Recent Blog Posts

Crash Kills Motorcyclist on 10 Mile Road in Eastpointe

Michigan Motorcycle Accident Lawyer — Wed, 16 May 2012 16:40:00 GMT

On Tuesday, May 15, a 27 year old Eastpointe man was driving a pickup truck westbound on 10 Mile Road around 2:40 a.m., when he collided with a motorcyclist riding eastbound on his Harley Davidson. The man on the bike died from his injuries. Police say he was not wearing a helmet, but do not believe a helmet would have saved his life. The driver of the pickup had been drinking alcohol.

Is there a more dangerous time of day to ride a motorcycle than those very late or early morning hours? I don't think so. I have always made it a practice to stay off the roads at these times. There are too many people driving their cars under the influence. The car drivers are dangerous enough without tempting fate at these very late hours.

Being involved in an accident can be very stressful, hiring an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer to assist with your claims is essential. Contact the firm to discuss your accident and the best possible approach to the case.

Carroll Shelby Dies

Michigan Motorcycle Accident Attorney — Mon, 14 May 2012 19:14:00 GMT

I know that Carroll Shelby had nothing to do with motorcycles, and this is a motorcycle accident blog, but there hasn't been anyone involved in motor sports more interesting than Carroll Shelby. Shelby died this last Thursday in a Dallas hospital. He was one of the world's longest living heart transplant recipients, having received a heart in June 1990. He was a car racer and one of the most well known names in history as a car developer. When, as a racer in the late1950's he won Le Mans, he was already suffering with heart problems, and drove the race with nitroglycerin pills under his tongue!!

He developed the well known Shelby Cobra in 1962. He built it to compete against Corvette, and in one year was dominating Corvettes throughout the country. In 2007, an 800 horsepower model of the Cobra made in 1966, once Carroll Shelby's personal car sold at auction for $5.5 million. This car, 40 years ago, could go 0-60 in just over 3 seconds!

When Ford Motor Co. asked Shelby to design a Mustang (which Shelby called "a secretary car" ) that could compete against the Corvette for young male drivers, they got their money's worth. He developed the Shelby Mustang that is as popular today as it was when he developed it in the 1960's. He later was asked by Lee Iacocca, when he was at Chrysler to design the Dodge Viper.

The guy was a genius, and left us all a little better off, every time we see a Shelby Mustang, a Viper, or best of all, a Shelby Cobra!

Mandatory Helmet Law Repealed - More Information!

Jerry Aaron — Fri, 04 May 2012 16:11:00 GMT

First, a little bit about Michigan Bikers Association. We handle MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS ONLY. Attorney Jerry Aaron is a lawyer who rides, and he has been successfully handling motorcycle accident cases in Michigan for over 30 years. For more information, you can contact us or read more about what we do.

I am sure that all of you must know by now, that Michigan's Mandatory Helmet Law was repealed, effective April 13, 2012. Now the question is what does that mean to you as a motorcycle rider? The Bill states as follows:

"A motorcycle operator is not required to wear a helmet if ALL of the following conditions apply:

The operator is at least 21 years of age
The operator has had his or her motorcycle endorsement for at least two years, or has successfully passed a motorcycle safety course
The operator has in effect, an insurance policy for the first-party medical benefits payable if he or she is involved in a motorcycle crash for at least $20,000 for the operator

If you are a passenger on a motorcycle, you are not required to wear a helmet if ALL the following conditions apply:

The passenger is at least 21 years of age
The passenger has, in effect, at least $20,000 security for the first-party medical benefits payable, if he or she is involved in a motorcycle accident, OR the operator of the motorcycle has in effect, an insurance policy that covers the operator AND the passenger for at least $20,000 per person

I was able to obtain this FAQ information directly from Progressive Insurance:

Q. What coverage does Progressive offer to satisfy the helmet law?

A. Motorcycle Medical Benefits coverage, selected at $20,000 limits or more, will satisfy the motorcycle medical coverage requirement stated in this law.

Coverage limit applies on a per person basis
Coverage extends to the named insured and resident spouse and relatives
Coverage does not extend to non-resident relatives, or non-relative riders

Q. What coverage is available to operators or guest passengers, other than the named insured, resident spouse, and resident relatives?

A. Motorcycle Medical Benefits Coverage does not cover anyone, other than the named insured, resident spouse, and resident relatives. Bodily Injury liability coverage might apply for insured's legal liability to other operators or guest passengers; however, Bodily Injury liability coverage does not satisfy the helmet law insurance requirements.

A short explanation of this "insurance speak" is that you can buy the coverage for yourself, your spouse, or a relative that lives in your home. As for an unrelated passenger, they seem to offer no coverage. The other companies I have checked with are in the same boat. I think what has happened here is that the insurance companies have been caught "flat-footed" by the Governor signing this Bill. They simply do not have all of the coverage that is necessary. So, as of now, any non-related passenger who does not wear a helmet cannot purchase the coverage that the Bill requires. I am sure that this will change, but as of now, it has not.

Q. Does health insurance satisfy the insurance requirements ofthe new law?

A. No.

Q. How will the operator prove to a police officer that he or she has the required coverage on the policy?

A. We will not be making changes to our proofs of insurance to indicate the person is eligible to ride without a helmet. According to the Michigan State Police Update, the operator will not be required to carry proof of his or her endorsement or coverage.

After all of this confusion, you may be asking yourself, "what if I do not purchase the required $20,000 medical benefits?" The answer is that if you are stopped helmetless by the police for any reason, and you do not have this $20,000 coverage, you will be cited for a civil infraction.

HOWEVER, it is my understanding that a Memo was sent to all Michigan State Police Posts by Director, Colonel Krist Kibbey Etue, clarifying for the officers how this law will be enforced. The Memo states the following:

The law does not require a motorcycle operator to carry or present proof he or she has a motorcycle endorsement for at least 2 years, or has successfully passed the motorcycle safety course
The law does not require a motorcycle operator or passenger to carry proof of the $20,000 security required to operate or ride a motorcycle without a helmet
Officers may NOT stop a motorcyclist for not wearing a helmet, based on the possibility that the operator or passenger may be in violation of the helmet law.

I have also learned that Sheriff Howie Hanst of Ogemaw County has instructed his officers

that since the Mandatory Motorcycle Helmet Law has been taken off the books, bikers no longer have to worry about DOT approval for their helmets. It appears therefore, that those of you who wish to wear novelty helmets may do so without worry of being stopped by the authorities.

Why You Need a Lawyer Who Rides

Jerry Aaron — Fri, 04 May 2012 15:48:00 GMT

I have been riding motorcycles for the past 40 years. When I began my practice of law, I was a criminal attorney. The firm that employed me represented a number of the motorcycle clubs in the Detroit area. This was in the 1970's. In the 1980's, I changed my focus to personal injury law. I have been a personal injury lawyer, specializing in motorcycle accident cases, ONLY, for over 30 years.

It appears now that there are a great many lawyers who have "discovered" motorcycle accident law. They have pictures of themselves standing next to motorcycles. They write pamphlets and books, explaining how they specialize in motorcycle accident law. If you take the time to really check their websites or Google them, you will see that they are specialists in everything. Truck accidents. Slip and falls. Medical malpractice. Lead paint poisoning. Swimming pool accidents. They are experts in everything. I am not about to hire a plumber to fix my roof. Why would I hire a medical malpractice lawyer to represent me in a motorcycle accident?

I have seen one lawyer who, because he doesn't ride a motorcycle, tells people on his web site that if they are in a motorcycle accident, they do not need a lawyer who rides. They go so far as to say that if you needed medical help, you would not insist on having a doctor who rides. That is their analogy. A better analogy would be, if you were in a car accident, you would want to hire a lawyer who, at least, knows how to drive a car!

This so-called expert prints on the internet some interesting statistics. 1) 25% of super sport bike accidents were fatal motorcycle accidents. 2) 49% of all motorcyclists without helmets are killed in motorcycle accidents. I am not making this up. I took this right off of his internet post.

Then he gives riding tips (a lawyer who doesn't ride a motorcycle) He advises people to ride in the center of the lane. If you ride, you know that it is probably the last place you want to be riding. All of the grease and oil accumulate in the middle of the lane, and if it should start to rain, it would be like riding on glass. He also advises people riding in groups to ride single file. When was the last time you saw a group of bikers riding single file (other than in a curve)? I have ridden with many groups throughout the years. We ride staggered. This gives you even more room between yourself and the motorcycle in front of you. But how could a lawyer who doesn't ride a motorcycle know that? The better question is how can a lawyer who doesn't ride a motorcycle give motorcycle riding advice? That would be like me giving advice on Rodeo Bull Riding!

How could a lawyer who doesn't ride a motorcycle understand what happens in an emergency situation, where a biker must lay his bike down to avoid an accident? Do you think these lawyers know the difference between a high-side and a low-side accident? Most of them don't know which side of the handle bars is the clutch lever and which is the brake lever.

Why am I saying all of this? Simple. Every year I see more lawyers trying to get a "piece of the pie". Unfortunately, you, as motorcycle riders, are the pie. Not to me. To me, you are a brother. You know what I'm saying. You ride into a gas station, and if there is another biker, you start up a conversation. If you are driving down the road in your car, and there is a motorcycle on the side of the road, you pull over to offer assistance. That is, as a motorcycle rider, what we do. Can you imagine one of these non-biker lawyers pulling his car over to the side of the road to help a biker? Not a chance.

If you are unfortunate enough to be involved in a motorcycle accident that may affect you for the rest of your life, you want a lawyer who will, not only be in your corner, but will be able to understand you, understands how much motorcycle riding means to you, and will make it a priority, not only to get you the compensation you deserve, but to get you back to where you want to be...on your bike.

Helmet Law Bill is Signed by Governor

Michigan Motorcycle Accident Attorney — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 20:25:00 GMT

On April 13, 2012, Governor Rick Snyder has announced his decision to sign Senate Bill 291.

This new law allows motorcycle operators to ride WITHOUT A HELMET if they are age 21 or older. They must have at least $20,000 of first party (medical benefits) insurance coverage. Plus, they must have had an endorsement for more than 2 years OR by taking a certified motorcycle safety course and receiving an endorsement.

Your passenger may also ride helmetless if they are at least age 21 and are also covered with at least $20,000 of first party benefits. What this means is that if the passenger does not have insurance on their own, you may need to buy an additional $20,000 of this coverage, in addition to your own.

When you need a Michigan motorcycle accident attorney who rides call me.

Mistakes of a New Rider

Michigan Motorcycle Accident Lawyer — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 01:15:00 GMT

Many of you know people who have decided that this is the year they are buying a motorcycle. I think it's timely, therefore, to discuss what I think are the most common mistakes of a new rider.

1.Buying too big of a bike.

You'll get there. But not on your first bike! The important thing is to learn how to ride! You need a bike that's easy to handle, stop and maneuver. Don't start with a Harley Road King.

2. Too eager to get out on the highway

I always think, and I remember doing this over 30 years ago, riding side streets is the best. Riding in your neighborhood. Riding in other neighborhoods. Get so that you're comfortable with the bike and riding, before you venture out in traffic

3. Not believing that you are INVISIBLE to cars....you are.

They're not looking for a motorcycle, they're looking for other cars. They flat out don't see you most of the time. I've lost count on how many clients have told me "I came up to the traffic light, I looked at the guy waiting to make the left turn, he looked at me.....and then as soon as I got to the intersection, he turned!! He was looking right at me! No he wasn't. He was looking through you. He never saw you. He was looking for a car, and you're not a car, so you didn't register in his brain. Always, always, ride like you're invisible. Because most of the time, to car drivers, you are.

4. Riding with a passenger.

Now that you've got yourself a motorcycle, you can't wait to take someone out for a ride on the back of your new bike. Understand that a motorcycle handles different, brakes different, even accelerates different with a passenger on the back. I remember a number of years ago a buddy of mine who was a fairly new rider, couldn't wait to go to Sturgis on his new Harley and take his girlfriend riding. I met up with him out there at Mt Rushmore. He's got his new girlfriend and his new motorcycle. We ride off to some scenic switchbacks and don't get too far before he negotiates a curve wrong, with the extra weight on the back, and goes down. Neither he nor the girlfriend were hurt too badly. Some road rash. But it ruined the trip for him. She wouldn't get back on. Didn't trust his riding, and he then had to hang out with her the whole time, while we rode to Deadwood, Devil's Tower, Custer's Park and all the other beautiful places to ride out there.

Riding a motorcycle is a skill. Like a lot of things we like to do. But it takes practice. If you put in the time you'll be rewarded a hundred fold, and you'll enjoy riding motorcycles the rest of your life.

If you or someone you love has been injured, call me. As a Michigan motorcycle accident lawyer who rides, I can help.

Willie G. Davidson Announces His Retirement

Michigan Motorcycle Accident Attorney — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 19:11:00 GMT

Willie G. Davidson, who has been the chief designer for Harley Davidson for the past 3 decades has announced his retirement. He is responsible for the designs of the Super Glide, Low Rider, Heritage Softail Classic, Fat Boy, V-Rod and the Street Glide. He was also the chief designer for the new Dark Custom lineup.

This is making me feel old. I had the pleasure of riding with Willie G. at the 90th Harley Davidson Reunion in Milwaukee. Obviously, a while ago. My brother in law lived in Milwaukee at the time, and after many lengthy discussions, bought a Harley Road King. Once he got it, you couldn't get him off the thing. He was into everything Harley. One day he decided to start a riding group in the area where he lived. It got to be a pretty big deal. As you can imagine, there are a great many Harley riders in Milwaukee.

When the 90th reunion came around, I rode to Milwaukee for the festivities. Of all the reunions, I believe the 90th was the best. The entire city turned out and lined the expressways waving. Quite a site. But, not as thrilling a site as when I went to breakfest one morning with his riding group at some guys house, and there is Willie G. walking around talking to everyone. Just one the guys. He had a silver grease pen and signed anything you put in front of him. The highlight though was the ride. Off we went, about 20 guys with Willie G. Davidson in the lead. I think I smiled the entire ride.

Riding a motorcycle can be very dangerous, if you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, then you should contact a member of our legal team. A Michigan motorcycle accident attorney from our firm will be able to seek compensation on your behalf, no matter what type of motorcycle accident you may have been involved in. Please don't hesitate to call our offices today.

Audi to Buy Ducati

Michigan Motorcycle Accident Lawyer — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 22:56:00 GMT

Audi has struck an exclusisve deal giving it first rights to buy Italian superbike manufacturer Ducati. This is according to CAR magazine. The exclusive deal gives Audi until mid April to finalize the deal. Ducati, which makes around 40,000 motorcycles a year, is on the market since its debt burden is reportedly higher than its revenue.

Ferdinand Piech, chairman of Audi, said in 2008 it was a mistake not to have bought Ducati when it was on the brink of bankruptcy. It appears that 4 years later, he is having another go at it. Stay tuned. This deal, with all the money that Audi could infuse into Ducati, could set the motorcycle industry on it's head.

Driving a motorcycle can be dangerous. If you've been involved in a motorcycle accident, we can help. Contact a Michigan motorcycle accident attorney to assist in seeking the compensation you deserve.

DILLIGAF

Michigan Motorcycle Accident Lawyer — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 23:21:00 GMT

Many of you, if you are bikers, know what those letters stand for. For those who do, you often see these letters on a patch sewn on to a leather vest or jacket. For those who don't know, it stands for "Does it look like I give a F*ck." You may be wondering why I'm writing about this on my blog. The reason is that I've been speaking to people more and more about the causes of motorcycle crashes.

After 30 years of representing motorcycle riders involved in crashes with automobiles, I thought I knew pretty much what the major causes were. They are, "left turning cars at traffic lights", "cars pulling out of side streets or shopping centers", "cars rear ending motorcycles".

Unfortunately, I'm now seeing something that I've never seen before in all my years of riding and representing bikers. It's the auto driver, who actually sees the motorcycle but does'nt care that he/she is about to badly injure someone. It's one thing to turn in front of, or pull out in front of the biker, if you don't see them. It's another thing, much more serious, if you see the biker and just figure "I'll turn and he'll stop or I'm pulling out, and he better stop because he's on that light weight bike and I'm in this big car." These people simply don't care.

They're not looking at the biker as someone's husband, wife, daughter, brother, son, etc. They're just looking at the "thing" that's in their way! So, I've been thinking that this patch that says DILLIGAF, doesn't so much belong on a biker's vest, but on the bumpers of cars.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident due to automobile then you should contact an experienced Michigan motorcycle accident lawyer.

Automatic Motorcycling

Jerry Aaron — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 23:23:00 GMT

When I learned to drive a car, stick shifts were fairly common. In fact, after driving over 40 years, I only purchased my first automatic transmission car about 10 years ago. Today, however, people are learning to drive with automatics, and virtually all cars are automatic. So, what happens when you are first learning to ride a motorcycle? You have to learn this new skill of shifting.

This hasn't been lost on motorcycle manufacturers. I'm sure there are a fair number of people who have difficulty with this new skill of clutch in, accelerate, clutch out. Honda, Yamaha and Aprilla are now offering models that are "automatics". Full size motorcycles, not scooters. I recently read a test in "Rider" magazine of the new Aprilla Mana GT ABS.

It has a seven speed CVT transmisson. Like an Audi, a BMW or a Ferrari. No clutch, just buttons by the left grip that allow you to shift up and down through 7 gears. Like those fancy paddle shifters in the cars I just mentioned. If this proves too much work, you can leave it in Autodrive. This is fully automatic, and the bike shifts automatically through the gears. Just like most cars.

For some reason I never thought I'd see automatic motorcycles. If you wanted to ride, you learned how to shift. Period. Guess I was wrong. Technology marches on. Whether it seems like a good idea or not.

"On Any Sunday"

Michigan Motorcycle Accident Attorney — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 20:50:00 GMT

It's been 40 years since Bruce Brown, the guy who gave us "Endless Summer", the movie that introduced so many people to surfing, filmed and distributed the motorcycle riding masterpiece "On Any Sunday." The name comes from the fact that on any Sunday there's some kind of motorcycle competition going on somewhere in the world.

Now that the weather has caused most of us (there's always a few die hards) to put our bikes away for these many months, it might be interesting for some of you that haven't, and some that have seen the film, to see it again. Much of the financing of the film came from the late actor, Steve McQueen, who could ride with the best of them. Check him out in the movie.

I have discovered that you can watch this movie for free on your computer by using HULU or YOU TUBE. No longer necessary to buy or rent it. Just punch it up and enjoy. Nice way to spend a snowy, cold afternoon while thinking about how long it'll be before you can go out riding again.

Riding motorcycles can be enjoyable as well as dangerous. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident then you should seek the legal guidance of an experienced Michigan motorcycle accident lawyer such as myself. I will be able to fight on your behalf and ensure that you recieve the maximum amount of compensation you are entitled to. Contact the firm for addtional information.

Detroit Harley Davidson Closes

Michigan Motorcycle Accident Attorney — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 04:44:00 GMT

Detroit Harley Davidson closed it's doors officially on November 7, 2011. Jim was looking to retire, so, courtesy of Motor City Harley and Wolverine Harley, he now has. The two dealers bought him out. That's one good way to limit the competition!

Here's the good news........Dale Archambault, the General Manager, who has been at Detroit Harley for the last 21 years has opened in it's place, DETROIT MOTORCYCLE. They will sell parts, will do service, and sell bikes. Also, winter storage for those needing someplace warm to put their bikes. They currently have the Brooks line of leather (I love that stuff) Rebel Girl and American Rebel lines of clothing. More is coming.

For those of you have been reading my blogs, you know that I've been a motorcycle rider my entire life which has assisted my decision to become a motocycle accident attorney. I've been riding now for almost 40 years. For 20 of those years, Dale Archambault has been my "go to" guy for motor work. Many of my riding buddies, as well, have been using him for motor work all these years. Dale would pick up our bikes, or we'd ride to his house, where he would do the work in his well equipped garage. The guy is the best! If I've been using him for 20 years, you'd think so. Now he and 3 Harley certified mechanics will be doing the work at the shop on Van Dyke in Center Line.

If you've been riding for any length of time you know there are some pretty lame "bike mechanics" out there. Both outside and inside dealerships. If you're wondering at all about where to take your bike, this is the place. Another way to think about it is "why not give a guy who has the courage to start up a new business, the opportunity (especially when he's this good) instead of lining the pockets of some dealer who's already become rich selling overpriced motorcycles."

DETROIT MOTORCYCLE

25152 Van Dyke

Center Line Mi. 48015

1-586-756-1284

Flint Woman's Case Settles for $900,000

Jerry Aaron — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 18:37:00 GMT

45-year-old woman was on the back of her boyfriend's motorcycle when it was sideswiped by a truck. Her left leg was injured. She was later diagnosed with nerve damage. No surgery. This case was turned down by another lawyer, who claims to be a "specialist" in motorcycle law. Maybe not as specialized as he thought. Seemed like a good case to me. Client certainly thinks so. Quoting my client: "I'm so happy that I called. You people saved my life! I don't know what I would have done without you!"

Give us a call if you have been injured in a motorcycle accident. I might be able to help.

Bill to Be Introduced in Legislature That May Drastically Affect Your Future

Jerry Aaron — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 20:46:00 GMT

This bill is House Bill 4936.

The big insurance companies are at it again. They think that because the majority of the House and Senate, and the Governor are Republicans, it is time for them to "put the screws" to the little guy again and reap gigantic profits.

What this bill does is drastically change Michigan's current No Fault Law. They're telling people that this is "The Consumer Choice Insurance Act." This would allow people to choose different amounts of coverage and "save money." Oh yeah, there's NO GUARANTEE in this bill that rates will go down. That means that rates will NOT GO DOWN. But what will happen to you if you're involved in an accident is another story.

They want to flush the unlimited medical care you now get and put a cap on it. The purpose? To save them money. They're telling us the "You don't need unlimited medical coverage on your auto policy (like you have now), because you have your health insurance or Medicare." This is a load of "crap."

If you are in a catastrophic motorcycle accident or car accident tomorrow, you will be in the hospital and will not be able to work in the near future (if at all). So, you're not able to work.....you'll lose your employer-sponsored health insurance!

Therefore, you will be on government Medicaid. The problem here is that Medicaid doesn't offer comprehensive rehabilitation coverage, home modifications, pain management, etc. You will most likely end up living in a Medicaid-funded Nursing Home.

Motorcycle Accident

It's even worse if you're in a motorcycle accident. You're maxed (as a motorcycle rider) to No Fault benefits of $250,000. THIS CAP IS ONLY FOR MOTORCYCLES!! That's right, you are monumentally screwed. If you're hit by a "left turner" who fractures your leg, requiring a couple, or a few surgeries, and months of rehab, you're going to run out of money. Good luck getting treatment then! Under our existing law, medical and rehabilitation are UNLIMITED.

It gets worse......Motorcycle riders and passengers not wearing an APPROVED HELMET (DOT) will be considered 35% AT FAULT. A drunk driver rear ends you, and you're not wearing an APPROVED HELMET, you're automatically 35% AT FAULT!!

One more thing....Any motorcycle rider not wearing an APPROVED HELMET, does NOT GET NO FAULT BENEFITS!! It doesn't matter if it's a leg fracture, an arm fracture, or whatever, if your helmet is not an approved helmet YOU ARE OUT!! That means, no wage loss, no medical bills paid, no home care paid. You get ZIP. NOTHING.

Have I got your attention now? If you never have contacted your local representative or senator, now would be the time. Tell them to vote NO on House Bill 4936.

If you have been injured in a Michigan motorcycle accident, contact the firm today to learn more about how I can help you.

$975,000 Settlement for Lansing Motorcycle Accident

Jerry Aaron — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 19:05:00 GMT

This week we settled a case for a woman who was riding on the back of her boyfriend's motorcycle when it was struck by a pickup moving over into their lane. She suffered a knee fracture, which required surgery at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. The accident happened in July, 2009. She returned to work January 2010. Insurance company defense was not that their insured didn't hit my client, but "it's just a knee." Unbelievable! It makes me crazy when insurance company lawyers say things like that. Hey, if it's YOUR knee, it isn't "just a knee." Just when it belongs to somebody else.

Obviously, we made them "see the light". Any day you get that close to a million dollars for a knee injury, you're successfully doing your job. My thanks to my staff, who worked their tails off for this nice woman,and all of her doctors and co-workers who came to bat for her.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, call me and I'd be happy to learn more about your case.