Michigan Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

A top-rated Michigan motorcycle accident lawyer can help if you or a loved one was injured while riding. We represent bikers and passengers in motorcycle injury cases.

You can sue after a motorcycle accident if another driver or biker was at fault for the crash. If you were a passenger, you can also sue the driver of your motorcycle if that person was at fault.

Our law firm gets motorcyclists the highest settlements against at-fault drivers and assist them with insurance claims for their no-fault insurance benefits.

• Do I need to hire a motorcycle lawyer?
• Most common causes of accidents
• How do I file a motorcycle accident lawsuit?
• Can I sue for pain and suffering damages?
• Who pays my medical bills and lost wages?
• How much is my case worth?
• Examples of settlements

Should I Hire a Michigan Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

Yes, hiring a motorcycle lawyer significantly improves your chances of getting higher compensation and navigating complex legal processes. Bikers consider Buckfire Law the top motorcycle accident law firm in Michigan. We are members of ABATE and support a large number of other motorcycle clubs and organizations, including The Michigan Confederation of Bikers, Gold Wing Riders, and other riding groups.

When you hire our law firm as your attorneys, you will get the following:

• A team of lawyers who regularly wins the top accident settlements in Michigan.
• We handle motorcycle injury cases statewide, in cities like Port Huron, Monroe, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Grand Rapids, Saginaw, and in Northern Michigan.
• The best possible legal representation under our No-Fee Promise. It costs no money to get started and we only earn our fee if you receive a settlement check.

What We Do for You After Your Accident

Our legal team will do everything possible to prove the driver of the vehicle that hit you was negligent and caused the crash. To win your case, we will:

• Get all police accident reports, investigative reports, and witness statements.
• Interview all eyewitnesses with our own special investigators.
• Have our traffic crash expert download the black box data from the car or truck.
• Hire a motorcycle accident reconstruction expert witness to analyze the accident.
• Get your medical records to prove the seriousness of your injuries.

Call us now for your free consultation with an experienced Michigan motorcycle accident lawyer. Our law firm is ready and eager to help you!

What are the Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?

In Michigan, the majority of motorcycle accidents are caused by negligent drivers, not the bikers themselves. In most crashes, the biker is completely free of any negligence and did nothing to cause the accident. Typically, it is a negligent motorist that ignored the rights of motorcyclists on the streets and highways.

The most common reported causes of motorcycle accidents in Michigan include:

• Improper lane changes.
• Distracted driving.
• Drugs and alcohol.
• Speeding.
• Driving under the influence.
• Intersection accidents.
• Sudden stops.
• Head-on collisions.
• Left-turn accidents.
• Defective road conditions.
• Vehicle defects.

The police may put you at fault for the accident, even when it was a negligent motorist that was truly responsible for the collision. The legal team at our top-rated law firm has the skill and experience to fully investigate and prove your case.

Michigan Motorcycle Accident Statistics

In 2023, there were 3,161 total motorcycle accidents in Michigan. Of that total, there were 2,565 injuries and 173 fatalities reported. June reported the highest number of motorcycle involved crashes with 536. The majority of motorcycle involved crashes occurred between 3pm and 5:59pm.

The counties with the highest number of motorcycle injuries were:

• Wayne County: 515
• Oakland County: 284
• Kent County: 199
• Macomb County: 192
• Genesee County: 122
• Kalamazoo County: 99
• Washtenaw County: 88
• Ingham County: 82
• Ottawa County: 78

The total number of accidents fluctuated over the past 5 years. The highest number of crashes was 3,175 in 2021, a 36% increase from the previous year.

Who Pays for Repairs to my Damaged Motorcycle?

Motorcyclists in Michigan face different rules when it comes to getting repairs covered after an accident. Under the Michigan No-Fault Act, motorcyclists are not entitled to the same mini-tort claim that applies to motor vehicles. This mini-tort allows drivers of cars and trucks to recover up to $1,000 from the at-fault driver for repairs, but since motorcycles are not considered motor vehicles under this law, bikers don’t have access to that claim.

For an accident with another motorcycle, the at-fault driver and owner of the motorcycle are responsible for the damages and repairs to your motorcycle. You would make your claim against their insurance company to have your bike fixed.

Motorcycle Accidents Result in Serious Injuries

Motorcycle accidents result in very serious injuries to bikers and passengers. The most common injuries include:

• Fatal accidents.
• Spinal cord injuries.
• Traumatic brain injuries.
• Back and neck injuries.
• Shoulder injuries.
• Fractures and broken bones.
• Knee injuries.
• Scarring and disfigurement.
• Road rash.
• Psychological damage, like PTSD and depression.

Victims of motorcycle accidents often require surgery, lengthy hospitalization, and extensive rehabilitation. Many of these injuries result in permanent disability from work and recreational activities. They also can negatively affect relationships with family members.

How Do I File a Michigan Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit?

Filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Michigan requires the help of a skilled attorney to ensure everything is done correctly. A Michigan motorcycle accident lawyer will guide you through the process, starting by filing a formal complaint. The Complaint, outlines the details of the accident, the negligence involved, and the damages you’re seeking. Many cases settle with the insurance company before a lawsuit is filed, but if a settlement can’t be reached, your lawyer will pursue the case in court.

Michigan Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit Process

• Consult with a lawyer: Your lawyer will assess your case and gather initial information.
• File a Complaint: This formal document is submitted to the court and outlines the fact, claims of negligence, and damages.
• Negotiate with insurance: Your attorney will often try to settle the case with the insurance company before going to trial.
• Litigation (if necessary): If the case doesn’t settle, your lawyer will proceed with a court trial to secure the compensation you deserve.

Filing a lawsuit can be complex, but with the right legal representation, you’ll have the best chance of receiving fair compensation for your injuries.

Can I Sue for Pain and Suffering After a Motorcycle Accident?

Anyone injured in a Michigan motorcycle accident can sue the at-fault driver for non-economic damages, or personal injury damages. These are claims in addition to no-fault insurance benefits and compensate the biker for pain and suffering, psychological damage, disability, scars, and disfigurements caused in the accident.

Who Pays my Medical Bills and Lost Wages?

After a motorcycle accident in Michigan, who pays your medical bills and lost wages depends on the type of insurance coverage involved and the circumstances of the crash. Here are the key considerations:

• No-fault insurance (if another vehicle is involved): If your accident involved a motor vehicle, Michigan’s no-fault insurance will likely cover your medical bills and lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident. This insurance pays for necessary medical expenses and provides wage loss benefits at 85% of your income for up to three years, subject to a monthly cap.
• Motorcycle insurance with medical pay coverage: Some bikers have medical pay covered under their motorcycle insurance. While not mandatory in Michigan, this coverage can help pay for your medical bills after a crash. However, if your accident didn’t involve another vehicle, no-fault benefits may not apply, making medical pay coverage an important backup.
• Filing a claim against the at-fault driver: If another driver caused the accident, their liability insurance might cover your medical expenses and lost wages. You would need to file a personal injury claim to recover compensation, and your attorney would help prove the other driver’s negligence.
• Health insurance: If you have health insurance, it can help cover medical expenses not covered by no-fault or motorcycle insurance. However, your health insurer may seek reimbursement if you receive a settlement or payment from the at-fault party.
• Out-of-pocket expenses: If no-fault benefits, medical pay coverage, or liability claims don’t fully cover your expenses, you might be responsible for paying some medical bills and lost wages out of pocket.

Navigating insurance claims after a motorcycle accident can be complex, but working with an experienced attorney can help ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to for your medical bills and lost wages.

Wrongful Death Lawsuits after a Fatal Accident

If the crash resulted in fatal injuries to the biker or passenger, the surviving family members can file a Michigan wrongful death lawsuit against the negligent person. A death claim seeks a settlement for the decedent’s pain and suffering before the death, loss of the companionship of the family members, and other claims that are allowed under the Michigan Wrongful Death Act.

What are the Legal Rights of an Injured Passenger?

Injured passengers in motorcycle accidents have the right to sue for compensation. Claims can be filed against negligent drivers and even the operator of the motorcycle they are riding on at the time of the crash. The passenger is completely innocent in any accident. Many times, the biker and motorist attempt to blame each other as being responsible for the crash.

How Much is My Motorcycle Accident Case Worth?

The amount of your settlement depends on a number of factors. These include the seriousness and permanency of your injuries, the type of medical treatment, and how the injuries have affected your ability to lead your normal life. Other factors to take into consideration include whether you had any degree of fault and the amount of the insurance policy limits available to pay your settlement. You may be entitled to a large settlement.

Do I Need a Lawyer to Settle My Motorcycle Accident Case?

No, you do not need a motorcycle accident lawyer to settle your case. While you are not required to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer to settle your case, having legal representation greatly increases the likelihood of receiving a higher settlement. You can try negotiating with the insurance adjuster on your own, but studies show that victims who have a lawyer often receive substantially more compensation, even after attorney fees are deducted. A skilled lawyer will know how to maximize the settlement, ensuring that all your damages are covered.

Examples of Michigan Motorcycle Accident Settlements

Here are a few examples of the significant settlements our law firm has secured for Michigan motorcyclists:

• $9,500,000 settlement for a biker hit by a public bus in a Detroit motorcycle accident.
• $5,000,000 judgment against a negligent driver in Kalamazoo.
• $2,750,000 settlement in a fatal motorcycle accident lawsuit.
• $1,900,000 settlement for a motorcyclist injured in a Grand Traverse County.
• $1,260,000 settlement injured in a Lansing area motorcycle accident.
• $1,100,000 settlement for a Detroit biker injured when a truck forced him into oncoming traffic.
• $750,000 settlement for a husband and wife severely injured in a Grand Rapids accident.
• $560,000 settlement for a Michigan motorcyclist injured in a Florida motorcycle accident.
• $500,000 settlement for a biker in a Flint motorcycle crash.

What if I am Hit by a Driver with No Insurance?

If you’re hit by a driver who doesn’t have insurance, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured motorist coverage, if included in your policy. Many drivers in Michigan fail to carry the state-required liability insurance, but uninsured motorist coverage can help ensure you are still compensated for your injuries and damages.

What is the Statute of Limitations in Michigan for a Motorcycle Accident?

In Michigan, you have three years from the date of the motorcycle accident to file a lawsuit against the negligent party MCL 600.5805(10). This is known as the statute of limitations. If you do not file your claim within this time frame, your right to recover damages will be lost forever. The time limit applies to lawsuits seeking compensation for pain and suffering, as well as other damages, under Michigan’s third-party lawsuit rules.

Contact a Michigan Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

The sooner you contact a Michigan motorcycle accident lawyer, the better chance you have of winning your case. However, we have had great success for clients who contact us even several years after their crash.  If you think you have a case, contact us today.

You need a firm that will help you from start to finish. You also want lawyers who are available for questions even after your case settles.

Call us now to get started on your case. We have been in business for over 50 years. We have the skill, experience, and integrity you need to get you the highest possible settlement.

Michigan Motorcycle Accident References and Resources

• Traffic Crash Facts – Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning 
• Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – Motorcycle Safety
• Motorcycle Safety Foundation
• U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration – Motorcycle Safety

Legally reviewed by:

Lawrence J. Buckfire, J.D., Lead Trial Attorney at Buckfire Law
Lawrence J. Buckfire, J.D. has over 30 years of experience specializing in personal injury and wrongful death cases. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and attended Wayne State University School of Law. Lawrence has been named a Super Lawyer, U.S. News Best Lawyer, and in The National Trial Lawyers-Top 100 Trial Lawyers.
Date of Review: Nov., 2024