I read a story about a tragic South Haven motorcycle accident that caused serious injuries to a motorcycle passenger.  The Sherrif’s Department reported that Ariel Anderson of Kalamazoo suffered serious internal injuries after leaving the South Haven fireworks display the other night.  The driver of her motorcycle apparently tried to pass other cars and collided with a driver who was turning into a private driveway.

I hope that Ms. Anderson has a speedy and successful recovery.

Under Michigan law, Ms. Anderson has several possible legal remedies for her injuries.  This will be helpful because she will most likely incur significant medical expenses and may be disabled from employment.  Because she was a passenger on the bike and had contact with another motor vehicle, she is entitled to Michigan No-Fault Insurance benefits which pay for medical expenses, lost wages, household services, and other expenses.

She may also be able to file a claim for her personal injuries against anyone who was negligent in causing her injuries.  This would include the driver of the motorcycle and even if they are friends, this should not interfere with the claim.  Typically, the bikers insurance company would pay a settlement for this type of accident.

I read a tragic story about a fatal motorcycle accident that took the life of a 48 year old woman, Helen Reeves.  She was riding her bike when a motorist crossed the center lane of the roadway and struck her, killing her instantly.  The driver appears to have been intoxicated and was arrested at the scene of the accident and taken to jail.

This is a tragedy that should have never happened.  My thoughts go out to her family and friends.  I only hope that the court system lays a heavy hand on the driver if the allegations prove to be true.

In my practice, I see instances like this way too often in my motorcycle accident cases.  Although many in the public believe that bikers are at fault in most accidents, I have found the opposite to be true.  It is most often negligent motorists who ignore the rights of bikers and other drivers and cause these catastrophic accidents.  With Summer now here and bikers in mid-season form, I can only hope that drivers become more responsible so accidents like this one do not happen again.

Climax-Scotts School System Superintendent Geoffrey Balkam was tragically killed in a Portage Car Accident on May 17h, which also left Portage High School Counselor Jennifer Larsen Russell with serious injuries. According to the Police, Balkam and his passenger, Russell, were riding his bike along Red Arrow Highway when Balkam lost control of his bike and were hit by a car. Both were rushed to Borgess Medical Center where Balkam subseqently died. Russell remains there in critical condition.

I am very sorry to hear that this accident happened. My condolences go out to the family and friends of Geoffrey Balkam for their loss. I hope that Ms. Russell will have a complete and full recovery.

Motocyclists injured in accidents in MIchigan do have legal rights.  Because this motorcycle accident involved contact with another motor vehicle, the passenger is eligible for Michigan No-Fault Insurance benefits.  This provides for payment of medical expenses, lost wages, attendant care services, and other benefits. 

Family members of a motorcyclist in a fatal accident may also may be able to make a claim for Survivor Loss Benefits.  This can include payment of funeral expenses, lost wages, and loss of other services. 

The no-fault insurance laws are complex and confusing and it is imperative that the injury victims and their family members contact a Michigan motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible so that the claims process can be started.  There are strict deadlines for filing claims and submitting bills and if not met, the insurance company may be legally entitled to refuse payment for these claims.

For a complete explanation of the rights of injured bikers in Michigan, you should request our FREE BOOK, “The Ultimate Michigan Motorcycle Accident Handbook.” Furthermore, the surviving family members may have a claim against the driver of the motor vehicle for wrongful death of the biker.

Buying motorcycle insurance in Michigan is not as easy as it may seem.  As a lawyer who represents victims of motorcycle accidents, I have met and represented many motorcyclists who thought that they are fully covered only to find out after their injury that gaps in their insurance coverage cost them thousands of dollars.  Because of this, the Michigan motorcycle lawyers at Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. have written “The Michigan Motorcycle Insurance Report” to help you understand the different types of insurance and figure out how much insurance you should buy.  This Report is available for FREE by clicking the book title.

The 8-Page Report includes

• Why asking for “full coverage” will not get you the coverage you want or need
• Why you should buy more than the minimum PL/PD coverage
• Why you should buy Medical Payment coverage
• Why you must buy Uninsured Motorist coverage
• Why you must buy Underinsured Motorist coverage

Also included is a case study of how one of our clients bought incomplete coverage from his insurance company.  Having the wrong coverage cost him almost $500,000!

You can also download the FREE “Michigan Car Insurance Report” by clicking on the title.  Be sure to download both FREE Reports today.

For more information about Michigan car accident cases, visit our law firm web site at www.BuckfireLaw.com.  If you would like to speak with one of our Michigan car accident attorneys about your case, feel free to call us anytime at (800) 606-1717 or simply submit this contact form and we will get back to you quickly.

In order to obtain a motorcycle endorsement in Michigan, many people must take and complete an approved motorcycle safety course.  This includes people under the age of 18 and drivers over the age of 18 who have failed two motorcycle skills tests.

The motorcycle safety courses are offered through the Michigan Secretary of State’s office or through a third party program approved by the Secretary of State.  A list of approved Michigan motorcycle safety program courses can be found online.

There are several safety courses for new and experienced motorcyclists.  Taking a motorcycle safety course can help bikers avoid accidents and, hopefully, minimize the severity of any accidents that do occur

The Basic Rider Course is the beginning level program.  This is a safety course designed for new or inexperienced riders who need to learn or be refreshed on basic riding techniques.

The Performance Based Course is a one-day class for an experienced rider.  Completion of this course allows the biker to get his completion card endorsed.

The Experienced Rider Course is a safety course designed for an experienced motorcyclist who wants more than the basics.  This course teaches deeper fundamentals of riding to riders that already have their endorsements.  Many organized group riders require this course before experienced bikers can register with them.

If you would like more information about your rights after a Michigan motorcycle accident, you can order our FREE book, “The Ultimate Michigan Motorcycle Accident Handbook” by calling our law firm.  We will send it along with other important information.

For more information about Michigan motorcycle accident cases, visit our law firm web site at www.BuckfireLaw.com. 

If you would like to speak with one of our Michigan Motorcycle accident attorneys about your case, feel free to call us anytime at (800) 606-1717 or simply submit this contact form and we will get back to you quickly.