Dearborn Motorcycle Accident Attorney
According to the National Safety Council, even though motorcycles make up only 3 percent of all registered vehicles in the United States—and only 0.06 percent of all vehicle miles traveled—motorcyclists account for 14 percent of all traffic fatalities. Between 2019 and 2020, the number of motorcyclist fatalities increased; there were 5,579 motorcyclist fatalities in 2020. The majority of motorcycle fatalities occurred on urban roads, in good weather. About half occurred during the daytime, while half occurred after dark.
Regardless of the stereotypes many people have regarding motorcyclists, the vast majority of motorcycle operators involved in fatal crashes were not alcohol-impaired and were driving safely. Because motorcyclists have virtually no protection other than a helmet, if worn, when hit by an automobile, motorcyclists are likely to be much more severely injured than those in the other vehicle. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident you could benefit significantly from speaking to an experienced motorcycle accident attorney, Dan Makled.
Why Choose Dearborn Motorcycle Accident Attorney from Dan Makled Law Firm?
When you have been injured in a motorcycle accident that was caused by the negligence of another person, you may be uncertain of what you need to do to protect your future. Contacting an attorney can seem overwhelming when you are struggling to deal with your injuries and the financial devastation resulting from those injuries. You need a motorcycle accident attorney who understands your situation—and knows how to make it better. Attorney Dan Makled worked for insurance companies in the past, giving him a unique perspective that significantly benefits his clients. Dan knows every “trick of the trade” that an insurance company may use to pay you less than your claim is worth—and how to effectively counter such tactics.
When you choose the Dan Makled Law Firm, we will never allow you to be bullied by an insurance company, rather we will be the passionate advocate you need and deserve. Depending on the extent of your injuries and whether you are able to work and make a living, you may experience varying levels of fear, confusion, even anger. Our goal is to help you get the medical treatments you need, along with a full and fair settlement that will cover all expenses related to your motorcycle accident. The Dan Makled Law Firm offers reliable, consistent, world-class customer assistance throughout the legal process. We believe you will be absolutely satisfied with the knowledge, skills, and experience we bring to the table, along with the protection we provide for you and your future.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?
While each motorcycle accident is unique, some of the more common causes of these accidents include:
- Distracted drivers who fail to see motorcyclists. Drivers could be talking on their cell phones, texting, eating, fiddling with car controls, setting a GPS, or turning around to see what the children or pets are doing in the back seat.
- Unsafe lane changes—When drivers fail to check blind spots or fail to signal when changing lanes, motorcyclists can end up being hit. If thrown from the motorcycle on a busy street or highway, the chances of being hit by yet another vehicle are high.
- Car doors opening into traffic are another common factor in motorcycle accidents. Drivers may simply not look when opening their door into the path of an oncoming motorcycle.
- Excess speed is a factor in all types of auto accidents. A driver’s ability to see and react to other drivers—particularly smaller motorcycles—is reduced at higher speeds.
- Sudden stops by an automobile driver can result in serious injury or death to a motorcyclist.
- Left turns are a primary cause of motorcycle accidents. Drivers may make a right-of-way error, or misjudge the speed of the oncoming motorcycle, making a left-hand turn, either hitting the motorcyclist or causing the motorcyclist to hit the side of the vehicle.
- Hazardous road conditions are much more dangerous for motorcyclists. While a pothole may be only a minor inconvenience for a person in a passenger vehicle, it can cause a motorcyclist to lose control of the motorcycle, crashing into surrounding vehicles or fixed items.
What Are the Most Common Injuries Resulting from a Motorcycle Accident?
Motorcycle accident injuries are often severe, even catastrophic. Head injuries are common, especially among motorcyclists who are not wearing a helmet. Concussions and more serious traumatic brain injuries occur in significant numbers of motorcyclists involved in an accident. Spinal cord injuries are similarly severe, including paraplegia and quadriplegia. Traumatic brain injuries and severe spinal cord injuries cause permanent disabilities for motorcyclists.
Internal injuries and bleeding are seen in many motorcyclists involved in an auto accidents along with lower extremity injuries, including fractured femurs. Although road rash may not sound that serious, it can be an extremely severe injury. When a motorcyclist is thrown from his or her motorcycle and slides along pavement or gravel, the resulting abrasions can cause one or more layers of skin to be removed. Road rash can lead to serious infection and permanent scarring. Less severe injuries include neck and back injuries, bruises, contusions, cuts, and broken arms, ribs, and collarbones.
How Long Do I Have to File a Michigan Motorcycle Accident Claim?
Each state in the United States sets its own statutes of limitations. These statutes govern the window of time accident victims have to file a claim for damages. In the state of Michigan, you have three years from the date of the accident to file your claim. It is extremely important that you not miss your window of opportunity—if you do, you could be barred from ever filing a claim for damages. The best course of action is always to speak to a knowledgeable motorcycle accident attorney as quickly as possible following your accident. The sooner your attorney is on your case, the more likely evidence can be preserved that proves the other party’s negligence and liability.
What Are the Major Complexities Associated with Motorcycle Accident Claims?
As noted above, there are stereotypes associated with motorcyclists that can hurt your claim. Far too many people still think of motorcyclists in the context of “Easy Rider,” or motorcycle gangs. Insurance companies and jurors may be quick to blame the motorcyclist, assuming he or she was driving too fast, driving recklessly or carelessly, weaving in and out of traffic, or driving while impaired. Today’s motorcyclists have little in common with these stereotypes, yet the stigma remains. Motorcyclists today tend to be older professionals, and probably drive in a much safer manner than those driving automobiles. Your motorcycle accident attorney will be well aware of the uphill battle involved in showing you were not to blame for the accident. Experienced motorcycle accident attorney Dan Makled has significant experience handling motorcycle accidents and ensuring fault is properly assigned. Dan will fight to ensure you receive the full compensation you are entitled to under the law.
What Damages Can Be Expected Following a Motorcycle Accident?
Medical expenses are virtually always a part of the settlement following a motorcycle accident. Sometimes these medical expenses must be estimated for future expenses when the injuries are severe or catastrophic. The cost of surgeries, ambulance, hospitalization, physicians, specialists, prescription drugs, rehabilitative therapies, and assistive devices all fall under medical expenses.
Medical expenses and lost wages are considered “special” expenses or economic expenses because a specific monetary number can be assigned to them. There is no “gray” area, the costs are simply the costs. Lost wages can include current lost wages as well as future lost wages if your injuries are so severe that you will never be able to return to the work you did prior to your motorcycle accident.
Pain and suffering expenses are much more difficult to quantify and are known as non-economic or general damages. Pain can be actual physical pain, or emotional pain and trauma resulting from the accident. Back pain, neck pain, the pain from nerve damage, internal organ damage, broken bones, and chronic headaches from head injuries are all forms of physical pain that could last for months, years, or a lifetime.
Psychological trauma, including fear, insomnia, anxiety, grief, cognitive changes, loss or diminishment of your quality of life, and PTSD are all potential mental traumas you could experience following a motorcycle accident. Loss of consortium may include the loss of spousal intimacy, parental guidance, household services, and more when the physical and emotional pain from the accident are severe. Paralysis or a severe traumatic brain injury can render an individual unable to do the things they once enjoyed and can change their future and the future of their family members forever.
How Dearborn Motorcycle Accident Attorney Dan Makled Can Help
Attorney Dan Makled will listen to your story attentively, then answer your questions in a thorough, yet easy-to-understand manner. Quality, experienced representation, with a focus on exemplary customer service is the goal of the Dan Makled Law Firm. We take pride in providing this level of service to each and every client. We know how much a full and fair settlement matter, and will always go the extra mile to achieve this goal. Contact the Dan Makled Law Firm today to speak to a highly skilled motorcycle accident attorney.
