Have you suffered an injury in a car or motorcycle accident in Saginaw? You may have the right to compensation, but you’ll have to overcome ruthless insurance companies, complex legal procedures, and strict deadlines. That’s a lot to handle when you’re struggling with severe injuries.
The Michigan car and motorcycle accident lawyers at The Mastromarco Firm can guide you through the legal process and help you pursue maximum compensation. We’ve fought for injured people in Saginaw and Northern Michigan for over 20 years while amassing a proven record of success. We’ll handle all the legal work, giving you the time and space to heal and rebuild your life. You have limited time to file a lawsuit after a car or motorcycle crash, so call now or complete our contact form to speak with our team.
The Role of a Car and Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Winning a car or motorcycle accident claim in Michigan involves dealing with complex insurance laws, pitiless insurance companies, and high-pressure negotiations. There are also different insurance rules for cars and motorcycles, adding more wrinkles to these already complicated cases. It’s your lawyer’s job to explain how these cases work and simplify the process. Some ways that our car and motorcycle accident attorneys do this include:
- Explaining Michigan’s Insurance Laws – We can break down Michigan’s no-fault insurance rules for car accidents and the separate liability requirements for motorcycles so you understand how they affect your claim.
- Investigating the Accident – We’ll gather police reports, witness statements, video footage, and expert testimony to determine how the accident happened and who caused it.
- Documenting Your Injuries and Losses – We’ll work with medical professionals to show the full extent of your injuries. We can also collect proof of your medical bills, lost wages, and other costs to maximize your claim’s value.
- Dealing with Insurance Companies – We can handle all communication with adjusters, so you don’t have to worry about saying something that could harm your case.
- Calculating Your Total Compensation – We’ll evaluate your losses to make sure your claim includes your current and future expenses, as well as your pain and suffering.
- Negotiating for a Fair Settlement – We’re skilled negotiators, and we’ll fight for an agreement that truly reflects your losses. If the insurer refuses to negotiate in good faith, we’ll be ready to file a lawsuit.
- Preparing for Trial – We have extensive experience using evidence and expert testimony to build a compelling court case if a fair settlement isn’t possible.
What to Do After a Michigan Car or Motorcycle Crash
It’s your personal injury attorney’s job to protect your rights after a crash. However, there are also actions you can take to avoid jeopardizing your case and maximize your potential compensation. Follow these steps to protect yourself in the weeks and months to come:
- Follow Your Doctor’s Treatment Plan – Attend all follow-up appointments and follow medical advice. Sticking to your prescribed treatment plan supports your recovery and mitigates arguments by the insurance companies that your injuries aren’t serious.
- Keep Detailed Records – Save your medical bills, repair estimates, receipts, and any other documents related to the accident and your injuries. You need these records to show the harm you’ve suffered and prove who caused the collision.
- Document Your Injuries – Take photos of your visible injuries over time to show how they heal or worsen.
- Avoid Discussing the Accident Online – Refrain from posting about the crash or your injuries on social media, as insurers may use any posts or photos you share against you.
- Track Your Lost Income – Keep your pay stubs, timesheets, or other proof of any lost wages or work opportunities. Your lawyer can use these documents to show the crash’s full cost.
- Communicate Carefully with Insurers – Provide only necessary information, and avoid making statements about fault or the extent of your injuries without legal advice. Never give a recorded statement to an insurer without talking to a lawyer first.
Common Causes of Car and Motorcycle Accidents
Some frequent causes of car and motorcycle crashes in Michigan include:
- Distracted Driving – Talking on the phone, texting, adjusting vehicle controls, eating, or engaging in other activities that take a driver’s attention from the road greatly increases the risk of a collision.
- Speeding – Driving over the posted speed limit or too fast for weather, traffic, or road conditions reduces a driver’s ability to react to sudden obstacles. Speeding also increases the severity of crashes when they occur.
- Failure to Yield – Ignoring right-of-way rules at intersections, crosswalks, or while merging can cause dangerous side-impact or head-on collisions.
- Impaired Driving – Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or some prescription medications slows drivers’ reaction times, impairs their judgment, and increases the likelihood of catastrophic collisions.
- Tailgating – Following another vehicle too closely leaves little time or space to stop (especially at higher speeds or in poor weather), which often leads to rear-end crashes.
- Unsafe Lane Changes – Swerving between lanes without signaling or checking blind spots can lead to sideswipe accidents or force other drivers into dangerous maneuvers.
- Poor Road Conditions – Potholes, uneven pavement, debris, and faded markings can cause drivers to lose control or force them into sudden maneuvers that lead to accidents.
- Weather-Related Hazards – Rain, snow, ice, and fog can limit visibility, reduce tire traction, and make it harder for drivers to stop or turn safely. While drivers can’t control the weather, they should adjust their behavior to account for poor conditions.
- Inexperienced Drivers – Lack of driving experience can lead to poor decision-making, misjudging distances, and difficulty handling emergencies among younger or newer drivers.
- Motorcycle-Specific Risks – Motorcycles are less visible to other drivers, less stable on loose gravel or uneven surfaces, and offer little protection during crashes.
Compensation in Michigan Car and Motorcycle Accident Cases
Recovering compensation for a car or motorcycle crash in Michigan requires you to deal with the state’s convoluted insurance laws. Let’s start with how no-fault insurance works for Michigan drivers.
Michigan law requires all auto policies to include no-fault coverage to help pay for your injuries in a collision. This coverage generally pays for your medical expenses, lost wages, and vehicle repairs, regardless of who caused the crash. You can only sue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering or excess economic losses if your injuries meet specific legal thresholds, such as the “serious impairment of body function” or permanent disfigurement. If you meet these requirements, you can pursue compensation for losses that no-fault benefits don’t cover, such as your pain and suffering.
The rules are different for motorcycles because they are specifically excluded from the no-fault system. Instead, riders must carry liability insurance that covers injuries or property damage they cause. If a crash involves a motorcycle and a motor vehicle, the motorcyclist may receive no-fault benefits from the vehicle’s insurance. If the other vehicle does not have no-fault coverage, the rider can apply for up to $250,000 in benefits through the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan. Injured motorcyclists can also file personal injury claims against other drivers, though they must prove the other driver caused the collision to recover compensation.
Contact Our Motorcycle and Car Accident Attorneys Now
Michigan law gives you three years after an accident to file a lawsuit, and swift action is crucial to recover full compensation for your injuries. The Mastromarco Firm can walk you through the legal process to give you the best chance of a successful outcome. Call now or complete our contact form for a consultation.