Motorcycle Accidents in Michigan: Helmet Laws, No-Fault Benefits & Liability
Motorcycle crashes produce some of the most severe injuries our firm handles. A rider has no crumple zone, no airbag and no seat belt. When a driver fails to yield or turns across a rider's path, the rider absorbs the impact directly.
Michigan law treats motorcycle claims differently from ordinary car accident claims, and those differences matter a great deal to injured riders and their families.
Michigan's Helmet Law
Michigan no longer requires every motorcyclist to wear a helmet. Riders 21 and older may ride without one if they satisfy statutory conditions — generally holding a motorcycle endorsement for a minimum period or completing an approved safety course, and carrying additional first-party medical benefits coverage.
Riding without a helmet where the law permits it does not eliminate your right to compensation. Insurers do sometimes argue that the absence of a helmet worsened a head injury, and that argument has to be met with sound medical evidence and skilled advocacy.
No-Fault Benefits for Riders
This is where motorcycle claims become genuinely complicated. A motorcycle is not a "motor vehicle" under Michigan's no-fault act, so a rider's own motorcycle policy does not automatically provide personal injury protection benefits the way an auto policy does.
When a motor vehicle is involved in the crash, no-fault benefits are typically pursued through that vehicle's insurer under a statutory order of priority. Identifying the correct insurer — and doing so within the applicable deadlines — is essential to getting medical bills and wage loss paid.
Proving Liability
Riders are frequently and unfairly blamed for crashes they did not cause. A thorough investigation may involve the police report, scene photographs, physical evidence, witness testimony, traffic camera footage and, where appropriate, accident reconstruction. Establishing what actually happened is often the difference between a denied claim and full compensation.
Damages Available
Depending on the case, an injured rider may recover medical expenses and future care costs, attendant care, wage loss, replacement services, pain and suffering, and compensation for permanent disability or disfigurement. Serious crashes commonly involve traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and amputations. When a rider does not survive, the family may bring a wrongful death claim.
Talk With a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one was hurt in a motorcycle accident in Michigan, our attorneys can identify the coverage available to you and pursue every source of recovery. Consultations are free and we charge no legal fees unless we win your case.
This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney at Logeman & Iafrate, P.C. for advice regarding your individual situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to what matters most about your case and how we work.
Is a helmet required for motorcyclists in Michigan?
Michigan does not require all riders to wear helmets. Riders 21 and older may ride without one if they meet certain requirements, including having held a motorcycle endorsement for a minimum period or completing a safety course, and carrying additional first-party medical coverage.
Can I still recover compensation if I wasn't wearing a helmet?
Yes. Not wearing a helmet, where legally permitted, does not bar your claim. An insurance company may argue it contributed to the severity of your head injuries, which is why experienced legal representation and strong medical evidence are important.
Do motorcyclists get no-fault benefits in Michigan?
Motorcycles are not considered motor vehicles under Michigan's no-fault act, so a rider's own motorcycle insurance does not automatically provide PIP benefits. When a motor vehicle is involved in the crash, benefits are generally sought through that vehicle's insurer under a statutory order of priority.
Why are motorcycle accident claims more complicated?
The interaction between motorcycle coverage and the no-fault act creates a priority analysis that determines which insurer pays your medical bills and wage loss. Insurers also frequently attempt to blame the rider. Both issues require careful investigation and legal knowledge.
What damages can an injured motorcyclist recover?
Depending on the circumstances, recovery may include medical expenses, attendant care, wage loss, replacement services, pain and suffering, permanent disability and disfigurement. In fatal crashes, the family may pursue a wrongful death claim.
What should I do after a motorcycle crash?
Get medical care immediately, ensure police document the scene, photograph the vehicles and roadway if you are able, and collect witness information. Then contact an attorney quickly so evidence is preserved and no-fault deadlines are protected.
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