Motorcycle Accidents

St. Clair County Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Protecting Motorcyclists' Rights in St. Clair County & Beyond

The state of Michigan boasts some of the most beautiful riding routes, including those in St. Clair County. Unfortunately, a motorcycle accident can turn an exhilarating day on the road into a devastating ordeal, potentially involving catastrophic injuries. If the accident resulted from someone else's negligence, the rider deserves compensation. Our motorcycle accident attorneys in St. Clair County have over 50 years of experience helping injured motorcyclists secure the financial settlements they need for recovery.

Call our office in Port Huron at (810) 676-9447 or use our online contact form to request a free consultation with a motorcycle accident lawyer in St. Clair County.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in St. Clair County

Distracted Driving: Many drivers fail to notice motorcyclists due to distractions such as texting or adjusting their GPS. Motorcycle riders can increase visibility by wearing reflective gear and using headlights during the day.
Poor Road Conditions: Hazards like potholes, loose gravel, and uneven pavement are particularly dangerous for motorcycles. Familiarize yourself with local roads before your ride.
Weather: Rain creates slippery roads, fog reduces visibility, and icy conditions make rides extremely dangerous. Riders should take care to ride slower, maintain extra distance from other vehicles, and pull over if weather conditions worsen.

Whether or not an accident involves liability on the part of the driver comes down to the question of negligence—the legal concept upon which all personal injury cases hinge.

Negligence in St. Clair County Motorcycle Accident Cases

Negligence refers to the failure of one party to exercise reasonable care, leading to harm or injury to another. In motorcycle accident cases, negligence might apply to another motorcyclist, the driver of an automobile, or even a government agency if roads and signs were not properly maintained.

Under Michigan law, negligence is assessed using the concept of "comparative negligence." This means that fault can be divided between the parties involved in the accident.

For example, if a car driver fails to yield at an intersection and collides with a motorcyclist, the driver may be considered negligent. However, if the motorcyclist was speeding at the time of the accident, they may share some percentage of the fault.

To establish negligence, four elements must be proven:

It must be shown that the party responsible had a duty of care—for instance, following traffic laws or maintaining safe driving practices.
It must be demonstrated that this duty was breached, such as by running a red light.
There must be a direct connection between the breach and the accident.
Evidence must confirm that actual harm, such as injuries or property damage, occurred.

Under modified comparative negligence rules, a motorcyclist can recover damages if they are less than 50% at fault. However, the compensation received may be reduced by the rider’s percentage of fault. For instance, if a motorcyclist is deemed 20% at fault for an accident and the final damage award is $200,000, they would only recover $160,000.

Modified comparative negligence means that, quite literally, every percentage point of fault counts. This is particularly true in catastrophic injury cases where the final damage award might be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars—or more. That means the quality of your lawyer can matter a great deal.

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The Benefits of Working with a Local Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Working with a lawyer with local knowledge offers distinct advantages that can help streamline the legal process and potentially maximize your compensation. Our motorcycle accident attorneys in St. Clair County understand these unique aspects.

A fixture in the community since 1974, Rowling, Partipilo & Winston has an in-depth understanding of Michigan's traffic and no-fault insurance laws. We are familiar with the nuances of how local courts interpret these laws. Our insights can be pivotal when crafting legal strategies to hold negligent parties accountable.

No less important is our familiarity with the roadways and accident-prone zones in Southeast Michigan. Whether the accident occurred on a rural road outside Marine City, a busy stretch of I-94, or near Port Huron’s city center, we understand the conditions, traffic patterns, and potential hazards involved. By understanding the context in which your accident occurred, we aim to help you build a strong case and maximize your settlement.

Our local presence also means we have established relationships with local courts, medical professionals, and specialists who may play vital roles in supporting your claim. This network allows us to move swiftly and efficiently, ensuring all facets of your legal and recovery process are addressed. Additionally, our firm’s commitment to the community means we genuinely care about the well-being of our clients and their families, reinforcing our dedication to achieving the best possible outcomes.

Personal Help from a Professional Motorcycle Accident Team

Working with Rowling, Partipilo & Winston means personalized attention. You don't get handed off to a staffer when you come through our office. We're proud of our dedicated support team—but we also know that injured plaintiffs and their loved ones deserve to talk directly with their lawyer.

We know motorcycle accident law, and we know the St. Clair County community. When you or someone you love is recovering from a motorcycle accident, Rowling, Partipilo & Winston will leverage all of our experience and knowledge to position you for success. We negotiate and litigate with aggressiveness and confidence because we know our clients are depending on us.

Motorcycle Accident FAQs for St. Clair County Riders

What Should I Do Immediately After a Motorcycle Accident in St. Clair County?

In the aftermath of a motorcycle accident, your priority should be safety and seeking medical attention. Even if injuries seem minor, it is crucial to have a professional examination, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Also, document the scene if you're able, taking photos of the accident site, damages, and any injuries. Gathering contact details from witnesses and other involved parties will also support your claim.

Contact your insurance company to report the accident. It is advisable to limit your communication to factual statements and avoid discussing fault. Once you're safe, consulting with a motorcycle accident attorney in St. Clair County is prudent. An attorney will help protect your rights, and guide you through legal processes to ensure you receive fair compensation.

What Are the Common Injuries Sustained in Motorcycle Accidents?

Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries due to the limited protection that motorcycles provide compared to enclosed vehicles. Common injuries include road rash, fractures, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries, even if a helmet is worn. Such injuries often require extensive medical treatment, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and in some cases, lifelong care.

Recovering from these injuries can be physically and emotionally taxing. Therefore, pursuing a claim for damages can be pivotal in securing compensation to cover healthcare costs and support for recovery.

How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Michigan?

In Michigan, the statutes of limitations dictate the timeframe within which you can file a claim for damages following a motorcycle accident. Generally, you have three years from the date of the accident to initiate legal proceedings. Acting within this period is crucial, as failing to do so can result in losing the right to pursue compensation.

It's advisable to begin the claims process well ahead of this deadline to allow ample time for comprehensive preparation of your claim. Early legal action can often facilitate a more favorable and efficient resolution of your claim.

Can I Recover Compensation If I Was Partially at Fault in an Accident?

Yes, in Michigan, you can still recover compensation even if you are found to be partially at fault under the state's modified comparative negligence system. Your compensation will be adjusted proportionally to your degree of fault. For instance, if you are deemed to be 20% responsible for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by that percentage.

Understanding the implications of shared fault is essential when pursuing compensation, and it underscores the importance of having a knowledgeable attorney navigate these complexities for you.

How Can I Maximize My Compensation from a Motorcycle Accident Claim?

Maximizing your compensation begins with accurately documenting the impact of the accident, which includes maintaining detailed medical records, tracking expenses related to the accident, and demonstrating any evidence of lost wages. Additionally, non-economic damages like pain and suffering should be considered and properly documented.

Most importantly, consulting with an experienced attorney can significantly affect your claim outcome. An attorney will strategize your presentation of facts, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, and represent your best interests in any legal proceedings.

Contact our St. Clair County motorcycle accident attorney by calling (810) 676-9447 today.

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Why Choose Rowling, Partipilo & Winston?

Justice for the Injured. Results You Can Trust.

Community-Focused Representation

We live and work in Southeastern Michigan, serving our neighbors with dedication and local expertise. We’re committed to keeping our community safer by holding negligent parties accountable.
Decades of Proven Results

Since 1974, Rowling, Partipilo, & Winston has been Michigan’s trusted personal injury firm, securing millions for victims and helping them rebuild with confidence.
Passion and Commitment in Every Case

At Rowling, Partipilo, & Winston, we handle our own cases—what you see is what you get. From consultation to courtroom, you work directly with the attorneys fighting for your rights.
More Than $10 Million Won

We don’t settle for less. With over $10 million won, we aggressively pursue the full compensation our clients deserve.
Aggressive, Client-Focused Advocacy

We never represent insurance companies—our only focus is fighting for the injured. While insurers minimize payouts, we work harder to secure the compensation you deserve.
Free Consultations

A free, no-obligation consultation is the first step toward getting the justice and compensation you deserve.

What Our Clients Are Saying What Our Clients Are Saying

Fighting for Justice Since 1974

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I am so happy I picked the right attorney! You and everyone there stuck by me and my grand-babies. Thank you for not giving up on us. I am so grateful to be able to put some money away for them from their mom… Thanks again!

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Attorney Nicole Winston helped my family so much after a drunk driver flipped our lives upside down. She went to bat against the Auto Insurance, the Disability Insurance and Social Security and won all three cases. We owe her so much!

- Former Client
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Thanks for having been so nice to my mom and me. You’re the only one that believed in her. Last night, I went out for a quiet birthday dinner and I wore the big bling ring that she bought in Florida, so she was with me. Today, I am going to the nursing home to plant a Potentilla for my mother. It’s a new color called Rosebud. I know that you worked really hard for us. Thanks again for being an upstanding lawyer.

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