Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Grand Rapids Seeks Compensation for Victims
Determined representation for catastrophic personal injuries and wrongful death
Michigan may be best known for making automobiles, but our state has no shortage of motorcycle enthusiasts. While nothing beats an afternoon on the open road, a moment's negligence can deliver a life-changing injury. In Michigan in 2019, there were 2,723 reported motorcycle crashes, resulting in 116 fatalities and 639 serious injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by another person's negligence, The Fiorletta Law Group, PLLC is here to help. As a Grand Rapids motorcycle accident lawyer, I fight to recover the full compensation injured bikers and their passengers deserve.
Common causes of Michigan motorcycle accidents
Motorcycles require skill and concentration to operate safely. But because they're smaller and less visible than passenger cars, they also demand greater attention from other drivers. A motorcycle accident may arise from one or more of these causes:
- Operator error — Bikers must be realistic about their ability to manage the bike, a particular roadway, and the conditions in which they are riding. A frequent factor in crashes is the undeveloped skill of a novice rider or the declining skill of an older rider.
- Distracted driving — Passenger car drivers often say "they never saw the bike coming." This is often because they weren't paying proper attention. Distractions, especially cell phones, make inattention a constant danger.
- Unsafe driving — Excessive speed, aggressiveness, and abrupt maneuvers increase the chances of a collision, whether it's the bike or another vehicle that causes the crash.
- Impaired driving — Impairment due to alcohol, drugs or lack of sleep increase the chances of a deadly motorcycle crash. Impairment also increases the changes that a car will strike a motorcycle.
- Weather — Motorcycles have less traction on the road than passenger cars, so they are more likely to fishtail or have trouble stopping in wet or snowy conditions.
- Road conditions — Motorcycles are more vulnerable than passenger cars to uneven, broken pavement.
- Mechanical issues — Although rare, it's possible for brakes or gear shifts to fail when a rider needs them most.
Many passenger car drivers do not exercise proper safety in sharing the road with motorcycles. Unsafe maneuvers, such as passing a bike while inside the same lane, make accidents much more likely.
Thorough investigations of every crash
The first step in recovering compensation is to determine that someone else was at fault for the crash. I consult with investigators and accident reconstruction experts to evaluate what occurred and to assemble evidence. I also interview witnesses, including medical experts, to put together a compelling case on liability and damages.
Severe injuries due to motorcycle crashes
Compared to car accidents, motorcycle crashes are more likely to cause catastrophic injuries, simply because the rider and passengers are so exposed. These may include:
- Concussion and traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injury and paralysis
- Multiple broken bones
- Severed limbs or amputations
- Internal organ injuries
- Crush injuries
- Severe burns or scarring
- Permanent disfigurement or disability
- Loss of vision or hearing
I consult with your own doctors and with medical experts to determine the extent of your injuries and your prognosis for the future.
Compensation available for your motorcycle accident
As your personal injury attorney, it's my duty to seek the maximum compensation possible for your losses. Your damages can include past and future medical expenses, past and future lost income, property damage and pain and suffering. The statute of limitations in Michigan is three years from the date of the accident. To give yourself the best chance at building a case that can achieve full compensation, you should retain an attorney immediately.
Contact a Michigan motorcycle accident lawyer for a free consultation
The Fiorletta Law Group, PLLC in Grand Rapids represents victims of motorcycle accidents throughout Michigan. Call 616-717-1334 or contact me online to schedule a free consultation.
