Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Grand Rapids, MI

From assisting with no-fault insurance benefits to fighting against the insurance company to get you a fair settlement, our team is prepared to assist you every step of the way. Here’s why clients choose Barrix Law Firm for car accidents, truck accidents, and motorcycle accidents in West Michigan.

• Our founder Jason Barrix has over 30 years of legal experience.
• We have in-depth knowledge of the state’s no-fault insurance system.
• Our team will assess all of your losses to accurately value your claim.
• We’ll interpret state negligence laws to determine who’s responsible for your injuries.
• If needed, we can file a lawsuit to recover the compensation that you deserve.
• We can advise you on your rights and help to protect your claim.
• There’s no fee for our services unless we recover compensation for you.
• Initial consultations are free, so there’s no risk or out-of-pocket cost.
• We have successfully recovered verdicts and settlements over $1 million for our clients.

Motorcycle accidents are more likely to cause severe and disabling injuries than other motor vehicle collisions due to the lack of physical crash-protection features. Riders can be subjected to high-impact forces when being struck by another vehicle or coming into contact with the roadway. Traumatic events still occur when riders are wearing appropriate attire, including helmets, gloves, boots, heavy pants, and jackets. Even minor motorcycle accidents and laydowns can cause serious injuries, including the following:

• Broken bones and fractures
• Laceration
• Contusions
• Road rash and skin abrasions
• Internal injuries and organ damage
• Traumatic head and brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Eye and facial injuries
• Amputations or crush injuries
• Scarring and disfigurement

Every time your tires hit the pavement, there’s a chance that something will go wrong. Drivers make errors, and road conditions can pose unique hazards to riders on 2 wheels.

Here are a few of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in West Michigan.

• Distracted driving, such as texting or using a cell phone while driving
• Driver error, such as failing to yield or turning in front of a motorcycle
• Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
• Road hazards, such as potholes, gravel, or wild animals
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol

Michigan has a no-fault insurance system for motor vehicle accidents, which means that drivers go through their own insurance policy to file a claim, regardless of who is at fault. Things get tricky because motorcycles aren’t considered motor vehicles under the state’s no-fault system. Personal injury protection (PIP), the portion of insurance that’s used to pay medical bills, isn’t usually offered to motorcyclists, so they will typically file a claim against the other driver’s PIP coverage.

Here are a few ways that riders can recover compensation for their injuries and medical bills.

• The Other Driver’s PIP: Drivers in Michigan can choose from several different coverage limits ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 or more per accident. PIP pays for medical care and rehabilitation, 85% of lost wages for up to 3 years, and a small amount for personal care or domestic services.
• Your Insurance or a Resident Relative’s: If the other driver doesn’t have PIP, your own car insurance policy may pay for your medical care. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can also help. Alternatively, you may be able to make a PIP claim through a relative who lives in your household.
• Michigan’s Assigned Claims Plan: MACP is a safety-net program that provides backup PIP benefits to individuals who don’t have a no-fault auto insurance policy and cannot access benefits through a household member. MACP benefits for medical expenses are capped at $250,000.
• Medical Benefits Coverage: If you purchased optional medical benefits through your motorcycle insurance carrier, you may be eligible to recover compensation through your insurance policy.

Despite Michigan’s no-fault insurance laws, it’s possible to sue for damages related to motorcycle accidents. However, your case must meet a few specific criteria. To file a third-party claim against an at-fault driver, the accident must have caused disfigurement, a serious bodily impairment, or death. You’re also entitled to file a lawsuit for economic losses, including medical bills and lost wages, exceeding PIP or MACP limits. An experienced Grand Rapids motorcycle accident lawyer at Barrix Law Firm can help you determine the full extent of your damages and recover compensation for the following losses.

Consumers aren’t required to work with an attorney to file a motorcycle accident claim, but legal representation can be a big help. Insurance companies handling your claim may try to settle for an amount that is much lower than what you truly deserve, or they may try to get you to admit fault. Here are a few situations when it’s wise to consult with a motorcycle accident attorney in Grand Rapids.

• You suffered severe or disabling injuries.
• The other driver was at fault or driving recklessly.
• Liability is contested, or the insurance company is trying to blame you.
• You’re being pressured to accept a settlement offer.
• You were hit by an underinsured or uninsured motorist.
• Your claim was denied, or the insurance company is underpaying.
• You’re going through the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan (MACP).
• You plan on filing a third-party claim against the at-fault driver.
• The accident resulted in fatal injuries or a wrongful death.