?

  Motorcycle accident cases typically start with an insurance claim. After documenting their client’s losses and establishing fault, attorneys generally prepare a demand letter requesting compensation from the other driver’s insurance company. It can take anywhere from one to six months for insurance adjusters to make a settlement offer. If the company denies the claim or the parties can’t reach an agreement, the lawyer can prepare a notice of intent to sue and file a formal lawsuit with the appropriate court.

• How do many motorcycle crashes happen?

  The most common causes for motorcycle collisions are drunk driving, exceeding the speed limit, and left turns. In 42% of all motorcycle collision fatalities, another vehicle turned left in front of an oncoming motorcycle. Motorcycle accidents are also caused by dangerous road conditions, such as crumbling pavement, debris in the road, and potholes. Other factors that contribute to motorcycle accidents include unsafe lane changes, sudden stops, lane splitting, inexperienced drivers, motorcycle defects, and car doors opened in the path of a motorcycle.

• How many motorcyclists get into accidents?

  In 2017, of the over 8 million motorcycle riders that year, approximately 89,000 were injured in motorcycle accidents and over 5,000 motorcycle collisions resulted in fatalities. The fatality rate for 100 million miles driven is 25.67, which is largely attributed to the lack of helmet use. Most fatal crashes involving motorcycles happened during the heaviest traffic times between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.

• Are motorcycles more dangerous than cars?

  Motorcycles are more dangerous than cars because they lack any protection for the rider in the event of an accident. Motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die in a crash and more than five times more likely to be injured than those riding in enclosed vehicles. Because of their small size, motorcycles’ lack of visibility is a major contributing factor in collisions with other vehicles. Motorcycles are also more vulnerable to weather conditions and road hazards than other automobiles.

• How do you check a motorcycle after a crash?

  For a minor crash with no injuries, the immediate danger is being struck again by oncoming traffic, so moving your bike off of the road as soon as possible is imperative. Check your mirrors, brake lights, headlight, and controls. You should also check to make sure there is no leaking fluid, such as fuel or oil.