best motorcycle accident lawyer

 how to find the best motorcycle accident lawyer dynomoon

Not all lawyers in Michigan possess the necessary knowledge and expertise to handle motorcycle accident and injury cases. The insurance laws in Michigan concerning motorcycle and auto accidents are highly complex and subject to frequent changes. Since the inception of the No-Fault law in 1973, there have been more than 2,000 court opinions issued on these matters.

It is important to recognize that the drafting of a will for your uncle by Attorney Ernie or the involvement of Lawyer Linda in your cousin’s divorce case does not grant them the qualifications to handle a motorcycle accident case. Many lawyers who advertise themselves as specialists in motorcycle accident cases lack a deep understanding of the intricate laws associated with such cases.

While numerous attorneys may offer their services to represent you, it is crucial to select a lawyer who specializes in handling serious motorcycle accident injury cases on a daily basis. This attorney should have extensive experience and expertise in representing injury victims. Lawyers lacking this knowledge and experience may not be acquainted with or capable of comprehending these laws and their various complexities. Consequently, their representation may lead to the loss of your entitled benefits and hinder your ability to secure a settlement in your case.

The best approach to finding the most suitable lawyer for your case is to be equipped with the right set of inquiries prior to engaging their services. These questions will serve as an excellent starting point:

1. What is your level of experience in dealing with significant motorcycle accident injury claims?

2. Have you authored any books similar to this one regarding motorcycle accidents and insurance claims?

3. Have you ever delivered lectures to legal professionals and other experts concerning accident cases and insurance laws?

4. Do you possess a website that provides information on motorcycle accident cases, along with free document templates that I can use to facilitate my insurance claims?

5. What types of settlements have you secured for your clients?

At Buckfire & Buckfire P.C., you can expect candid responses to these crucial inquiries. Our firm has diligently represented victims of injuries and their families across the entire state of Michigan for nearly four decades. Our legal team boasts extensive knowledge, expertise, and experience in dealing with such cases, enabling us to skillfully navigate complex scenarios and provide optimal representation to our clients. A considerable portion of our clientele consists of referrals from satisfied clients who have entrusted us with the representation of their loved ones, friends, and colleagues. Additionally, we receive numerous referrals from fellow attorneys and medical professionals who acknowledge our firm as the top choice for representing their own clients and patients.

Legal requirements in Michigan for owning and operating a motorcycle are crucial to understand before purchasing or riding one.

These regulations not only ensure compliance but also establish the rights of motorcycle riders and passengers involved in accidents.

According to Michigan law, a motorcycle is defined as a vehicle equipped with a saddle or seat for the rider’s use, designed to travel on no more than three wheels in contact with the ground, and powered by a motor exceeding 50 cubic centimeters piston displacement.

All motorcycle operators and passengers in Michigan are obligated to wear a safety helmet that meets the standards set by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The helmet must be properly labeled and securely fastened.

To operate a motorcycle on public roads, it is mandatory to register it with the Secretary of State.

Registrations are valid for a period of one year and expire on the owner’s birthday. During the registration process, proof of insurance with coverage of $20,000/$40,000 for public liability and $10,000 for property damage must be provided. While medical benefits coverage for the motorcycle is not required, it may be purchased at the owner’s discretion. For initial registration, the motorcycle title must be presented, and for renewals, either the renewal registration or the previous year’s registration must be provided.

To operate a motorcycle on public roads, you must possess a valid Michigan driver’s license that includes a motorcycle endorsement. The process of obtaining a motorcycle endorsement varies for teens and 18 old.

For teenage applicants, they must be at least 16 years old and hold a valid Level 2 or Level 3 Graduated Driver’s License. Additionally, they need to successfully complete an approved motorcycle safety course and pass the written test administered by the Secretary of State.

aged 18 or older, on the other hand, must possess a valid driver’s license and pass the written test conducted by the Secretary of State. Additionally, they must pass the motorcycle skills test administered by a Department of State-approved organization or complete a motorcycle safety course approved by the Department of State. In certain cases, if an adult already possesses a valid motorcycle endorsement from another state, they may be exempted from the skill and safety tests.

To locate an approved motorcycle testing program, please contact your local Michigan Secretary of State office or visit the department’s website at www.denizan.com.

Please note that driving skills tests are exclusively provided through third-party testing programs.

Being Compensated for Your Personal Injuries

We have provided guidance on how to secure financial compensation for repairing your motorcycle. Now, we will address the frequently asked questions regarding obtaining a settlement for your injuries.

If you were either driving a motorcycle or a passenger on a motorcycle that was hit by an automobile, is it possible to sue the driver and the owner of the automobile that caused the accident for your injuries?

Yes, you can. If the driver of the other automobile was responsible for the accident and you suffered a severe injury or disfigurement, such as a scar, you have the right to sue both the driver and the owner of the other automobile. A claim will be filed against the driver and owner of the automobile responsible for the accident, and your damages will be covered by their insurance company.

Which injuries are considered serious?

There isn’t a specific injury that automatically qualifies as “serious” as this determination is made on a case-by-case basis. However, here are some examples of injuries that may be deemed serious:

– Fractured and broken bones

– Back and neck injuries, such as herniated and bulging discs

– Nerve damage

– Injuries necessitating surgery or extensive treatment

– Closed head and traumatic brain injuries

– Spinal cord injuries

– Psychological injuries, such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder

– Injuries that result in disability, preventing work and other daily activities.

If I were driving a motorcycle or a passenger on a motorcycle that was involved in a collision caused by another motorcycle, would I be able to file a legal lawsuit against both the driver and the owner of the motorcycle responsible for the accident in order to seek compensation for my injuries?

Yes, you can pursue legal action against the driver and owner of the other motorcycle if the driver was at fault for the accident. Unlike incidents involving automobiles, where the other driver operates a “motor vehicle” such as a car or truck, it is not necessary for you to prove that your injury was “serious” or that you endured any form of disfigurement. You have the right to sue the driver and owner of the other motorcycle for all the damages and injuries you have suffered. In this case, a claim is filed against the driver and owner of the motorcycle that caused the accident, and their insurance company will cover the costs related to your damages.

If I were a passenger on a motorcycle and the motorcycle driver was responsible for the accident, am I able to file a lawsuit against the motorcycle driver for my injuries?

Yes, it is possible to sue the motorcycle driver if they were at fault in the accident. Unlike car accidents involving other drivers operating cars or trucks, there is no need to establish the severity of your injury or prove disfigurement. In this case, you have the legal right to sue both the driver and the owner of the motorcycle for all the damages and injuries you have suffered. The driver and owner of the motorcycle are the subjects of the claim, with their insurance company covering your damages.

If I were a passenger on a motorcycle driven by a friend or family member, would I still be able to file a claim against their insurance policy?

Absolutely. It is important to note that you retain the right to make a claim against your family member or friend in such cases. It is worth reminding that your damages will be covered by their insurance company.

You typically have a three-year timeframe from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the driver and owner of the automobile and/or motorcycle responsible for the incident.

However, if the injured party is a child or a person with a mental disability, this period can often be extended. To safeguard your legal rights, it is advisable to promptly seek legal counsel and learn about the specific time limitations involved in pursuing a claim against the driver and owner of the car and/or motorcycle involved in the accident.