Motorcycle accidents can occur on roadways in Saginaw, Bay City and Midland for a number of reasons. Common causes of motorcycle accidents with injuries include drunk driving, texting and cell phone use -otherwise known as distracted driving- fatigued driving, speeding, failure to yield and failure to see the motorcyclist when changing lanes, in addition to reckless driving habits, weather-related mishaps and mechanical issues such as faulty breaks.
A pair of accidents that occurred recently at the I-75 ramp to US-10 demonstrate the vulnerability of riders to injury. In the first accident, a motorcycle skidded out of control after hitting a patch of fuel on the pavement, resulting in injuries for the operator who was airlifted to a medical facility for treatment. A second accident occurred in the resulting traffic back-up when one motorcycle rear-ended another. Both operators were thrown from their motorcycles and required hospitalization. None of the injured parties was wearing a helmet.
Motorcycle Safety Facts from the Michigan State Police
Under Michigan law, if a motorcycle operator is at least 21 years old, has at least $20,000 in first-party medical benefits and has a motorcycle endorsement for at least two years, or passed an approved motorcycle safety course, then they can choose not to wear a motorcycle helmet. However, the Michigan State Police Department reveals:
- A motorcycle rider without a helmet is 40% more likely to suffer a fatal head injury than a rider wearing a helmet.
- A motorcycle rider without a helmet is 15% more likely to sustain non-fatal head injuries than a rider wearing a helmet.
- Locally in the Tri-Cities, an area hospital found a 300% increase in fatalities for those not wearing helmets versus riders who chose to wear helmets.
In addition, since 2012 when helmetless riding became legal, the number of motorcycle fatalities has increased:
- Motorcyclists are about 30 times as likely as car passenger occupants to die in a traffic crash.
- Motorcyclists are about five times more likely to be injured in a crash than car passenger occupants.
- Over 2,000 individuals are injured while on a motorcycle in Michigan every year.
- Motorcycle helmets are 37% more effective in preventing crash fatalities.
The Saginaw Motorcycle Accident Injury Lawyers at the Offices of Lee Steinberg represent residents of the Tri-Cities who are seriously injured or killed by somebody else’s negligence or wrongdoing in a motorcycle accident, protecting your rights, helping you receive justice and the compensation you deserve.
We will come to you and visit with you personally after a motorcycle accident, to help eliminate the anxiety involved in being injured and to make sure your case is handled properly. We’ve been fighting for our clients for more than 40 years. We do not charge a fee or costs until we obtain a settlement or verdict, and consultations are always free.
How the Michigan No-Fault Law Helps in Saginaw Motorcycle Injury Accidents
In Michigan, which is a no-fault state, motorcycle accident victims are entitled to no-fault benefits if a car or truck is involved in causing a motorcycle crash that leads to medical treatment and injuries.
The negligence of another driver can lead to severe, sometimes catastrophic injuries, including head injuries, broken bones, road rash and burns, back and neck injury, and spinal cord injury. If a negligent driver caused a motorcycle accident, then the injured person and their family are entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, mental anguish, scarring, permanent disfigurement and emotional distress. And the auto insurance carrier for the negligent driver is responsible for paying Michigan no-fault benefits.
Motorcycle accident victims injured in the Tri-Cities can also receive:
- Compensation from lost wages
- Payment for hospital costs, doctor bills, rehabilitation, prescription drugs
- Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expense and other benefits
Collect Information Following a Motorcycle Crash
Information gathered after a motorcycle accident is used to prove negligence in a Saginaw motorcycle accident injury case. Our Saginaw Motorcycle Accident Injury Lawyers muse show another vehicle, like a car or truck, was at least 50 percent at-fault for causing the accident. We will help obtain the following information on your behalf:
- Names and telephone numbers of all parties involved, including passengers and witnesses
- Photographs and/or video of the motorcycle and vehicle damage plus the accident scene
- Testimony of investigating police officers called to the scene
- Expert testimony from investigators and other professional experts
- Expert medical testimony
- Detailed accident report – the City of Saginaw Police offers these reports through the Lexis Nexis Police Report service. For accidents in Saginaw County, you can call the Sheriff’s office at 989-790-5456. Keep in mind if the Lee Steinberg Law Firm represent you in a case, we will purchase the report on your behalf and make a copy available to you.
Wondering if you should receive compensation? If you are involved in an accident in Saginaw, Bay City or Midland, use our Case Evaluation Formto start the conversation or call The Law Office of Lee Steinberg today at (989) 460-8830 for a free consultation. Ask any questions you may have – we never take payment unless we make a recovery for you.
Saginaw Area Motorist Information
An Explanation of No-Fault Insurance in Michigan
