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Marko Law Firm

Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Troy, MI

Troy Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

What Are the Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?

Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable not just because they lack protection, but because they are much smaller. This disadvantage makes motorcycles more difficult for other motorists to see while driving. It also means that motorcycles and their passengers are more likely to be thrown further in the event of a wreck. Motorcycles are also more susceptible to collision since other motorists don't keep a close enough eye out for them. Just 8% of households own a motorcycle, which gives us a general estimate of just how common motorcycles are on US roadways. Because motorcycles aren't as common as normal passenger vehicles, drivers may be less likely to look out for them. For instance, a motorcycle riding in a driver's blind spot or crossing through an intersection at a 2-way stop may be less likely to be seen by a driver who is only watching for other passenger cars.Since motorcycles are harder to detect than other cars, motorcyclists need to always drive defensively. Bikers can never presume that other drivers can see them, especially the motorists of vehicles in front of them. Motorcycle crashes commonly occur when motorists:

  • Pull out of a side road, parking lot, or driveway in front of a motorcycle;
  • Make a sudden turn in front of a motorcycle;
  • Make a lane change in front of or broadside to a motorcycle; or
  • Attempt to pass another vehicle, and fail to see the motorcyclist in either the passing lane or the target lane.

What Are the Most Common Motorcycle Injuries?

A motorcycle gives you little protection in an accident. This means your body ends up taking the full force of the impact with another vehicle.Frequently, this causes severe and life-altering injuries to motorcycle crash victims. In fact, nearly 5,000 motorcyclists died in crashes in just one recent year. While motorcycles only make up 3 percent of registered vehicles, motorcycle accidents cause 15 percent of all vehicle crash fatalities. Not every motorcycle crash will cause death, but it shows the seriousness these kinds of crashes lead to.Some typical injuries are:

  • Broken bones
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Road rash
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Neck and back injuries
  • Amputation
  • Death

That's not to say that survivors can never return to a normal life, but it may take some time and effort, including physical rehabilitation. A motorcycle accident attorney can help you receive the compensation required to pay for those treatments.

Liability for Troy Motorcycle Accidents

As these facts suggest, motorcyclists injured in collisions are commonly the victims of negligence. Every negligence claim is made up of four major elements: a duty, a breach of that duty, an injury caused by the breach, and damages sustained by the plaintiff. Drivers of motor vehicles owe a duty of care to everyone else who uses public roads. That includes bicyclists, pedestrians, and various other motorists-- including motorcyclists.When a motorist breaches that duty by being careless, intoxicated, fatigued, or distracted, and ends up causing a collision which results in injury or even wrongful death to another individual, the driver may be held civilly liable to the victim. They can pursue a negligence claim with the help of a motorcycle crash lawyer in Troy.A motorcyclist injured in a collision might have a claim if they can demonstrate that another motorist was at fault. When a motorcycle driver has obeyed all of the traffic laws but is still involved in a crash, chances are that it has been caused by the driver of another vehicle. It might be not seeing the motorcyclist, speeding, being inebriated, or a mixture of the three.

What Should I Do After a Motorcycle Accident?

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, immediately contact the police to file a report if they are involved in a crash. This is especially true if there is an injury or death. If immediate medical aid is needed, render what help you can, look for assistance, and call emergency medical help. If you are the one that is injured, you should seek immediate medical help. Even if your injury seems minor and you do not need immediate help, it is a good idea to get medical care, as some injuries are not immediately noticeable. Additionally, at the scene you should get the contact and insurance information for the other parties. And you also want contact information for independent witnesses, as investigating police officers don't always gather that information.Call a motorcycle crash lawyer soon after the crash. We strongly recommend that you do this before talking to any insurance provider.

Contact Our Troy Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

After your accident, in addition to speaking with the police and obtaining any necessary medical attention, you should call a qualified and experienced personal injury attorney with experience dealing with motorcycle crashes. Serving victims throughout the Troy area, the motorcycle accident attorneys at Marko Law can help you.Too often, accident victims believe that an insurance carrier-- either their own or the other motorist's-- will adequately compensate them for any injuries they have sustained. However, lots of insurance companies are unwilling to pay, even when liability and damages are obvious. This is particularly accurate when the damages are substantial.Even when an insurer seems liable, be wary. Lots of insurance adjusters will try to settle insurance claims quickly. They will urge you to sign an agreement that will let them close the case-- and thus reduce their exposure.Even if the offer seems adequate or even generous, it is crucial to ensure your legal rights are protected. Consult a lawyer and be sure you comprehend the consequences of the agreement. The fact is, not all injuries are readily apparent. And for some serious injuries, even if you expect full recovery, you can not be sure that the complete recovery you hope for will materialize.In those cases, signing a release of claims prematurely can reduce your settlement to an amount that is considerably less than what you need or what you legally have a right to recuperate. Severe injuries may consist of:

And, of course, some motorcycle crashes are fatal. If someone you love has been killed in a motorcycle crash, get in touch with a lawyer to determine whether there's a wrongful death action to pursue against a negligent driver.

Contact Us Today to Get a Free Consultation

If you are ready to start your case or need more information about a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Troy, Michigan, contact Marko Law Firm today. Let us represent you as you seek justice and compensation for your pain and damages. Call (313) 777-7LAW today to get a free consultation or visit our website: MarkoLaw.com to get more information.

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