Motorcycle accidents in Washtenaw County frequently result in catastrophic injuries that change lives forever. When you ride through Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Saline, or rural roads across the county, you're at risk from distracted drivers who fail to see motorcyclists or make unsafe turns. At Logeman & Iafrate, P.C., we've spent more than 45 years fighting for injured riders throughout Michigan—securing the compensation they need to rebuild their lives.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries in Washtenaw County

The consequences of a motorcycle collision can be devastating. Even with a helmet and protective gear, riders face serious injuries when struck by cars and trucks:

• Spinal cord and brain injuries. Damage to the spinal column can cause chronic back pain, paralysis, spine fractures, and traumatic brain injuries. Little barrier protection can be offered to motorcycle operators, making these injuries particularly severe. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that helmets are 37% effective in preventing fatal injuries to riders and 41% for passengers.
• Arm injuries. When a motorcyclist is thrown from the bike, arms and shoulders often take the brunt of the trauma. Many riders try to brace for impact, leading to broken bones, nerve damage, and other injuries requiring long-term care and recovery.
• Leg injuries. Injuries to the hips, knees, and feet are extremely common. These can occur at impact or when a rider is thrown from the motorcycle. Bone fractures, muscle damage, and other trauma often require extensive physical therapy and treatment.
• Amputations. Motorcycle accidents frequently result in amputations when cars strike the legs, which are unprotected even with proper gear. These injuries require lifelong rehabilitation and medical care.

Understanding Michigan's Motorcycle Insurance Laws

Under Michigan law, the striking motor vehicle is responsible for payment of all accident-related medical expenses incurred by motorcycle occupants. However, changes to Michigan's no-fault law effective July 1, 2020, eliminated mandatory lifetime medical coverage. This means many motorcycle accident victims now face reduced insurance coverage for necessary medical expenses resulting from limited insurance coverage.

Motorcycle operators should purchase additional medical coverage on their motorcycle policy to ensure adequate protection in the event of a serious accident. This coverage is generally very inexpensive but can make an enormous difference when catastrophic injuries occur.

Fighting Denied Insurance Claims

Insurance companies routinely deny legitimate claims from motorcycle accident victims. They argue that injuries stem from unrelated conditions, that treatment is unnecessary, or that coverage doesn't apply. We've heard every excuse—and we've beaten them in court.

Our verdicts and settlements include results for riders whose insurers refused to pay for the care they needed. When insurance companies see our name on a case, they know we're prepared to go to trial to secure the benefits our clients are owed.

Compensation Available for Washtenaw County Motorcycle Accidents

Different types of injuries require different treatments and costs, and you deserve full compensation for both your immediate and future needs:

• Long-term medical care. Serious injuries such as extensive spinal damage, brain injuries, limb injuries, or multiple fractures often require long hospital stays, in-home care for months, and significant out-of-pocket expenses. Purchasing adequate medical coverage helps pay for these unexpected costs.
• Wage loss. Even less severe injuries may require time away from work during your recovery. Motorcycle operators are entitled to 85% of their average weekly salary for up to three years under no-fault insurance coverage.
• Attendant care. For catastrophic injuries requiring ongoing assistance with daily living activities, Michigan's no-fault system provides attendant care benefits—though insurers often fight these claims.
• Pain and suffering. When your injuries meet Michigan's serious impairment threshold, you can pursue compensation for pain and suffering from the at-fault driver beyond your no-fault benefits.
• Future medical expenses. We work with medical experts and life care planners to document the full extent of future care needs and ensure you receive compensation for decades of treatment ahead.

Protecting Yourself: Motorcycle Safety in Washtenaw County

While we fight for injured riders in the courtroom, prevention remains critical. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation offers safety booklets and rider course handbooks at msf-usa.org or 800-446-9227. It's wise for beginners to take a safety course, and experienced riders benefit from refresher courses after being off the bike for a while.

Essential safety steps include:

• Use a certified DOT helmet—look for the DOT sticker guaranteeing the helmet satisfies safety standards required by law
• Wear protective gear including pants designed for motorcycle safety, not just jeans
• Increase visibility with bright clothing and reflective tape
• Maintain your motorcycle according to the manufacturer's schedule
• Stay alert to drivers who may not see you, especially at intersections

Why Experience Matters in Motorcycle Accident Cases

Motorcycle accident cases involve complex issues that require attorneys who understand both Michigan's no-fault system and the specific challenges riders face. Insurance companies often harbor bias against motorcyclists, claiming riders were at fault or engaged in reckless behavior. Police reports sometimes incorrectly assign fault to the rider.

We've successfully challenged these assumptions throughout our decades of practice. Our approach includes enlisting accident reconstructionists to build a strong case, identifying all sources of compensation, and working with medical and economic experts who testify about the extent of your injuries.

There is no question that insurance companies work to deny or undervalue legitimate claims and fail to pay benefits owed. If you've been injured in a motorcycle accident, don't assume you've exhausted all avenues for benefits or that the cost of your injury has been calculated accurately.

Taking Action After Your Washtenaw County Motorcycle Accident

Start early for the strongest claim. As soon as you retain our firm to represent you, we begin a thorough investigation, identifying witnesses and enlisting scientific experts and accident reconstructionists. We identify all sources of compensation and work with medical and economic experts who will testify as to the extent of your injuries.

Time matters in these cases. Evidence disappears, witnesses' memories fade, and insurance companies use delay as a tactic. Our trial-ready approach ensures that we preserve critical evidence and build the strongest possible case from day one.

At Logeman & Iafrate, P.C., we don't get paid unless we win. We take cases on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you can pursue justice without worrying about upfront legal costs. Our commitment is to fight by your side until you receive the compensation you need to move forward.

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Each case is decided on its own facts.

Get Help from Experienced Washtenaw County Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Washtenaw County, contact Logeman & Iafrate, P.C. today. Our Ann Arbor-based attorneys serve riders throughout Washtenaw County, including Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Saline, Chelsea, Dexter, and surrounding communities.

We offer free consultations and operate on a contingency-fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case. Call us at (734) 994-0200 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation. Let us fight for the compensation you deserve while you focus on your recovery.

The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established.