Motorcycle riding is an activity that is pursued as a passion by many people across the globe. The US state of Michigan is not an exception. Motorcycle enthusiasts can be found in various regions of this state. Even some of those who drive cars for daily commute use motorcycles on an occasional basis for traveling. Riding a motorcycle is a fun and thrilling experience.
But just like any other vehicle, motorcycles are also prone to accidents. Many motorists get into accidents on roads due to a variety of factors. An accident is an unpleasant event that happens without any warning. Even though people try to avoid accidents as much as possible, they cannot help but get into one at times.
You might try to ride a motorcycle with extreme safety, but you cannot exercise control over the other drivers on the road. A driver running another vehicle might cause an accident with your vehicle for numerous reasons. In such a situation, instead of blaming yourself for riding a motorcycle or feeling confused about what happened, you need to sit down and think rationally.
We know it’s easier said than done because accidents are traumatic events. Even if you don’t sustain severe injuries or encounter extensive damage to your vehicle, it’s difficult to overcome those moments of shock, pain, and uncertainty. Some people get scared to the extent of stopping to drive vehicles completely.
However, stopping to drive or living with guilt is not the solution. It might be possible that you were partially at fault (maybe because you didn’t apply brakes at the right time or maybe because you wanted to win the unofficial street race started by the other driver). But even if you are to be partially blamed for the accident, you need to move on with your life.
How to Go Back to Living Normally After an Accident?
In order to move on properly and get closure, you need to take care of the necessary procedures and formalities that must be carried out in the aftermath of a road accident. You have to report the accident, get your motorcycle repaired, and even ask for compensation from the other party involved in the accident.
Now, you might wonder, “But it was my mistake too! How can I ask for compensation?” or “I don’t think money can heal my psychological wounds.” Well, it’s important to mention here that the comparative negligence law is applicable in the state of Michigan. In simple words, even if you were partially at fault, you can still seek compensation from the other person. The compensation amount will be reduced accordingly.
Coming to the point of money not being enough to come out of the accident-related memories, we just want to say that it’s not enough, but it’s at least something. Though it’s true that your mental peace cannot be equated with money, you can undergo the required therapy sessions to heal from your wounds.
Moreover, compensation will help you cover all the expenses you might have to bear due to the accident. These expenses can include medical bills, missed paychecks, utility bills (to be paid when you are not earning due to being in the recovery process), and more, depending on the severity of your injuries. The financial burden is an inevitable outcome of any road accident.
Therefore, you should not feel embarrassed or reluctant to ask for compensation. It’s your legal right to demand compensation from the other party. You might not be in the right state of mind to negotiate to get a fair amount of compensation after the accident.
But you cannot wait for a lifetime as the statute of limitations is applicable for legal cases related to motorcycle accidents in the US state of Michigan. Injured motorcyclists need to file lawsuits within 3 years from the date of the accident. Thus, it makes sense to hire the services of a law firm. A legal professional can help you get the compensation you are entitled to without adding to your suffering or stress.
How Can You Choose the Best Motorcycle Accident Attorney?
Lawsuits filed for motorcycle accidents can turn out to be complicated affairs due to the parties involved. At times, the party at fault tries hard to avoid paying any compensation. On top of that, as the compensation amount has to be paid by the insurer of the party at fault, the insurer also tries to settle the case in the lowest possible amount. Not everyone can put a strong counterargument for every argument made by the party at fault and their insurance company.
Thus, hiring a professional who has achieved success as a motorcycle accident attorney in Michigan can prove to be beneficial to you. It’s easy to come across attorneys who can file a claim for motorcycle accidents, but it’s tricky to find the one that can seek justice for you in the most honest and transparent way.
Instead of hiring the first attorney or approaching the first law firm that comes to your mind or has been recommended to you, make a list of all possible options. You should gather information about different law firms practicing in Michigan. The powerful resource known as the Internet can help you with that. You can also ask other people in your circle who have been in a similar situation in the past.
Once you have sufficient information, you can contact different law firms to understand their working methods. You should compare all the options available to you to finalize an attorney who can work in your best interests.
We know that carrying out all these tasks while still dealing with the physical pain and mental trauma caused by the accident might not be easy for anyone. Hence, we suggest you always stay aware of which attorney can help you when the situation demands. Having this information in hand can help not just you but also your loved ones and acquaintances should they get into a motorcycle accident.
Final Thoughts
Once you hire an attorney, you should show trust in them. You should consult your attorney before deciding whether to go for an out-of-court settlement or fight the case in court.