Okemos Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Let Us Help You Hold the Negligent Driver Liable for Your Injuries

Motorcycle accidents can be devastating, leading to severe injuries and significant financial burdens. At Grewel Law, our experienced Okemos motorcycle accident lawyers are dedicated to helping victims recover the compensation they deserve. If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident in Okemos or the surrounding areas, our team is here to guide you through every step of the claims process, ensuring that your rights are protected.

Contact us today at (888) 211-5798 for a free case evaluation today.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, many of which are preventable. Understanding the common causes can help riders stay vigilant and protect themselves from harm. Here are some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Okemos and across Michigan:

• Driver Negligence: The most common cause of motorcycle accidents is negligence on the part of other drivers. Car and truck drivers often fail to notice motorcycles on the road due to their smaller size. This can lead to dangerous situations such as lane changes without checking blind spots, turning in front of an oncoming motorcycle, or following too closely.
• Distracted Driving: Texting, eating, or using a GPS while driving can significantly increase the risk of an accident. For motorcyclists, even a brief moment of distraction from another driver can lead to catastrophic consequences.
• Speeding: High speeds reduce reaction times and increase the severity of accidents. Speeding is particularly dangerous for motorcyclists, who have less protection than drivers in cars or trucks.
• Driving Under the Influence: Impaired driving is a major cause of accidents, and motorcyclists are especially vulnerable. Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs often have reduced reaction times and impaired judgment, which can lead to serious collisions.
• Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, uneven pavement, debris, and other road hazards are far more dangerous for motorcyclists than for drivers in other vehicles. In some cases, poor road maintenance may be the cause of an accident, making it possible to file a claim against a local government or other responsible party.
• Weather Conditions: Michigan’s unpredictable weather can also contribute to motorcycle accidents. Rain, snow, or ice can make roads slick and dangerous, reducing visibility and traction for motorcyclists.

Michigan Motorcycle Laws

Michigan law allows motorcyclists over the age of 21 to ride without a helmet, provided they have at least $20,000 in first-party medical benefits coverage and have either passed a motorcycle safety course or have had their motorcycle endorsement for at least two years. However, wearing a helmet is strongly encouraged, as it significantly reduces the risk of head injuries in the event of an accident.

All motorcycle riders in the state must have a valid motorcycle endorsement on their driver's license. This endorsement requires the rider to pass a skills test or complete a safety course.

Additionally, Michigan requires motorcyclists to carry liability insurance. This insurance must provide at least $20,000 in coverage for bodily injury or death of one person and $40,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more people in an accident. It also requires $10,000 in coverage for property damage.

Lane splitting, or riding between lanes of traffic, is illegal in Michigan. Motorcyclists must follow the same traffic laws as other vehicles, and failure to do so can result in penalties or complicate a claim after an accident.

Lastly, motorcyclists are permitted to carry passengers, but the motorcycle must be equipped with a passenger seat and footrests. Both the rider and passenger are required to follow all safety regulations, including helmet laws if applicable.

Understanding these laws can help ensure that motorcyclists are following the rules of the road, and can also play a role in determining fault and liability in the event of an accident.

The Challenges of Recovering Compensation from a Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycle accidents often lead to serious injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, fractures, and even fatalities. Recovering compensation for these injuries can be a complex and challenging process. Here are some of the challenges motorcyclists may face when filing a claim:

• Bias Against Motorcyclists: Unfortunately, there is often a bias against motorcyclists in personal injury cases. Insurance companies and even juries may perceive motorcyclists as reckless or irresponsible, which can make it more difficult to prove that the other party was at fault.
• Severe Injuries: Motorcycle accidents often result in catastrophic injuries, which means victims may face long recovery periods, ongoing medical care, and significant financial losses. The more severe the injury, the more complex the claim can become. 
• Insurance Company Tactics: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts by disputing the severity of injuries or arguing that the motorcyclist was partially at fault. In Michigan, the state's comparative negligence laws allow an injured person to recover damages even if they were partially at fault, but their compensation may be reduced by their percentage of fault.
• No-Fault Insurance Complications: Michigan's no-fault insurance laws can complicate the claims process for motorcyclists. Unlike drivers of cars and trucks, motorcyclists are not covered by Michigan’s no-fault insurance system. Instead, they must seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance policy or through a personal injury lawsuit. This can make it more difficult to obtain compensation, particularly if the at-fault driver is underinsured or uninsured.