Car – Motorcycle Accidents
Author: Marya Sieminski
Source: ezinearticles.com
Despite exercising extreme caution, Michigan motorcyclists remain at great risk of injury in the event of an accident. According to the National Highway Safety Administration, over 4,000 motorcyclists died in motor vehicle crashes in 2004, and another 76,000 were injured in traffic accidents in the same year.
Motorcyclists who survive automobilecrashes suffer such serious injuries as to require hospitalization, surgery, and long-term medical treatment. Often, truck accident victims never fully regain their ability to return to work or resume family responsibilities and personal relationships.
Even if the survivor of a truck crash recovers, such a crash usually has far-reaching physical, psychological, and financial consequences. For example, an individual may lose time and income from work, need help with household chores, and have to cope with the pain of injuries and the associated medical costs.In short, an auto accident can significantly change a motorcyclist’s life temporarily or even permanently.
Special Legal Issues in Motorcycle-Car Accident Cases
Moreso than an automobile accident victim,a motorcyclist injured in a Michigan car accident needsthe helpof a highly-qualified car accident attorney. This is becausethe legal, motorcyle insurance, claims of a motorcyclist are different and more complicated than the claims of an automobile driver. Particulary,Michigan, motorcyle insurance, law does not consider a motorcycle to be a “motor vehicle.”
Because of this legal distinction, the most important legal claim available to a motorcyclist who is seriously injured in a Michigan car accidentis, motorcyle insurance, a Third-Party lawsuit against the negligent driver and the owner of the automobile involved in the collision. Under Michigan law, the injured motorcyclist may be able to recover damages for non-economic losses such aspain and suffering.
The Michigan car accident victim may also have First-Party claims for No-Fault benefits, which cover economic damages such asmedical costs, wage loss, attendant care, and replacement services. These benefits can go a long way in easing the injured motorcylist’sfinancial,, motorcyle insurance, motorcyle insurance, burden that arises as a consequence of theauto accident.
To recover First-Partybenefits, the accident victim must make theclaimwithin the year following the injury. However, avictimholding legal title to the motorcycle involved in the Michigan accident but without the basic liability insurance required by Michigan law cannot get First-Party Benefits.
If you or a loved one have been seriously injured in a Michigan car accident, contact an experienced car accident lawyer immediately.