Michigan Laws Surrounding Motorcycle Accidents

A motorcycle crash can change your life in moments. One careless move by a distracted driver or a missed pothole on a Michigan road can leave you with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and complex insurance issues. Even if you rode safely, you may still face legal challenges if you delay taking action.

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, you deserve answers and guidance. A motorcycle accident attorney at Matz Injury Law can explain your options, communicate with insurance companies, and help you pursue the compensation you may be entitled to.

Understanding Michigan’s Motorcycle Laws After a Crash

Michigan law sets specific requirements for riders that can directly affect your ability to recover compensation after an accident. Under Michigan Vehicle Code § 257.658, riders aged 21 or older are able to ride without a helmet only if they:

• Have held a motorcycle endorsement for at least 2 years or have completed an approved motorcycle safety course, and
• Carry at least $20,000 in first-party medical benefits coverage.

Michigan’s reformed no-fault insurance law allows motorcyclists to choose their level of personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. Higher PIP limits provide broader medical coverage after a crash, while lower limits may leave you paying more out-of-pocket or relying on the at-fault driver’s liability insurance.

How Michigan’s Motorcycle Traffic Laws Differ From Other States

Motorcycle accident laws aren’t the same everywhere, and those differences can directly impact your claim after a crash. For example, lane splitting is legal in some states but is prohibited in Michigan. While a few states allow all riders to go without helmets, Michigan only permits riders age 21 or older to ride without one if they meet specific training and insurance requirements.

If your accident occurred in Michigan, your claim will be governed by its partial helmet law and reformed no-fault insurance system. Understanding these rules can make a difference in proving fault and recovering compensation after an out-of-state or in-state crash.

Special Rules That Can Affect a Michigan Motorcycle Accident Cases

Certain Michigan motorcycle laws can directly influence the outcome of an injury claim. If you weren’t in compliance at the time of the crash, the insurance company may use that to reduce or deny compensation.

• License and endorsement: Motorcycle riders must have a valid driver’s license with a CY motorcycle endorsement. If you were operating without one at the time of the crash, it could weaken your legal position.
• Helmet and eye protection: Riders under 21 must wear a DOT-approved motorcycle helmet. In Michigan, eye protection is required only when riding over 35 mph without a windshield. This includes goggles, face shields, or safety glasses and is meant to ensure visibility and safety at higher speeds. If you suffered eye or head injuries while not meeting these requirements, the insurer may argue you contributed to your own injuries.
• Passenger rules: Passengers must have a proper seat and footrests. Those under 21 must wear helmets. Noncompliance could lead to fines and may be raised in settlement negotiations.

By understanding and following these rules, you help protect both your safety and your legal rights if you’re ever involved in a crash.

How Old Do You Have to Be to Ride a Motorcycle in Michigan?

In Michigan, you must be at least 16 years old, hold a valid driver’s license, and have a CY motorcycle endorsement to ride legally. Riders aged 16 or 17 may apply for a temporary instruction permit, but they face restrictions, such as no night riding, no passengers, and supervision by a licensed adult motorcyclist.

These rules matter if you’re injured in a crash. If a rider involved in an accident is too young to ride legally, lacks the proper endorsement, or violates permit restrictions, the insurance company may use that as evidence to reduce or deny compensation. For injured victims, proving the other party’s noncompliance can strengthen your case and help establish fault.

Lane Splitting and Motorcycle Accident Claims in Michigan

Under Michigan Vehicle Code § 257.660(4), lane splitting (riding between lanes of traffic) is prohibited. Motorcyclists are entitled to the full use of a lane and no vehicle may deprive them of that right. Riding two abreast in a single lane is permitted, but traveling between lanes is not allowed, even when traffic is stopped. Violating this law can impact your ability to recover compensation after a crash under Michigan’s comparative fault rules.

If an accident occurs while a rider is lane splitting, the insurance company may argue that the rider was partially or fully at fault. This can lead to a reduced settlement or even a denied claim under Michigan’s comparative negligence rules. For injured motorcycle accident victims, proving the other party was violating this law can strengthen your case.

Michigan Motorcycle Insurance Rules and How They Affect Accident Claims

Under Michigan’s Insurance Code, motorcyclists are required to carry liability coverage but not personal injury protection (PIP) by default. The default minimum liability coverage for bodily injury is $250,000 per person and $500,000 per accident, though policyholders may elect lower limits as low as $50,000/$100,000 in writing.

Riders may also purchase optional first-party medical benefits in increments (e.g., $5,000+), which help cover medical bills if you’re injured and no car was involved in the crash. If a motor vehicle is involved, your PIP claim may be made against the car driver’s insurer under Michigan’s no-fault priority rules.

If you were injured while riding uninsured, you may face fines, license suspension, personal liability for damages, and limited ability to recover compensation.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Michigan

Motorcycle accidents often happen because other motorists fail to see or yield to riders. On Michigan’s rural highways and suburban roads, collisions are frequently caused by:

• Distracted driving
• Failure to yield, especially in left-turn situations
• Poor road maintenance or hazardous conditions
• Impaired or reckless driving

According to state crash data, more than 3,056 motorcycle accidents occurred in Michigan in 2023. Identifying the specific cause of your crash is critical, as it helps establish fault and strengthens your personal injury claim.

Serious Injuries From Michigan Motorcycle Accidents and Your Right to Compensation

Motorcycle crashes often cause life-changing injuries because riders lack the physical protection of a vehicle. These motorcycle accident injuries can require costly treatment, long recovery periods, and ongoing medical care:

• Head trauma and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Fractures and broken bones
• Severe road rash
• Internal injuries
• Amputations
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

If you suffered any of these injuries in a Michigan motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. The attorneys at Matz Injury Law can evaluate your case, determine potential sources of recovery, and handle the legal process while you focus on healing.

Steps to Protect Your Rights After a Michigan Motorcycle Accident

The hours after a motorcycle crash are critical for your health and your legal case. Taking the right steps can preserve evidence, strengthen your claim, and protect your ability to recover compensation:

• Seek medical attention immediately. Some injuries take hours or days to show symptoms, and prompt treatment creates a record for your claim.
• Call law enforcement. A police report documents the crash and can help establish fault.
• Photograph the scene. Capture damage to all vehicles, your injuries, skid marks, and any hazardous road conditions.
• Collect witness information. Names, phone numbers, and statements can be key evidence.
• Avoid admitting fault. Even casual remarks can be used against you later.
• Notify your insurance company. Report the accident promptly, but stick to the facts.
• Contact a motorcycle accident attorney. A lawyer can step in quickly to protect your rights and handle communications with insurers.

The legal team at Matz Injury Law can act immediately to gather evidence, secure witness statements, and pursue the compensation you may be entitled to. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our personal injury lawyer.

Michigan’s Motorcycle Accident Reporting Rules and Your Claim

Michigan law requires that you report a motorcycle accident to law enforcement if it results in injury, death, or more than $1,000 in property damage. Filing an official report not only fulfills your legal obligation but also creates vital evidence for your case.

Failing to report can result in fines, license penalties, and serious challenges to recovering compensation. Insurance companies often deny or reduce claims when there is no official accident record. If you’re unsure whether your crash meets the reporting threshold, it’s safest to contact the police immediately and document the incident.

How Michigan’s No-Fault Rules Apply to Motorcycle Accident Claims

Most no-fault states require drivers to use their own insurance for injury claims, regardless of fault. Michigan’s no-fault law works differently for motorcyclists. Because motorcycles are not considered “motor vehicles” under Michigan’s no-fault statute, injured riders often cannot rely on their own PIP coverage unless they purchased it separately.

You may pursue a personal injury claim or lawsuit against an at-fault driver if:

• Your injuries meet Michigan’s “serious impairment of body function” threshold
• Your medical expenses exceed available coverage
• Another party’s negligence caused the crash

Understanding how Michigan’s no-fault exceptions apply to motorcycle accidents can be critical to securing full compensation. The attorneys at Matz Injury Law can determine the best path for recovery based on the facts of your case.

Proving Fault in a Michigan Motorcycle Accident Claim

Determining fault after a motorcycle crash is critical because it directly affects the compensation you can recover. Evidence often includes police reports, witness statements, crash scene photographs, and expert accident reconstruction.

Liable parties may be:

• A negligent driver who failed to yield, was distracted, or drove impaired
• A municipality or road agency responsible for unsafe road conditions
• A manufacturer or distributor of defective motorcycle parts

Motorcyclists sometimes face unfair bias during fault investigations, which can influence insurance negotiations and court outcomes. The attorneys at Matz Injury Law know how to counter that bias, gather compelling evidence, and present your case for maximum recovery.

How Partial Fault Affects a Michigan Motorcycle Accident Claim

A motorcyclist can be found partially at fault for a crash, but that does not automatically bar recovery. In Michigan, comparative negligence rules apply, meaning your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, if you are found 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, your recovery would be reduced to $80,000. However, if you are more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover compensation for pain and suffering, though you may still seek certain economic damages.

Many crashes occur because drivers fail to see or yield to motorcycles. The attorneys at Matz Injury Law can investigate the collision, gather evidence, and work to minimize any fault assigned to you so you can recover the highest amount possible.

Who Is Eligible to File a Michigan Motorcycle Accident Claim?

In Michigan, the following parties may pursue a motorcycle accident claim:

• The injured rider
• A motorcycle passenger
• A driver or passenger in another involved vehicle
• A parent or guardian on behalf of an injured minor
• Certain family members bringing a wrongful death claim

If you fall into one of these categories, Matz Injury Law can review your situation, explain your legal options, and work to secure the compensation you may be entitled to.

Steps in a Michigan Motorcycle Accident Claim

While every case is unique, most motorcycle accident claims follow these stages:

• Get medical treatment: Your health comes first, and medical records are essential for proving your injuries.
• Report the crash: Notify law enforcement and your insurance company promptly.
• Preserve evidence: Keep photographs, witness information, and damaged gear or bike parts.
• File an insurance claim: This may involve your own policy, the at-fault driver’s insurer, or both.
• Negotiation: Your attorney will handle communications with insurers and push for a fair settlement.
• Litigation, if needed: If settlement offers are inadequate, your lawyer can file a lawsuit and represent you in court.

At Matz Injury Law, we guide clients through each step, handle all legal communications, and work to recover the compensation you need to move forward.

Types of Compensation in a Michigan Motorcycle Accident Claim

If you were injured in a motorcycle crash, you may be entitled to recover damages in two main categories:

Economic Damages

These cover direct financial losses, such as:

• Medical expenses, including hospital care, surgery, rehabilitation, and future treatment
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Property damage to your motorcycle and protective gear
• Out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident, such as transportation to medical appointments

Non-Economic Damages

These address the impact on your quality of life, including:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress or mental anguish
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of companionship or consortium in serious injury cases

Filing a Wrongful Death Claim After a Michigan Motorcycle Accident

If a loved one is killed in a motorcycle accident, eligible family members may also seek:

• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Emotional pain and suffering

Wrongful death claims have specific statutes of limitations and procedural requirements under Michigan law. The attorneys at Matz Injury Law can handle the legal process with sensitivity and determination, allowing your family to focus on healing while we work to protect your rights.

Why Choose Matz Injury Law

At Matz Injury Law, every client receives personal attention and clear communication throughout their case. Our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys have decades of experience representing injured motorcyclists and their families, helping them navigate Michigan’s complex accident laws and insurance system.

We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. Our lower fee structure also means you keep a larger portion of your settlement or award.

From the first call to the resolution of your case, we focus on protecting your rights, explaining your options, and pursuing the outcome you need to move forward.

Our Reduced 22% Contingency Fee

Most Michigan personal injury firms charge a standard contingency fee of around 33% of your settlement or verdict. At Matz Injury Law, our fee is only 22%, meaning you keep more of the compensation we recover for you.

This lower fee applies whether your case settles out of court or proceeds to trial, and you pay nothing in attorney fees unless we win your case. For many clients, the reduced fee can result in thousands of extra dollars in their pocket at the end of the claim.

Testimonials

“If you need an injury attorney then Steve Matz is the attorney you want. He went above and beyond his responsibilities with my case. My case had several different parts (uninsured driver, medical, employer, and insurance company) and Steve was able to assist with most and the ones he couldn’t he was able to give us another attorney name. He is a great listener and he gets right to the point with any questions. I would recommend Steve to anyone – thank you so much Steve for all your help.” — C. N.

“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.” — D. F.

“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” — B.C.

Frequently Asked Questions About Laws Surrounding Motorcycle Accidents

What Makes Motorcycle Accident Claims Different From Car Accident Claims?

Motorcycle accidents often result in more severe injuries due to the lack of enclosed protection. Riders are also harder for drivers to see, which can complicate fault determinations. These factors can make claims more complex and increase the importance of experienced legal representation.

Can I Still Seek Compensation if I Wasn’t Wearing a Helmet?

Yes. You may still be able to recover damages, but if not wearing a helmet worsened your injuries, your compensation could be reduced under Michigan’s comparative negligence law. Matz Injury Law can work to show that the other driver’s negligence was the primary cause of your injuries.

Will Insurance Cover All of My Medical Expenses After a Motorcycle Accident?

Not always. Because personal injury protection (PIP) is not automatically included for motorcycles, your coverage will depend on your policy and the at-fault driver’s insurance. If your costs exceed those limits, you may need to pursue a claim against the responsible party.

How Is the Value of a Motorcycle Accident Claim Determined?

Each case is unique. Factors include the severity of your injuries, medical treatment costs, lost income, property damage, and non-economic losses such as pain and suffering. Matz Injury Law can assess your case and identify all potential sources of compensation.

Injured in a Michigan Motorcycle Accident? Get in Touch With Our Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer.

If you or someone you love has been hurt in a motorcycle crash, the choices you make now can affect your recovery, both physically and financially. Insurance companies move fast to protect their interests, and you deserve someone protecting yours.

The personal injury attorneys at Matz Injury Law understand the challenges Michigan riders face after a serious accident. We will investigate your case, deal with insurers, and pursue the full compensation you may be entitled to under the law, all while you focus on healing.

Your consultation is free, and you pay no attorney fees unless we win your case. Call our law firm today at 866-22Not33 or fill out our online contact form to get started on your free case evaluation.