7 Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident

A motorcycle crash often leaves more than physical injuries. You might be missing work, facing medical bills you didn’t expect, and trying to navigate a confusing insurance process while still recovering. It can be hard to know what steps to take or who to trust for help.

Matz Injury Law provides straightforward legal support to injured motorcyclists throughout Michigan. We help you understand your options, manage the claims process, and take action to recover the compensation you may need to move forward.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Michigan

Motorcycle accidents in Michigan often result from the negligence of other drivers. Speeding and failure to yield are two of the most common causes across the state. Left-turn collisions are especially dangerous, many of which occur when a driver turns in front of an oncoming motorcycle at intersections.

Impaired driving continues to be a major factor in Michigan motorcycle crashes. Despite strong laws against operating while intoxicated (OWI), motorcycle riders and drivers alike are still involved in alcohol-related collisions each year.

Michigan’s changing weather and rough road conditions also contribute to motorcycle accidents. Potholes, loose gravel, and poor visibility after storms make riding riskier, particularly in areas with older infrastructure or limited maintenance.

Inexperienced riders may also struggle to respond quickly in traffic, leading to unsafe lane changes, sudden stops, or failure to avoid road hazards.

Understanding these risks can help Michigan motorcyclists stay alert and ride defensively in high-risk areas.

Common Injuries in a Motorcycle Crash

Because motorcycles offer less protection than enclosed vehicles, Michigan riders often suffer severe injuries in a crash. Head and neck trauma, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), is among the most common, particularly if the helmet was not fastened properly or failed on impact. Michigan law requires motorcyclists under age 21 to wear a helmet. Riders 21 and older may legally ride without one if they have held a motorcycle endorsement for at least two years or completed an approved safety course and carry at least $20,000 in medical coverage. Even when not legally required, wearing a helmet is a critical step in reducing the risk of serious injury.

Leg and foot injuries are also frequent. Since these parts of the body typically make first contact with the ground, riders may experience broken bones, deep bruising, or lacerations.

Road rash is another common injury. Without full protective gear, this type of injury can damage multiple skin layers and lead to serious infections.

Some riders also face long-term effects from spinal cord damage, fractured ribs, internal injuries, or facial trauma. These injuries often require extensive treatment and rehabilitation, sometimes affecting a person’s ability to work or return to everyday routines.

Medical care in Michigan can be expensive, and even with no-fault coverage, it’s important to document injuries early and follow through with all treatment to support your legal claim.

What to Do Immediately After a Motorcycle Accident in Michigan

The moments after a motorcycle crash are chaotic, but what you do next can significantly affect your physical recovery and your legal rights. Michigan’s no-fault insurance system has strict deadlines and documentation requirements. Following the right steps can protect your claim and help you get the care and compensation you may need.

Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Keep Your Gear On

If you’re able, move yourself and your motorcycle out of traffic to a safe area. Keep your helmet and other protective gear on until medical professionals arrive. Removing gear too soon can worsen spinal or head injuries. If possible, activate your hazard lights or signal for help.

Step 2: Call Emergency Services

Call 911 immediately. Emergency personnel can assess injuries and provide medical treatment. The responding officer will also complete a UD-10 Traffic Crash Report, which is Michigan’s official accident report form. This document is critical for both your no-fault insurance claim and any future legal action. Even if you don’t feel injured at the scene, seek a full medical evaluation. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away.

Step 3: Document the Accident Scene

Use your phone to take clear photos of your motorcycle, the other vehicle, visible injuries, road conditions, and any signs or traffic signals nearby. Include time and location information if possible. This documentation may help establish fault and strengthen your legal and insurance claims.

Step 4: Exchange Information With the Other Motorist

Calmly exchange contact and insurance details with the other motorist, including names, addresses, license plate numbers, and insurance information. Do not admit fault or speculate about who caused the crash. These statements can be used against you during the claims process.

Step 5: Collect Witness Information

If anyone witnessed the crash, ask for their names and contact information. Neutral third-party accounts can be valuable when proving what happened and supporting your version of events.

Step 6: Notify Your Insurance Company

Report the crash to your insurance provider promptly, ideally within 24 hours. Share only factual details and avoid speculating. Do not provide a recorded statement until you’ve spoken with an attorney, especially if your injuries are serious.

Step 7: Call a Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Speak with a Michigan motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible. A lawyer can help protect your rights, communicate with insurance adjusters, and collect the evidence needed to support your claim. Early legal support often leads to better results.

Understanding Michigan’s Legal and Insurance Requirements After a Motorcycle Crash

Motorcycle crashes in Michigan fall under a unique legal framework. In addition to following basic safety steps, riders must comply with state-specific rules to protect their right to compensation. This includes formal reporting obligations, strict timelines under Michigan’s no-fault law, and liability rules that affect how much you may recover.

When a Police Report Is Legally Required

Michigan law requires that a police report be filed if there is an injury, death, or property damage totaling $1,000 or more. This applies to most motorcycle accidents. The report is often used as key evidence when seeking no-fault benefits or pursuing a personal injury lawsuit. Failing to report the crash properly may weaken your ability to collect damages or dispute fault.

Insurance Reporting Under Michigan’s No-Fault System

Under Michigan’s no-fault law, most injured motorcyclists must file a claim with their auto insurance or the responsible driver’s insurer to access benefits. These benefits typically include coverage for medical bills and lost wages, regardless of who caused the crash. Riders have one year from the date of the accident to apply for no-fault benefits. Waiting too long can lead to a denied claim, even if your injuries are legitimate.

Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit

If your injuries are serious and someone else was at fault, you may also be able to pursue a third-party personal injury claim. Michigan allows up to three years from the crash date to file this type of lawsuit. However, fault plays a critical role. If you are found partially responsible, your compensation may be reduced under Michigan’s modified comparative fault rule. If you are more than 50% at fault, you may be barred from recovering non-economic damages like pain and suffering. Economic damages, such as medical costs or lost income, may still be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Protecting Your Legal Rights After a Michigan Motorcycle Crash

After a motorcycle accident, what you say can impact your ability to recover compensation. While much of the process involves insurance claims and medical care, it’s also important to understand how to interact with law enforcement and insurers without putting your legal rights at risk.

Know Your Boundaries With Law Enforcement

Michigan law requires drivers involved in crashes with injury or significant property damage to cooperate with police. You must provide identification and basic accident details, but you are not obligated to speculate about fault or accept blame. The officer’s role is to document facts, not determine liability on the spot. If you’re unsure about how to answer a question, it’s acceptable to say you’d prefer to speak with an attorney first.

Be Cautious When Dealing With Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often begin their investigation immediately after a crash. While you must notify your provider and cooperate with the claims process, you are not required to give a recorded statement or accept the first offer. These early steps can influence the outcome of your claim, especially if there are disputes about fault or the extent of your injuries. A Michigan motorcycle accident lawyer can step in to manage communications and help you avoid missteps that could reduce your compensation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Motorcycle Crash

Even if you take the right steps after an accident, a few missteps can still harm your claim. Some actions may seem harmless in the moment but can later be used by insurers to reduce or deny compensation. Knowing what to avoid is just as important as knowing what to do.

Leaving the Scene Too Soon

Staying at the crash site until law enforcement arrives is not only required by law—it also protects your ability to prove what happened. Leaving prematurely can lead to criminal penalties and damage your credibility.

Admitting Fault or Apologizing

A brief apology or offhand remark can be interpreted as an admission of liability. Even saying “I didn’t see them” may later be used against you. Let the facts and the evidence speak for themselves.

Signing Documents Without Legal Review

Insurance companies may present release forms or early settlement offers soon after the crash. These documents often limit your rights. Have any paperwork reviewed by an attorney before signing.

Posting About the Crash on Social Media

Insurers monitor social media for anything that could undermine your claim. Photos, comments, or even check-ins could be taken out of context. Stay offline while your case is pending.

Accepting the First Settlement Offer

Initial offers are typically based on quick assessments and may not reflect the full scope of your injuries, lost wages, or long-term needs. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney at Matz Injury Law can help evaluate the offer and push for fair compensation.

Why Medical Attention and Documentation Matter After a Motorcycle Crash

Medical records are the foundation of any injury claim. In Michigan, where no-fault benefits and third-party lawsuits depend heavily on documentation, consistent medical treatment is not just important. It is essential. Gaps in care or missing paperwork can give insurers a reason to question your motorcycle accident injuries or reduce what they pay.

To protect your health and your case:

• Follow all medical advice. Attend every appointment, take prescribed medication, and complete any physical therapy recommended by your providers.
• Keep a detailed file. Save all receipts, treatment notes, prescriptions, mileage to appointments, and any at-home care expenses.
• Track your recovery. Maintain a personal journal that notes pain levels, physical limitations, or missed workdays. This kind of documentation can support non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.
• Share updates with your attorney. Your legal team can use this information to strengthen your claim and respond to any disputes from insurance companies.

Ongoing treatment shows that you are taking your recovery seriously. It also creates a clear connection between the crash and your injuries.

Filing a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Michigan

The process of filing a claim after a motorcycle crash in Michigan involves more than just alerting your insurance company. Between the state’s no-fault system and the possibility of pursuing a third-party injury claim, timing and documentation are critical.

Matz Injury Law helps riders understand every step of this process and avoid costly mistakes. Whether you are applying for no-fault benefits or seeking compensation from an at-fault driver, our team can manage the legal work while you focus on recovery.

Here is how to begin building your claim:

• Review your insurance policy. Michigan motorcyclists are not automatically covered under no-fault insurance unless a motor vehicle was involved in the crash. If a car or truck is involved, benefits are paid based on a priority system, typically starting with the motor vehicle owner’s insurer. Motorcyclists may also purchase optional PIP coverage for additional protection.
• Attend all medical appointments. Missing follow-up visits or ignoring treatment plans may weaken your case. Consistent care helps support both no-fault and personal injury claims.
• Track all accident-related expenses. Keep records of medical bills, lost income, home care needs, transportation costs, and any out-of-pocket spending related to the crash.
• Apply for no-fault benefits within one year. You must submit your application on time or risk losing eligibility for medical and wage loss coverage. Our team at Matz Injury Law can assist with this paperwork to avoid errors and delays.

If another driver’s negligence caused the crash and your injuries meet Michigan’s threshold for a third-party lawsuit, we can also help pursue additional compensation beyond what no-fault provides.

What Compensation Can You Claim After a Motorcycle Crash?

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to more than just no-fault benefits. In Michigan, compensation can come from both your personal injury protection (PIP) claim and a third-party lawsuit, depending on the circumstances.

The legal team at Matz Injury Law can help you evaluate the full extent of your losses and pursue every available source of compensation. We work with riders to document damages thoroughly and build a strong case for financial recovery.

Potential compensation may include:

• Medical expenses: This includes hospital bills, surgery, medications, physical therapy, and future treatment needs.
• Lost income: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be able to recover wages lost during your recovery.
• Reduced earning capacity: For long-term or permanent injuries, you may also pursue compensation for the loss of future earning potential.
• Pain and suffering: Non-economic damages cover the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the crash.
• Property damage: This includes the cost of repairing or replacing your motorcycle and any damaged gear.
• Rehabilitation and home care: In serious motorcycle accident cases, long-term care, medical devices, or home modifications may be necessary.

Because every accident is different, the amount and types of compensation depend on the severity of your injuries and how they impact your daily life. Our attorneys can help you calculate the full value of your claim and protect your right to fair compensation under Michigan law.

When to Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Michigan

It is important to contact a motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible after a crash. Speaking with an attorney early allows you to take the right steps from the beginning and avoid mistakes that could harm your claim. In Michigan, the no-fault insurance system has strict timelines, and personal injury lawsuits must be filed within three years of the accident.

The personal injury lawyers at Matz Injury Law work with injured riders across Michigan to help them understand their options and protect their legal rights. Our attorneys can review your insurance policy, assist with your no-fault application, and help determine whether you are eligible to file a third-party injury claim. We also preserve evidence, communicate with insurance companies on your behalf, and help document the full extent of your losses.

By getting legal help early, you can reduce stress, stay focused on recovery, and feel confident that your case is being handled properly.

Why Clients Choose Matz Injury Law

After a crash, you need more than legal advice. You need someone you can trust to take the pressure off. Matz Injury Law has helped injured riders across Michigan for decades, offering hands-on support with insurance claims, medical documentation, and legal deadlines. Our “22, Not 33” promise means you keep more of your settlement than you would with most law firms. When you work with our personal injury law firm, you get direct access to experienced attorneys who are here to help you move forward.

Our Client Testimonials

“I was struck by an SUV while riding my HD motorcycle. When I was released from the hospital, I contacted Lawyer Steven Matz, who came to our home and assisted us with all the paperwork. Steve also got us top Dollar for my totaled bike, and the maximum amount allowed in our financial settlement. Steve was always available to help with questions, and gave answers that contained compassion. He was always upbeat and energetic! I highly recommend his services to anyone that may need them.” — Dan F.

“If you are looking for the best attorney to handle your automobile accident claim, look no further! I have known Steve Matz for more than 20 years. He successfully represented me in 2001 then again in 2019 following serious automobile accidents. He leads you step by step through the entire complex legal process. Put Steve Matz on your team to get the justice you deserve! The Matz team is a clear winner!” — Gary C.

“Thank you Steve for your dedication, compassion, efficiency, empathy, and commitment to ensure my brother received the best outcome from his unfortunate motorcycle accident. Steve hit the floor running soon after our initial phone consult. He didn’t waste time at all! I highly recommend Steve and his firm to represent you and your family. Once I again, thank you Steve! Blessings to you and your firm for taking good care of us ~ With deep appreciation: Our Family” — Be S.C.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can You Prove Fault in a Motorcycle Accident in Michigan?

Fault in motorcycle accidents is often proven through the police report, photographs, witness statements, and expert crash reconstruction. In Michigan, fault especially matters when filing a third-party injury claim.

Should I File an Insurance Claim if I Am at Fault?

Yes. Under Michigan’s no-fault system, you can still receive benefits for medical expenses and lost wages, even if you were partially or fully at fault.

How Much Will Insurance Pay for a Totaled Motorcycle?

Payouts are based on the motorcycle’s actual cash value, which considers age, condition, mileage, and depreciation. You can review your policy and dispute a low offer with legal help.

How Much Is a Good Settlement for a Motorcycle Accident in Michigan?

Settlement amounts in Michigan depend on injury severity, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A lawyer at Matz Injury Law can help calculate the full value of your losses.

What Should I Do if I Am the Passenger in a Motorcycle Accident in Michigan?

As a passenger, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries, regardless of who was at fault. You should get medical care immediately, document your injuries, and keep track of all related expenses. An attorney can help you file a no-fault claim and determine whether a third-party lawsuit is available based on the details of the crash.

Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With Our Michigan Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

A motorcycle accident can leave you facing serious injuries, lost wages, and pressure from insurance companies. Whether you are dealing with rising medical costs or trying to figure out where to start with your claim, legal guidance can help you take control. At Matz Injury Law, our personal injury attorneys work directly with injured riders to handle the paperwork, manage the insurance process, and pursue fair compensation under Michigan law.

We offer free consultations, and you won’t pay unless we recover compensation for you. Call us today at 866-22Not33 or use our online contact form to schedule a free consultation with a motorcycle accident attorney who understands what you are going through and is ready to help.