How Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Can Help
The United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that thousands of motorcycle riders are killed or seriously injured in collisions every year. Over 5,500 motorcycle riders lost their lives in collisions in 2020, while around 180,000 received medical attention for their injuries.
Victims and their loved ones suffer significant damages as a result of these car and motorcycle accidents. However, compensation may be able to assist those injured or disabled as well as their carers.
In the worst-case scenario, the families of those who died in these tragedies may require more immediate financial support. Motorcycle accident attorneys can assist victims in receiving maximum compensation in any of these situations. Speak with a motorcycle accident attorney at The Clark Law Office to learn more about your legal options.
Types of Motorcycle Accidents
Car and motorcycle crashes come in many different forms, but they can all cause serious or even deadly injuries. These crashes can occur even with the presence of protective equipment and compliance with safety regulations. Among the most frequent types of these accidents are:
These collisions are typically caused by the negligence or recklessness of another motorist, such as the car driver. An insured motorcycle accident victim may file a lawsuit or utilize Michigan’s no-fault insurance to seek damages.
Most Common Type of Collision Between Cars and Motorcycles
Cars and motorcycles typically collide during left-hand turns, making them the most common type of collision. In this situation, the motorist who made the left turn is at fault for the crash. Under most traffic laws, driving left typically requires drivers to yield to oncoming traffic.
However, it can also be proven that the other motorist was at fault. For instance, their error can be demonstrated if the other car ran a red light. Still, here are a few things drivers can follow to avoid or minimize the likelihood of left-turn collisions:
- Observe and pay attention to road signs and traffic signals.
- Make sure to stop your car behind the limit line.
- Look in both directions before moving
- Confirm that there are no approaching vehicles.
8 Most Common Causes of a Crash Between a Car and a Motorcycle
The most frequent cause of accidents involving cars and motorcycles is driver negligence. Car drivers who do not drive carefully put themselves and others around them at risk of catastrophic injuries. They also automatically violate traffic rules.
The usual causes of car and motorcycle collisions include the following:
Aggressive Driving
Individuals who allow their road rage to influence their actions can result in aggressive driving. This can cause catastrophic or potentially fatal crashes.
Distracted Driving
Distracted drivers are slower to recognize and respond to dangers on the road. According to the CDC, distractions can be cognitive, manual, or visual in nature.
Drowsy Driving
Drowsy driving can easily cause serious accidents and injuries. Fatigue and sleepiness can have similar effects to drunk driving and can significantly impair a driver.
Drunk Driving
A driver’s awareness, coordination, and reflexes are all impacted by being drunk. Their inebriated state makes them more prone to causing accidents on the road.
Emergency Braking
Unexpected, sudden braking is a typical reason for automobile crashes. This is primarily due to the short reaction time the sudden braking gives other drivers.
Failure to Yield
This happens when a car driver does not give way to another vehicle, leading to a collision. This can lead to a very serious side-impact accident.
Speeding
Motorcycle riders have a short time to brake since they can reach high speeds quickly. Driving too fast only makes collisions with cars more probable.
Sudden Lane Changes
When a motorbike abruptly changes lanes through traffic or splits lanes, cars don’t usually react fast enough. This can lead to a collision.
Are you a motorcycle rider who was involved in a recent motor vehicle accident? A motorcycle accident lawyer may be able to answer your inquiries before you file your motorcycle accident claim.
The Most Common Injuries in Car and Motorcycle Accidents
Car and motorcycle accidents can both cause severe harm to those affected. Aside from the usual bumps or scrapes, much more can go wrong. Here are some of the most common injuries sustained in car and motorcycle accidents:
Car Accidents
- Back and spinal cord injury
- Broken or fractured bones
- Burns
- Head or brain trauma
- Herniated disc
- Internal bleeding
- Neck injury
- Negative psychological effects
- Penetrating head injury
- Whiplash
Motorcycle Accidents
- Abdominal injury
- Back and spinal cord injury
- Broken or fractured bones
- Foot and leg injury
- Head or brain trauma
- Internal bleeding
- Neck injury
- Negative psychological effects
- Penetrating head injury
- Road rash
Who Is Liable in Car and Motorcycle Collisions?
In Michigan, the car owner is normally held liable for any injuries brought on by the negligent use of their vehicle. This is because Michigan has owner’s liability.
Owner’s liability states that you are responsible for any accidents caused by someone driving your automobile with your permission. You will be liable for any harm brought on by the vehicle’s careless use, even if you are not the driver.
However, injured individuals in Michigan are entitled to compensation under the no-fault policy regardless of which party is to blame. Every Michigan driver is required to have no-fault insurance for this. The driver or owner of the car is entirely liable for damages if the car does not have no-fault insurance.
Unfortunately, these only cover some specific damages. To obtain non-monetary damages, a lawsuit must be filed against the party to blame.
Claiming Compensation in a Motorcycle Accident
The following must be proven for you, as an injured motorcycle rider, to be compensated for a car and motorcycle accident:
- The other party owed you a duty of care.
- The other party was negligent.
- Their negligence caused both the collision and your injuries.
In Michigan, you have three years to bring a personal injury lawsuit in order to get pain and suffering compensation after an accident. On the other hand, motorcyclists hurt in car collisions have a year to file a claim for no-fault benefits. The day of the accident usually marks the start of the statute of limitations. It is wise to start working with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible to avoid losing your right to file a claim.
Contact The Clark Law Office for a Free Consultation.
If you suffer injuries in a car or motorcycle accident, our personal injury attorneys can assist you. At The Clark Law Office, we can review and evaluate your case for free. Our lawyers can help deal with your paperwork, talk to the police, and look into your case more thoroughly. We can guarantee you that we possess the experience and knowledge required for cases of this nature.
Here at The Clark Law Office, we can help you get the compensation you need. For more information, contact our trained car accident lawyers today!
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