Motorcycle Accident Resource Center of Michigan
Each year in the United States, thousands of motorcyclists are injured or killed in accidents on our roads and highways. In 2023, 6,335 motorcyclists died in motor vehicle traffic crashes, marking the highest number of motorcycle fatalities since federal recordkeeping began in 1975. Motorcycle deaths occur nearly 28 times more often than deaths of passenger vehicle occupants on a per mile traveled basis.
In Michigan, there were 168 motorcycle fatalities in 2024, an increase of 2% from the 165 deaths recorded in 2023. In 2024, Michigan recorded 3,187 motorcycle crashes, representing a 4% increase from the previous year. According to Michigan Traffic Crash Facts, in 2023, 82.4% of all motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes were going straight ahead just before the crash, and 29.1% of those deaths involved crashes where the driver had been drinking. Wayne County leads the state with the highest number of motorcycle crashes, followed by Oakland, Macomb, Kent, and Genesee counties.
Factors contributing to motorcycle accident deaths are weather, helmet use, state helmet laws, impaired driving, speed and unendorsed riders. Distracted riding is on the increase as a contributor to injuries and deaths.
The danger of accidents and injuries to Michigan motorcyclists is greater when compared to other modes of transportation and miles traveled. Given these statistics, many Michigan motorcyclists will, at some time, be involved in a serious accident resulting in death or injuries. It is important that Michigan motorcycle accident victims know their rights and are represented by an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Flint. Understanding Flint motorcycle accident legal rights is crucial for victims seeking compensation for their injuries and losses. By consulting with a skilled attorney, motorcyclists can navigate the complexities of their cases and ensure that they receive the support they deserve. Ultimately, awareness of these rights can make a significant difference in the outcome of their claims.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a motorcycle accident and find yourself looking for motorcycle accident attorneys near me, please contact us, you can complete our online form or call the toll-free number of the Motorcycle Accident Resource Center of Michigan: The Law Offices of Henry M. Hanflik at 810-720-4000 or complete the online form for a free case evaluation.
We can help you now!
Under Michigan law, motorcycles are not considered ‘motor vehicles’ for no-fault purposes, which means unique rules apply. The 2019 no-fault reform has made coordination between
motorcycle insurance, auto insurance, and health insurance even more complex. Motorcyclists must carry liability insurance to be eligible for no-fault benefits, and the order of insurance priority can significantly impact your recovery.
Free Insurance Coverage Review
Not sure if you have adequate coverage under Michigan’s reformed no-fault law? We offer free consultations to review your policy and explain your rights.
Call (810) 720-4000.
Why You Need an Experienced Attorney
The 2019 reforms made Michigan auto accident cases significantly more complex. Issues our attorneys now regularly handle include:
• Determining which insurance policy provides coverage when multiple policies exist
• Fighting insurance companies that deny benefits based on coverage limitations
• Pursuing at-fault drivers personally when their insurance is insufficient
• Navigating coordination of benefits between auto insurance and health insurance
• Ensuring clients with reduced PIP coverage receive maximum benefits under their policy limits
• Challenging insurance company interpretations of the reformed law
• Recovering compensation for medical expenses that exceed PIP limits
• Maximizing UM/UIM claims when at-fault drivers are uninsured or underinsured
The Law Offices of Henry M. Hanflik has successfully handled thousands of auto
accident cases under both the old and new systems. We know how to maximize your
recovery under current Michigan law. Call us at 810-720-4000.
What You Should Know About Motorcycle Accidents?
Q: What should I do before an injury or claim occurs?
A: Bikers should always carry liability insurance.
- Understand your motorcycle insurance.
- Always comply with the helmet law and ride safely.
- Understand your health insurance and how it will work if you are injured in a motorcycle accident.
- Meet with an attorney who specializes in motorcycle insurance claims to review the adequacy of your coverage.
Q: I have been injured in a motorcycle accident. What should I do?
A: You should:
- Report the accident to the police and obtain a copy of the police report when completed. Also obtain names, addresses, and phone numbers of any witnesses.
- Get injuries treated and report all problems to doctor(s) and/or hospital emergency room.
- Photograph your bike.
- Photograph visible injuries to any person (even if just bruises).
- Contact your insurance company to report the claim and start the procedure for no-fault benefits, if eligible. However, be careful in filling out these forms. Contact a lawyer specializing in personal injury claims if you are uncertain.
- Get written documentation of work disability and any need for household services or nurse’s aide services from a doctor.
- Get proof of wages and income.
- Document mileage for medical appointments and prescriptions.
- Document changes to life and lifestyle – PAIN DIARY.
Q: If I am injured in a motorcycle accident, am I eligible to receive lost wages and payment of my medical bills?
A: Yes, you may be able to collect lost wages and receive payment of medical expenses under the Michigan no-fault law. Since a motorcycle is not considered a motor vehicle under Michigan law, motorcyclists are not required to carry no-fault insurance, but must carry liability insurance to be eligible to collect no-fault benefits. However, in order to qualify to receive Michigan no-fault benefits, the law requires that there must be evidence, of the involvement between the motorcycle and the motor vehicle that triggered the accident. If a motorcyclist is killed in a motorcycle accident, compensation may be available under the Michigan Wrongful Death Act.
Q: Under Michigan law, whose insurance will pay my benefits?
A: There is a specific order of priority as to who would pay Michigan no-fault benefits:
- 1st priority is to the insurer (insurance company) of the owner or registrant of the motor vehicle involved in the accident.
- 2nd priority is to the insurer of the operator of the motor vehicle involved in the accident.
- 3rd priority is to the insurer of the operator of the motorcycle involved in the accident.
- 4th priority is to the insurer of the owner or registrant of the motorcycle involved in the accident.
- 5th priority is to the Michigan Assigned Claims Facility.
Michigan motorcycle accident claims can be complicated. That is why you need to seek advise from an attorney who is knowledgeable in Michigan personal injury and Michigan no-fault law. Whenever you are biking on your Suzuki, Honda, Yamaha, BMW or Harley-Davidson, make sure you are covered by insurance. Your bike represents a big investment, so it’s important to keep it and you, the biker, insured.
Q: Under the no-fault system, how long am I entitled to receive no-fault benefits?
A: The answer to this question can be complex and shows why you should contact a lawyer soon after a motor vehicle accident. In short, certain benefits, including wage loss benefits and household service benefits, last up to three years after a crash, if a doctor says that you need those benefits as a result of injuries from a crash. Other benefits, including medical coverage, mileage reimbursement, and nurse’s aid or attendant care benefits, are lifetime benefits. This means that those benefits are available to you, if needed, for the rest of your life.
Q: What are attendant care or nurse’s aide services?
A: These are benefits paid to you or on your behalf if you have been severely injured in a motorcycle crash and a health care professional states that you require personal care and supervision, including such tasks as bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene, transport to a doctor, or assistance with walking, etc. Either a professional outside agency can be hired to perform these services, or, at times, family members and/or friends can be hired and paid to provide those services.
Q: Do I have a motorcycle accident case?
A: Because every case is unique, you should speak with an experienced personal injury attorney who will evaluate your case. For your free consultation, contact the injury specialists of the Motorcycle Resource Center of Michigan:
The Law Offices of Henry M. Hanflik at 1 (888) 905-4632.