Riding a motorcycle through Sterling Heights, Michigan, can be exhilarating, but it also comes with real risks. Unlike drivers in enclosed vehicles, riders have very little protection in motorcycle accidents. When something goes wrong on the road, riders are far more likely to suffer serious or even fatal injuries.
In the aftermath of a crash, it’s important to understand your legal rights, especially when serious injuries are involved. Speaking with a personal injury attorney in Sterling Heights can help you determine your next steps and whether you’re entitled to compensation.
Many different types of motorcycle accidents happen in Michigan every year. Learning about the most common types can help you stay safer and help you figure out what to do next if you’ve already been involved in one. If you’ve been hurt in a collision, contact a dedicated Sterling Heights motorcycle accident lawyer from Khamo Law for a free consultation.
Left-Turn Accidents
One of the most common and dangerous motorcycle crashes involves another vehicle making a left-hand turn in front of an oncoming rider. In most of these cases, the motorist fails to see the motorcycle or misjudges its speed and turns anyway. The rider usually has no time to react.
These crashes often happen at intersections or when drivers are trying to turn into parking lots or driveways. The result can be a direct collision at full speed, which may throw the rider from the bike and cause devastating injuries.
Lane-Change and Merging Accidents
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), many motorcycle crashes occur because other drivers fail to detect motorcycles in traffic, especially during lane changes. Motorcycles are smaller than passenger vehicles and can be harder to spot in a car’s blind spot. When a driver changes lanes without checking thoroughly, they might sideswipe a motorcyclist or push them off the road.
These types of accidents often happen on M-53, I-75, or other busy highways near Sterling Heights, where vehicles are moving fast and switching lanes frequently.
Rear-End Collisions
Many people assume rear-end crashes are minor. For motorcyclists, that’s often not the case. If a driver isn’t paying attention and hits a motorcycle from behind, even at low speeds, it can result in broken bones, back injuries, or worse. In heavier traffic, riders may be forced into another vehicle or off the road entirely.
Dooring Accidents
In more urban areas of Sterling Heights or nearby cities, dooring is a real danger. This happens when a driver opens their parked car door into the path of a moving motorcyclist. If the rider can’t stop in time, they may crash directly into the door or swerve into traffic to avoid it.
Single-Vehicle Motorcycle Accidents
Not every crash involves another vehicle. Sometimes, a motorcyclist loses control due to road defects, poor weather, or mechanical failure. Loose gravel, potholes, or slick roads can lead to a loss of traction, especially during quick turns or sudden stops.
Even though another driver may not be involved, it may still be possible to file a claim. If the accident was caused by poor road maintenance or a faulty motorcycle part, other parties could be held responsible.
Contact a Sterling Heights Motorcycle Accident Lawyer After a Crash
After any motorcycle accident in Sterling Heights, Michigan, it’s important to act quickly. Start by calling 911 to report the crash. Seek medical care right away, even if you don’t think you were seriously hurt. Take photos of the scene and your injuries if you’re able, and get the contact info of any witnesses.
Then, set up a free consultation with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Sterling Heights as soon as you can. Michigan law includes no-fault insurance rules as well as other legal options for injured riders, but you may also have the right to file a claim against an at-fault driver for additional compensation, like pain and suffering.
Contact Khamo Law today at (248) 466-0606 or complete our online contact form to get started with your case.