Posts Tagged ‘Motorcycle Accidents’

Michigan motorcycle accidents climb higher. Are you street smart?

Motorcycles have never been more popular. In 1998, there were 3.8 million motorcycles on the road. By 2008, that number had skyrocketed to 7.7 million motorcycles. Sadly, the number of fatal motorcycle accidents has more than doubled during the same time period. In 1998, motorcycle accidents killed 2,294 people and injured more than 49,000 nationwide. In 2008, 5,290 died and more than 96,000 people were injured in motorcycle accidents.

The sharp rise in the number of motorcycle accidents has been linked to the dramatic increase in the number of inexperienced riders on the road. But there may be another reason for this increase. During the same time period, many states relaxed their motorcycle helmet laws.

Helmets drastically reduce the likelihood of dying in a motorcycle accident. Riders wearing helmets are 37 percent less likely to die in a crash than riders without helmets, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That’s why many states still require motorcyclists to wear helmets. In Michigan, all motorcyclists are required by law to wear helmets at all times.

Unfortunately, accidents happen. In Michigan, a total of 121 motorcyclists died in accidents in 2008.  Just recently, a Detroit police officer riding a motorcycle was critically injured when her motorcycle collided with a postal truck.

What would you do if you were injured in a motorcycle accident? Who would you call? Who would you trust? You need someone in your corner that will fight for your rights. You need someone who will work tirelessly to make sure you’re fully compensated for your injuries. You need the Law Offices of Goodman Acker.

Goodman Acker has years of experience defending the rights of motorcycle accident victims in Michigan. We understand the law and know how to get the most for our clients. We also realize insurance companies often try to blame motorcyclists for causing the accident, even if it wasn’t their fault.

Don’t leave your future to chance. Take action. Contact Goodman Acker today. We’re on your side.

Michigan motorcycle laws prohibit “lane splitting”?

Motorcycle accidents happen fast. Suddenly, your life can instantly change forever. Sometimes, accidents happen when a motorcyclist rides in between two lanes of traffic. Riders call this practice “lane splitting.” Is it legal? Who’s liable?

Depends who you ask. According to some experts, “lane splitting” is against the law in every state across the country except California. That certainly seems to be the case in Michigan. The state’s laws seem to clearly prohibit lane splitting in Michigan.

But most accidents are not clear-cut. Many factors come into play. Knowing what to do can be difficult. Confused? Scared? We can help. The Law Offices of Goodman Acker understands the legal complexities involved in motorcycle accidents. When you choose us, you get experienced lawyers who know how to navigate through the legal hurdles standing in your way for justice.

And just because you didn’t do anything wrong, don’t assume the insurance companies will be on your side. Often, insurance companies blame motorcyclists for causing the accident, even when the accident was the other driver’s fault. The other driver may even claim you were recklessly weaving in and out of traffic on your motorcycle when the accident took place.

Don’t let insurance companies push you around. Don’t leave your future to chance. Get respect. Take action. You need a skilled legal team on your side that understands the law. You need Goodman Acker.

More motorcyclists than ever are on the road. Be prepared. Ride safe. And remember who you can trust if you’re injured in a motorcycle accident. Contact Goodman Acker. We’re on your side.

Motorcycle Awareness Month educates motorists

Motorcycles are everywhere. That’s a saying you may have seen on a bumper sticker. But there’s more truth than you realize to that short slogan. Motorcycles are becoming more common. That’s why the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has designated May as ‘Motorcycle Awareness Month.’

The number of motorcycles on the roads nationwide has nearly doubled in the last decade. In 1998, there were 3.8 million registered motorcycles, according to the NHTSA. In 2007, the number of registered motorcycles soared to 7.1 million.

Motorcycle Awareness Month is not just geared towards educating all these new riders about motorcycle safety. A primary goal is to educate motorists to be more aware of motorcyclists. Motorcycle accidents are often caused by drivers who simply don’t see the motorcycle. And when these accidents occur, the consequences can life altering. In 2007, a total of 5,174 motorcyclists were killed and 103,000 injured in motorcycle accidents nationwide, according to the NHTSA.

Share the road. Be aware. Be safe. And if you are involved in a motorcycle accident, take action. Contact the law offices of Goodman Acker, P.C. We fight for the rights of Michigan motorcyclists. When you chose us, you get experienced motorcycle accident attorneys who will work tirelessly to secure the compensation you’re legally entitled to after an accident. Don’t let a motorcycle accident ruin your life. Contact Goodman Acker. We get results.