Motorcycle Accidents

If you ride a motorcycle, you know the thrill and exhilaration of hitting the open road and exploring the world on two wheels. You also likely know that motorcycle riders are 35 times more likely to be involved in an injury accident with a motor vehicle (and more likely to be seriously hurt or killed) than drivers of passenger vehicles, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

Motorcyclists are often perceived as risk takers, which is why it is often wrongfully assumed that they must have done something wrong in the event of an accident. The reality is, in fact, that most accidents involving motorcycles are caused by the other driver.

If you are a motorcyclist who has suffered injuries in a crash, you need a Michigan motorcycle accident attorney with the experience, expertise, and proven results to fight for you and protect your rights.

Hakim, Toma & Yaldoo’s experienced motorcycle accident lawyers have successfully represented motorcycle accident victims, and can win the maximum compensation for your injuries that you deserve.

Are Motorcycle Accidents More Deadly Than Automobile Accidents?

When a motorcycle rider has an accident, injuries can be catastrophic. An accident between two cars might be labeled as a fender bender with no injuries to the occupants, but rarely does the rider of a motorcycle escape without a hospital trip for treatment of fractured bones lacerations, or more severe injuries.

The number of motorcycle accident fatalities continues to rise. In 2016, there were more than 5,200 motorcycle accident deaths in the United States. In Michigan, there were 2,964 motorcycle accidents in 2017, with 2,105 of those accidents causing injury to the motorcyclist and 133 fatalities.

• About 75 percent of motorcycle crashes involve collisions with a motor vehicle (usually a passenger vehicle).
• Only about 25 percent are single-vehicle collisions where the bike collides with the roadway or a fixed object.
• In more than half of all motorcycle-vehicle crashes, the driver of the vehicle violates the motorcycle’s right of way.
• The primary cause of motorcycle accidents is motorists who do not see the motorcycles in traffic.
• More than 90 percent of motorcyclists involved in accidents were self-taught or learned to ride from family or friends.
• Nearly one-half of all fatal motorcycle collisions involve alcohol.
• More than 50 percent of riders in an accident had less than five months’ experience with the motorcycle.
• Eighty percent of motorcycle crashes result in injury or death to the rider, while the comparable figure for cars is only about 20 percent.

Is Motorcycle Insurance in Michigan the Same as Auto Insurance in Michigan?

No. Motorcycles are not defined as motor vehicles under Michigan’s auto no-fault law. Motorcyclists are not required to purchase no-fault insurance for their bikes – but they are required to purchase liability insurance (commonly known as PLPD coverage). PLPD provides coverage in case the rider is at fault for a collision and causes bodily injury, death or property damage. Not purchasing motorcycle liability insurance can result in serious penalties, including a fine.

However, Michigan motorcycle riders injured in an accident with a motor vehicle are entitled to no-fault insurance benefits, as long as the injury was caused by the operation or use of a motor vehicle. For no-fault coverage to apply, the motor vehicle must have been a “significant factor” in causing the crash, regardless of whether contact between the motorcycle and the vehicle occurred. It is important to note that:

• If motorcycle liability insurance is not purchased, then an injured biker is automatically disqualified from receiving no-fault benefits in the event of an automobile/motorcycle accident.
• When no-fault insurance covers an injured rider, the benefits are typically paid by the insurer of the vehicle that caused the injuries, and usually include: 1) unlimited lifetime coverage for allowable expenses (products, services, and accommodations reasonably necessary for the injured person’s care, recovery or rehabilitation); 2) wage loss up to three years; and 3) replacement service expenses for three years.

What Should I do if I’ve Been Injured in a Motorcycle Accident?

Victims of Michigan motorcycle accidents often require a lifetime of medical care and extensive rehabilitation. While no-fault benefits may be available to pay these expenses, only a portion of wage loss may be covered, with no compensation for pain and suffering. In order to secure just compensation for all of the losses suffered in a motorcycle accident, it may be necessary to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. 

In these suits, two types of damages may be recovered:

• Noneconomic loss for serious impairment of body function, permanent serious disfigurement or death (i.e., pain and suffering).
• Excess economic loss (loss of income that exceeds no-fault wage loss benefits).
• In cases involving the death of a motorcyclist, the decedent’s estate may also file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault driver.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, call Hakim, Toma & Yaldoo. We will help guide you through the process of determining whether you have a case and guiding you through every step of the process of filing your lawsuit.

Why Should I Choose Hakim, Toma & Yaldoo to Help Me if I Have Been Injured in a Motorcycle Accident?

If you are injured in a motorcycle accident, the compensation you ultimately receive from a negligent driver depends on the experience and skills of the motorcycle lawyer you hire to represent you.

The majority of motorcycle accident cases end in a settlement. However, if your case needs to go to trial, you want to hire an attorney experienced in defending the rights of motorcycle accident victims, as well as a track record as a skilled and accomplished trial lawyer.

Hakim, Toma & Yaldoo’s attorneys have the experience to fight for the rights of Michigan’s motorcycle riders, and to win big for them, regardless of which route their case takes. We know how the insurance companies and claims adjusters operate, understand the Michigan court systems, and work tirelessly on behalf of our Michigan motorcycle accident victims. Our attorneys will provide the passionate advocacy, comprehensive understanding of your rights and options, and personalized attention your case deserves. Call Hakim, Toma & Yaldoo. We are here to help.