Motorcyclists are a familiar sight across our Michigan roadways. For many Michiganders, riding in a motorcycle group or club provides a deep sense of freedom, community, and belonging.
Despite the positive effects these groups can have, they aren’t without their drawbacks. Motorcycles are inherently dangerous, with over 3,000 crashes happening in Michigan annually. Lacking the protection and advanced safety features found in modern automobiles, these machines can produce truly horrific accidents.
This case is one such example.
On a beautiful day in May, our client was out riding with a group of 11-13 other bikers, many of whom were close friends. Positioned toward the back of the pack, he cruised alongside a longtime riding partner at approximately 50 mph.
When a rider near the front saw some debris blowing in the wind, he extended his leg as a signal to proceed with caution to the rest of the pack. Suddenly and without warning, our client’s life changed forever.
Although he recognized the signal from his fellow rider and slowed down, not everyone in the group was as experienced as him. A novice rider (who didn’t always join on group rides) tragically misinterpreted this signal. Rather than yielding, she panicked and slammed on her brakes, cutting off our client in the process. Unfortunately, our client did not have time to react to this rider’s rash decision and a terrible accident ensued.
Our client was left with severe injuries which nearly resulted in the loss of his right leg. After 9 days in the hospital and numerous invasive procedures, he was stabilized and his leg was intact. However, his battle was far from over. He underwent months of extensive rehab following these procedures and was unable to work for about 4 months. This placed a significant financial burden on his family and left him desperate for help.
We stepped in and initiated a 3rd party lawsuit against the at-fault rider, applying our experience with motorcycle accident cases to seek a meaningful recovery. After it was clear the at-fault rider was not willing to accept responsibility for the accident she caused, we prepared the case for trial.
Following a tense trial with fierce litigation on both sides, the jury unanimously awarded $1,500,000 in damages. This verdict marked a significant win for our client and brought closure to his lengthy recovery process. With his medical expenses covered and his family now secure, he can finally move forward with dignity and peace of mind.
If your back is against the wall following a serious motorcycle accident in Michigan, call Femminineo Law at 855-65CRASH. We’ve handled countless cases involving motorcycle injuries and take pride in how our Accident Response Team guides and serves our clients. Schedule a free consultation today and let us be the difference in your story.
Get David. Get Paid.
Attorneys: David Femminineo, Bart Kmiec
Insurer: Allstate
Verdict Amount: $1,500,000
