Michigan Motorcycle Accidents: What Do You Need To Know?

Motorcycle riding offers an unmatched experience on Michigan roads. From cruising down M-22, to the lake front stretches of open road, to the winding byways of the Upper Peninsula, there’s nothing like it. But with that experience comes quite a bit of risk. Motorcyclists are far more exposed than drivers in cars or trucks, and when accidents occur, injuries are often serious or life-changing.

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash in Michigan, understanding how traffic laws, insurance requirements, and the state’s no-fault system apply to you is crucial. In this blog, we’ll break down key legal considerations and explain how MichiganLawsuit.com can help protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Do Motorcycles Have Different Traffic Laws in Michigan?

Motorcyclists have to follow nearly all the same traffic laws as cars and trucks, but there are also a few laws written specifically for them. Here are a few:

1. Helmet Law: Michigan’s helmet law allows riders age 21 and older to ride without a helmet if they meet certain requirements: they must have had a motorcycle endorsement for at least two years or have passed an approved safety course, and they must carry at least $20,000 in first-party medical benefits coverage. Riders under 21 must always wear a helmet.

2. Passenger Rules: Passengers are only permitted if the motorcycle is equipped with a proper seat and footrests for the passenger.

3. Lane Splitting: Driving between lanes of slow or stopped traffic is illegal in Michigan.

These laws are enforced to promote rider safety. Violating them can not only result in fines but may also affect your ability to recover compensation after an accident, depending on how fault is determined.

Do You Need a Motorcycle-Specific Insurance Policy?

Yes — motorcycle owners in Michigan are required to carry a motorcycle-specific insurance policy. Unlike car insurance, this type of policy does not automatically include the same protections offered by Michigan’s no-fault system (there will be more on that below).

At a minimum, motorcyclists must carry liability insurance, which covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to others in an accident.

However, because motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to severe injuries, many choose to purchase optional coverages, such as:

1. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM): This protects you if the driver who hits you doesn’t have enough insurance.

2. Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay): This helps pay for medical expenses if you’re hurt in a crash.

Having the right motorcycle insurance can make a major difference in your financial recovery after a crash — and can also simplify coordination of benefits with any applicable no-fault coverage.

Does Michigan No-Fault Law Apply to Motorcycles?

This is one of the most common (and confusing) questions riders have — and for good reason.

Michigan’s no-fault insurance law applies primarily to motor vehicles, not motorcycles. That means a standard motorcycle insurance policy typically does not include personal injury protection (PIP) benefits. However, there is an important exception:

1. If a motor vehicle (like a car or truck) was involved in the crash, the injured motorcyclist may be eligible for PIP benefits through a car’s no-fault insurance policy — either their own, the owner’s, or the at-fault driver’s, depending on the situation.

This distinction between vehicles and motorcycles makes determining coverage after a motorcycle crash complex. That’s why it is so important to call an experienced attorney, like ours, at MichiganLawsuit.com, to help you navigate this issue and determine any potential avenue of compensation.

What Should You Do Following a Motorcycle Accident?

The moments following a crash can be disorienting and chaotic, but taking the right steps can protect your health, safety, and legal rights.

1. Get to Safety and Call 911. Move out of traffic if possible and call emergency services. Even if you feel “okay,” get medical attention immediately — some injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, may not be obvious right away.

2. Document the Scene. Take photos of the crash scene, vehicle damage, skid marks, and road conditions. Exchange information with the other driver(s) and any witnesses.

3. Do Not Admit Fault. Statements you make at the scene can be used against you later. Stick to the facts when speaking to police or insurers.

4. Notify Your Insurance Company. Report the crash promptly but avoid giving recorded statements or signing releases before consulting with a lawyer.

5. Contact a Motorcycle Accident Attorney. An experienced Michigan personal injury lawyer can immediately begin investigating your case, gathering evidence, and handling the insurance process so you can focus on healing.

   
   

How Can MichiganLawsuit.com Help You After a Motorcycle Accident?

Recovering from a motorcycle accident can be a long, painful, and expensive process. You may have permanent injuries, mounting medical bills, lost income, and more— all while trying to navigate a confusing insurance system. Our Michigan personal injury attorney is here to guide you every step of the way.

1. We will investigate the accident. This includes obtaining the police report and potential surveillance footage, deposing potential eyewitnesses, hiring an accident reconstructionist, and more.

2. We will handle insurance negotiations for you. We communicate directly with insurers to ensure they have what they need to process your claim and to ensure you’re not pressured into unfair settlements.

3. We will identify all possible sources of compensation. From negligent drivers to unsafe road conditions to defective parts on your bike, we leave no stone unturned.

4. We will pursue full and fair compensation for your injuries. If we have to go all the way to trial on your case, we will to ensure you receive just compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any long-term care needs.

   
   

Contact Us Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Michigan, don’t face the aftermath alone. Our experienced legal team understands the unique challenges motorcyclists face under Michigan laws, and we’re ready to fight for you.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your legal options, and help you get the compensation you deserve — so you can focus on recovery and getting back on the road.