The attorneys at the Lee Steinberg Law Firm have helped recover tens of millions for Grand Rapids area residents due to another person’s negligence. In particular, we are proud to have obtained millions in settlements for motorcycle victims in Kent County, Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, St. Joseph, Muskegon, and throughout West Michigan.
One of the Best Grand Rapids Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Michigan
There is nothing like the freedom of driving a motorcycle on the open road. It is one of Michigan’s great pastimes and with good reason. However, when another driver is reckless or careless, their negligence can change your life forever.
The Grand Rapids motorcycle accident lawyers at the Lee Steinberg Law Firm have represented West Michigan residents for almost 50 years. We know the financial and emotional turmoil these crashes create. We also know how to get full compensation and dignity following a bad motorcycle crash.
Grand Rapids Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Who Specialize in Motorcycle Cases
Our firm specializes in motorcycle accident cases. Our team of Grand Rapids motorcycle accident lawyers knows state and federal regulations concerning motorcycle law. We have worked with experts from all over the country to help our clients prove negligence, explain why their injuries are so serious, and the long-term impact disabilities and restrictions have on the victim and his or her family.
Our attorneys regularly speak at lawyer seminars teaching other lawyers the nuances of Michigan motorcycle accident law and driver safety.
Who Pays the Medical Bills from a Motorcycle Accident in Grand Rapids?
Motorcycle crashes can result in huge hospital bills, doctor’s bills, and other medical expenses. But just because you do not have health insurance, or are on Medicare or Medicaid, does not mean you should be stuck paying these bills. Even if you have private health insurance, like Blue Cross or Priority Health, an auto insurance carrier may be responsible for paying medical bills after a crash.
In general, if a motor vehicle was involved in causing the accident, so long as the motorcycle owner carried insurance on the bike, they are entitled to Michigan no-fault benefits. These benefits, also known as personal injury protection PIP benefits, include the payment of medical bills. There is an order for which auto insurance carrier must pay these insurance benefits:
- The owner of the motor vehicle involved in the accident. This means the car insurance company for the car or truck.
- The driver of the motor vehicle involved in the accident. This means the car insurance for the driver of the motor vehicle if it is different than the owner.
- The car insurance of the motorcycle driver, if they have auto insurance.
- The car insurance of the motorcycle owner, if they have auto insurance.
- The Michigan Assigned Claims Plan
Medical expenses are the responsibility of the at-fault driver when all PIP benefits have been exhausted or used up. On some occasions, the at-fault driver is responsible for the payment of medical bills from the beginning.
The law on who pays medical bills following a motorcycle crash in Michigan is confusing. Contact our Grand Rapids motorcycle lawyers with any questions you may have and to get straight answers.
Who Pays the Pain and Suffering from a Motorcycle Crash?
The driver or owner of the at-fault vehicle. However, the people injured on the motorcycle must prove the other driver was at least 50% at fault for causing the crash that led to the injuries.
The potential defendants in these cases are more than you think. For example, if the at-fault driver was working at the time of the crash, the driver’s employer may also be responsible for the negligent acts of its employee. The owner of the vehicle is by law responsible for the at-fault driver’s mistakes. This is true even if the owner was not in the vehicle.
Other defendants can include the city or county responsible for maintaining the road or highway, as well as the car manufacturer.
Can Motorcycle Passengers Injured in a Crash Get Compensation?
Yes. Just like the operator of a motorcycle, a passenger is entitled to compensation for his or her injuries. If the operator of the motorcycle caused the crash, then the passenger can make an insurance claim against the bike insurance carrier. This is possible even if the driver is a family member or friend.
If another car caused a motorcycle wreck, then the driver and owner are responsible for the injuries of a passenger. This is a negligence case and works the same way as a standard motorcycle accident case.
In addition, so long as a “motor vehicle” was involved in causing the accident, a passenger is entitled to Michigan no-fault benefits. This is true even if the passenger does not own any cars or have auto insurance of their own. The Grand Rapids motorcycle lawyers at the Lee Steinberg Law Firm have faithfully represented motorcycle passengers and helped them obtain large settlements and financial stability.
Common Causes of Grand Rapids Motorcycle Accidents
There are many reasons why a motorcycle crash can occur. Despite some prejudice towards motorcycle operators, motorcycles are not the cause of most crashes. Instead, careless and reckless drivers are the cause of these life-changing incidents. The following are the most common causes of motorcycle accident crashes in Michigan:
- Distracted driving. When a driver is using a cell phone or not paying attention, they are distracted. This is now the leading cause of car crashes in Michigan.
- Speeding. Driving too fast increases the odds of a crash dramatically.
- Head-on collisions. When a driver tries to pass another vehicle or loses control of their vehicle, they can strike a motorcyclist head-on when coming from the other direction.
- Illegal turn at an intersection. Vehicles must wait for traffic to pass before making a left-hand turn.
- Illegal lane change. Many drivers fail to see a motorcycle rider when they are changing lanes.
- Rear-end accidents. When drivers are speeding or not distracted, rear-end accidents are often the result.
- Running a red light. Drivers who are distracted or drunk can run a red light and cause a horrible crash at an intersection.
- Running a stop sign. A driver who runs a stop sign is just as negligent as a driver running a red light.
- Drinking and driving. Driving while intoxicated or on drugs impairs a driver and slows down decision making. When a crash with a motorcycle happens, the results can be tragic.
Common Injuries from Grand Rapids Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle crashes are much different than normal auto accidents. Because the rider and his or her passenger are completely exposed, the odds of sustaining a serious injury are much higher. In fact, motorcycle accidents are more likely to lead to a wrongful death than any other type of motor vehicle accident. Because of the nature of motorcycle wrecks, the most common injuries are:
- Broken bones, including a broken leg and broken hip.
- Road rash and severe scarring
- Facial injuries
- Low back pain and lumbar herniation
- Neck pain
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) or closed head injury
- Torn ligaments, such as torn ACL, meniscus, Achilles, or ulnar nerve injury
It is essential to seek medical treatment after a motorcycle accident injury. Our Grand Rapids motorcycle accident lawyers will make sure your bills are paid, even if is unclear who caused the crash. And if the other driver was at least 50% negligent in causing the crash, we can also obtain pain and suffering compensation for you.
Our team of dedicated Michigan personal injury lawyers cares deeply about our clients. We fight every day to make sure they get the justice and financial freedom they deserve.
Michigan Motorcycle Accident Laws
There are specific laws in Michigan that pertain to motorcycle operators and their passengers. Here is a quick reference to a few of those safety rules.
Helmet Law – A motorcycle is required to wear an approved crash helmet unless he or she is (1) at least 21 years-old, (2) has at least $20,000 in first-party medical benefits, and (3) has held a motorcycle endorsement for at least 2 years, or passed an approved motorcycle safety course. MCL 257.658(5).
Pass between lines of traffic – A person operating a motorcycle shall not pass between lines of traffic, but may pass on the left of traffic moving in his or her direction in the case of a 2-way street or on the left or right of traffic in the case of a 1-way street, in an unoccupied lane. MCL 257.660.
Riding on the seat of the motorcycle; multiple riders – (1) A motorcycle operator must ride upon and astride a permanent and regular seat attached to that vehicle. (2) A motorcycle or moped shall not be used to carry more persons at one time than the number for which it is designed and equipped. MCL 257.658.
Handlebars of the motorcycle – A person shall not operate a motorcycle or moped equipped with handlebars that are higher than 30 inches from the lowest point of the undepressed saddle to the highest point of the handle grips. MCL 257.661a.
Lane Sharing – Lane sharing is not permitted. Instead, a group of motorcyclists must operate in a staggered formation.
Equipment – Motorcycles shall be equipped with at least 1 and not more than 2 head lamps, a working horn, a rear stop light, and a rearview mirror.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics in Kent County
Kent County annually has one of the highest numbers of motorcycle crashes in Michigan. Last year, there were 195 motorcycle crashes resulting in 157 injuries. Tragically, there were 4 fatalities.
Some of the dangerous intersections for motorcycle riders in the Grand Rapids area include:
- Wealthy Street and US 131
- Burton St SW and US 131
- 28th ST at I96
- Burlingame Ave. SW at 21st St. WE
- S. Division Ave. at 44th St. SE
Contact Us Today – Our Grand Rapids, MI Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Are Ready to Represent You
When you have sustained injuries following a motorcycle accident in or near Grand Rapids, you have a lot on your plate. The attorneys at the Lee Steinberg Law Firm will protect you and stand by your side throughout the case. We will fight for the monetary compensation you deserve by law.
We have represented West Michigan residents for almost 50 years and obtained hundreds of millions in settlements and verdicts. Call us for a free consultation at 1-800-533-3733, or fill out a contact form with us today.