Southfield Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Why Hire LegalGenius for Your Motorcycle Accident Case?

After a motorcycle accident, the lawyer you choose matters. At LegalGenius, we’re here to fight for you, answer your questions, and help you get the settlement or verdict you need to meet your medical and financial needs. Here’s why we’re the right choice for your case:  

• We Put Clients First:  At LegalGenius, we believe in real and personal service, which means you’ll always have direct access to your motorcycle lawyer. We listen to your questions and concerns, explain things in plain English, and make sure you feel confident about every step of your lawsuit.  
• We Know Motorcycle Accident Law: Motorcycle accident cases come with certain challenges. Motorcyclists often get blamed unfairly when crashes occur, and insurance companies use that to their advantage. Our team understands these tactics and knows how to push back to get the compensation you need.  
• We Handle the Insurance Companies for You: Insurance adjusters look for ways to pay as little as possible, but we won’t let them pressure you into settling for less than your case is worth. We negotiate aggressively, and if they refuse to play fair, we’re ready to take your case to court.  
• We Get Results:  Winning matters and our track record speaks for itself. Our team has secured strong settlements and verdicts for injury victims so that they have the financial support they need to move forward. We don’t just promise results: we deliver them.  
• We Work on a Contingency Fee Basis:  Worried about legal fees? Don’t be. We don’t charge anything upfront, and you don’t pay us unless we win your case. That means you can focus on your recovery while we focus on getting you paid.  

We fight hard for our clients, but we also care about what you’re going through. A motorcycle accident can change your life forever, and we’re here to hold the at-fault party accountable. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, don’t wait to get the help you need. Contact LegalGenius today and let’s start fighting for your future.

Common Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents In Southfield

Motorcycles offer freedom and excitement on the road, but they also come with risks. Unlike cars, motorcycles provide little protection in a crash, making it even more important for riders to understand the common dangers they face. Here’s a closer look at the most frequent causes of motorcycle accidents and how they occur.  

• Drivers Failing to See Motorcycles: One of the biggest dangers for riders is that other drivers simply don’t notice them. Because motorcycles are smaller than cars, they are more likely to be overlooked, especially in heavy traffic. This is a leading cause of crashes at intersections, where a driver may turn left in front of an oncoming motorcycle without realizing it’s there. The driver might misjudge the bike’s speed or not see it at all, leading to a direct collision.  
• Distracted Driving: Texting, talking on the phone, adjusting the radio, eating, or even using in-car navigation systems can take a driver’s eyes off the road. When a driver is distracted, they are much less likely to notice a motorcycle, especially in heavy traffic or at intersections. A moment of inattention is all it takes for them to drift into a motorcycle’s lane or fail to stop in time, causing a serious accident.  
• Unsafe Lane Changes and Blind Spots: Motorcycles are small enough to fit into a vehicle’s blind spots, making them harder to see. When drivers change lanes without properly checking their mirrors and blind spots, they can cut directly into a rider’s path. This is especially dangerous when traffic is moving at high speeds on highways or multi-lane roads.  
• Speeding and Reckless Driving: Speeding is a major factor in motorcycle accidents, for both riders and other drivers. Excessive speed reduces the time needed to react to sudden changes in traffic. A speeding car may not have enough distance to stop when a motorcycle slows down, leading to a dangerous rear-end collision.  
• “Dooring” Accidents:  In cities and busy downtown areas, riders face the risk of dooring: a situation where a parked driver opens their car door directly in the path of an approaching motorcycle. When this happens, the motorcyclist has little time to react and often crashes into the door at full speed.  
• Poor Road Conditions: Motorcycles are far more sensitive to road conditions than cars. Potholes, gravel, uneven pavement, debris, and wet or icy roads can cause a rider to lose control quickly. Unlike a car, which has four wheels for stability, a motorcycle is more likely to skid, tip over, or swerve dangerously when hitting a sudden road hazard.  
• Drunk or Impaired Driving: Alcohol and drugs impair a driver’s ability to react, judge distances, and control their vehicle. This is dangerous for both motorcyclists and other drivers on the road. When a car driver is under the influence, they may drift into other lanes, fail to yield at intersections, and drive aggressively or unpredictably, making it harder for riders to avoid a crash.  
• Rear-End Collisions and Sudden Stops: When a car rear-ends another car, it often results in minor vehicle damage. When a car rear-ends a motorcycle, the outcome is far worse. Even at lower speeds, a motorcycle rider can be thrown from their bike, suffering broken bones, head injuries, or worse.  

While riders can take precautions like wearing protective gear, staying alert, and following traffic laws, they can’t control the actions of others on the road. When an accident happens due to another driver’s negligence, legal support can help injured riders get the compensation they need to recover.

Compensation in a Motorcycle Accident Claim

Michigan law allows injured motorcyclists to seek different types of damages, depending on how the accident happened and who was at fault. Here’s what you need to know about the compensation you could receive.  

• Medical Expenses: After a motorcycle accident, medical bills can pile up fast. Treatment for broken bones, head injuries, or surgeries can be expensive, and some injuries require long-term care. In Michigan, you may be able to recover the cost of ER visits, doctor appointments, medical procedures, prescription medications, and rehabilitation and therapy.
• Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Potential: If your injuries keep you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income. This includes wages lost while recovering, reduced earning ability, and future lost income. 
• Pain and Suffering: Some damages aren’t tied to bills or paychecks. If your injuries cause ongoing pain, emotional distress, or a reduced quality of life, you may be entitled to compensation for them.
• Property Damage: Motorcycles are expensive, and a serious accident can leave your bike in pieces. If your motorcycle was damaged or destroyed, you may be able to recover compensation for repair costs, replacement value, and gear and accessories. 
• Wrongful Death Compensation: If a motorcycle accident results in a fatality, the victim’s family may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim. This can cover funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support (if the victim provided for their family), and loss of companionship and emotional support for spouses and children. 

Who Is Liable in a Motorcycle Accident Claim?

Liability in a motorcycle accident depends on who caused the crash. In some cases, fault is obvious, such as when a driver runs a red light and collides with a motorcyclist. Other times, multiple factors contribute to the accident, making it harder to determine who is responsible. Liability is important because it decides who pays for damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and property repairs.  

Negligent Drivers  

Many crashes occur when drivers fail to notice motorcycles, misjudge their speed, or don’t give them enough space on the road. A driver may be at fault if they fail to yield at an intersection, change lanes without checking their blind spot, follow too closely, drive distracted, run a stop sign, or operate their vehicle under the influence.  

When a driver’s mistake leads to an accident, their insurance is typically responsible for covering the motorcyclist’s damages. However, insurance companies often try to shift blame onto the rider, making it important to have evidence like witness statements, accident reports, and traffic camera footage.  

Government Liability for Road Hazards 

Potholes, loose gravel, uneven pavement, and missing or defective traffic signals can create dangerous situations for riders. If a hazardous road condition causes an accident, the government entity responsible for maintaining that roadway may be liable. However, suing a government agency is more complicated than suing another driver. There are strict deadlines for filing claims, and not all road hazards qualify for legal action. If road maintenance or design flaws contributed to the accident, it’s important to act quickly.  

Motorcycle Manufacturers and Mechanical Failures  

Some accidents happen due to mechanical issues rather than driver error. If a motorcycle has a defective part, such as faulty brakes, tires prone to blowouts, or a malfunctioning throttle, the manufacturer or distributor could be held responsible. To prove a product liability case, the rider must show that the motorcycle or a specific part was defective by design or had a manufacturing flaw that made it unsafe. This type of claim often requires expert testimony and detailed investigations into how the defect caused the accident.  

Employer Liability for On-the-Job Accidents  

If a driver causes a motorcycle accident while performing job duties, their employer may also be liable. This applies to commercial truck drivers, delivery drivers, and employees operating a work vehicle. When an accident involves a company vehicle, the employer’s commercial insurance policy may cover damages. Companies can also be held responsible if they fail to properly train their drivers or allow someone with a poor driving record to stay on the road.  

Bars and Restaurants That Overserve Alcohol  

Michigan’s dram shop laws allow injured victims to hold bars, restaurants, and liquor stores accountable if they serve alcohol to someone who is visibly intoxicated and that person later causes an accident. If a drunk driver hits a motorcyclist, the establishment that overserved them could share liability for the crash. Witness statements, security footage, and receipts from the establishment may help make a claim stronger.  

Liability When the At-Fault Driver Is Uninsured  

Michigan law requires drivers to carry auto insurance, but some ignore this requirement. If a motorcyclist is hit by an uninsured driver, compensation may still be available through uninsured motorist coverage. This type of coverage, if included in the rider’s own insurance policy, can help cover medical expenses and lost wages.  

Suing an uninsured driver is another option, but it is often difficult to recover damages if they lack sufficient assets. In some cases, other responsible parties, such as an employer, government entity, or business that overserved alcohol, may provide additional avenues for compensation.  

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, figuring out who is responsible is the first step toward recovering the compensation you need. Legal guidance can help you build a case, challenge unfair blame, and hold the at-fault party accountable.

Get a Free Consultation From a Southfield Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

At LegalGenius, we understand the challenges riders face after an accident, and we’re here to fight for you. From handling insurance claims to negotiating settlements, we take care of the legal process so you can concentrate on your recovery. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, don’t wait—contact us today for a free consultation, and let’s start building your case. To learn more, fill out our Ask the Genius™ form or call 1-800-209-4000 today.