Riding a motorcycle offers a convenient, cost-effective, and fun means of commuting, running errands, and enjoying Michigan’s natural beauty. Yet with these advantages comes an increased vulnerability. Motorcycles are less visible than other motor vehicles, increasing the risk that inattentive drivers might cause accidents. Furthermore, motorcycles do not offer the same level of structural protection as passenger vehicles, exposing riders to a higher likelihood of severe injuries in the event of a collision.

For these reasons, Michigan has in place many safety laws that apply to motorcyclists. Chief among these regulations are the laws regarding motorcycle helmets. According to U.S. Centers for Disease Control estimates, motorcycle helmet use saved over 1,800 lives nationwide in a recent year. Following Michigan’s motorcycle helmet laws can help you avoid fines, license suspensions, severe injuries, and even death.

Helmet Requirements for Motorcycle Operators

In Michigan, motorcycle operators under age 21 must wear an approved crash helmet at all times while riding. However, operators aged 21 and older can choose to ride without a helmet if they meet certain conditions.

To legally operate a motorcycle without a helmet, the operator must have at least $20,000 in first-party medical benefits insurance. They must also have either held a motorcycle endorsement for at least two years or passed an approved motorcycle safety course. It is essential for operators to be aware of these requirements and ensure they meet them before deciding to ride without a helmet.

Helmet Requirements for Motorcycle Passengers

Passengers on motorcycles in Michigan are also subject to helmet laws. Passengers under age 21 must wear an approved crash helmet at all times, regardless of the operator’s age or qualifications.

Passengers aged 21 and older can ride without a helmet only if they have at least $20,000 in first-party medical benefits insurance in addition to the insurance carried by the motorcycle operator. This means that even if the operator is legally allowed to ride without a helmet, the passenger must still meet the insurance requirement to do so.

Approved Crash Helmet Standards

When wearing a helmet, both motorcycle operators and passengers must ensure that their helmets meet the safety standards set by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). DOT-approved helmets have undergone rigorous testing to ensure they provide adequate protection in the event of an accident.

Wearing a non-DOT-approved helmet, such as a novelty helmet, does not comply with Michigan’s helmet laws and may not provide sufficient protection. Always look for the DOT certification sticker when purchasing a motorcycle helmet.

Penalties for Violating Motorcycle Helmet Laws

Violating Michigan’s motorcycle helmet laws can result in fines and legal consequences. Operators and passengers who do not wear helmets when required may be subject to citations and significant fines. Precise penalties vary by jurisdiction.

More importantly, failing to wear a helmet significantly increases the risk of severe head injuries or death in an accident. While helmets cannot prevent all injuries, they can significantly reduce the severity of head trauma and improve the chances of survival in a crash. Motorcyclists must understand and follow Michigan’s helmet laws to protect themselves and their passengers.

Injured in a Motorcycle Accident in Farmington Hills? Call Davis Law Center Today

While drivers aged 21 and older who meet the appropriate qualifications are not required to wear helmets in Michigan, helmet use can save your life and prevent severe head trauma in the event of an accident. However, even if you are not wearing a helmet, you have a right to file a claim against an at-fault driver who injures you in a motorcycle crash. Working with an experienced Michigan motorcycle accident attorney can optimize your chances of a successful outcome for your case.

The skilled and knowledgeable legal team at Davis Law Center has fought on behalf of injured motorcyclists for over 30 years. We are ready to use our experience to fight for the maximum compensation available in your claim. Call us today or contact us online for a free consultation with a Michigan motorcycle accident attorney.

Davis Law Center: your trusted partner for personal injury accident cases. Serving Detroit, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Macomb County, Wayne County, Oakland County, and all of Michigan.

About the Author
Neil Davis, owner of Davis Law Center, is a seasoned attorney specializing in personal injury cases. With over 30 years of experience, he has successfully secured millions in compensation for injured individuals. Neil is a dedicated advocate for justice and an active member of legal associations.

Personal injury law is complex and best handled by a competent attorney who can effectively evaluate, prepare, present, and fight to win your case. Neil prides himself on doing all these things for his clients and would be honored to have the opportunity to discuss your case with you.

Gathering evidence is vital to proving your claims. By contacting a lawyer right away, you can be sure that witnesses are contacted immediately and that their statement is taken while the memory of the accident is still fresh. Since people routinely move around or change phone numbers and become impossible to locate, this contact information can be lost if someone waits too long to contact a Detroit Motorcycle Accident Attorney.

Likewise, some people forget the names of health care providers if they wait too long. Since people see many specialists and doctors after a serious injury, it is possible to miss a doctor who has important medical records that can prove an injury. A lawyer can make sure that these records are collected immediately and gathered as a person treats.

At Davis Law Center, we have helped many clients injured after motorcycle accidents. We understand how difficult this time can be and we will work to help you through it. We aggressively fight to get you every penny you deserve after an accident. To speak with a Detroit Motorcycle Accident Attorney about your injuries, contact Davis Law Center today for a free consultation.

About the Author
Neil Davis, owner of Davis Law Center, is a seasoned attorney specializing in personal injury cases. With over 30 years of experience, he has successfully secured millions in compensation for injured individuals. Neil is a dedicated advocate for justice and an active member of legal associations.

Personal injury law is complex and best handled by a competent attorney who can effectively evaluate, prepare, present, and fight to win your case. Neil prides himself on doing all these things for his clients and would be honored to have the opportunity to discuss your case with you.

For starters, although the helmet laws in Michigan have changed in the past few years, you may want to do your research before riding without a helmet. Anyone 21 years old or older who has two years or more of riding experience can choose to not wear a helmet, however many experts still say choosing a helmet may mean the difference between a life-altering accident and walking away with only some scrapes and bruises. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates helmets saved the lives of more than 1,600 motorcyclists in 2011 and another 703 lives could have been saved if they had worn helmets.

It is important to always be alert and never be under the influence of drugs or alcohol when operating a motorcycle. Even more so than other drivers, it is important to operate your motorcycle defensively in order to stay safe. Because motorcycles are much smaller than the average vehicle, they can easily be missed in another driver’s blind spot. It is important to remember other drivers may not see you.

All motorcyclists, just like any other driver, must follow the rules of the road. Not doing so may result in a fine, ticket or an accident.

As with all driving, it is important to assess to weather conditions, such as rain, snow or ice and adjust your speed and travels accordingly.

If you or your loved one has suffered personal injury in a motorcycle accident, it is important to speak with an experienced injury attorney about your situation. Call Davis Law Center today for your free, initial consultation

About the Author
Neil Davis, owner of Davis Law Center, is a seasoned attorney specializing in personal injury cases. With over 30 years of experience, he has successfully secured millions in compensation for injured individuals. Neil is a dedicated advocate for justice and an active member of legal associations.

Personal injury law is complex and best handled by a competent attorney who can effectively evaluate, prepare, present, and fight to win your case. Neil prides himself on doing all these things for his clients and would be honored to have the opportunity to discuss your case with you.

Too often, there are accidents because a motorist is distracted or a motorcyclist is in the blind spot of a larger vehicle and the driver of the larger vehicle fails to spot the motorcyclist in time. An accident can occur much like any motor vehicle accident as well, including being involved in a rear-end collision, a left-turn collisions, or being affected by a road hazard. In some cases, motorcycle defects or impaired driving are behind the accident.Many motorcyclists face issues because people assume that riders are risk takers. They might assume that the motorcyclist is somehow at fault for his or her injuries because there were riding irresponsibly. The truth is, most motorcyclists are responsible riders who take their safety very seriously. An injury attorney will fight to prove that the rider was not at fault at all and work to get the maximum compensation possible for your injuries.If you have been in any type of motorcycle accident, it is crucial to contact a lawyer who can assist right away. Your lawyer will want to investigate the accident, examine the evidence and help establish a cause of the accident so the person or people responsible will be held liable. In some cases, a motorcycle manufacturing may be held liable for a defective part or a government or local owner may be held liable for improperly maintained surfaces that could have contributed to an accident.At Davis Law Center, we have helped many people injured in motorcycle accidents in the Detroit area and across Michigan. For a free consultation, contact us today.

About the Author
Neil Davis, owner of Davis Law Center, is a seasoned attorney specializing in personal injury cases. With over 30 years of experience, he has successfully secured millions in compensation for injured individuals. Neil is a dedicated advocate for justice and an active member of legal associations.

Personal injury law is complex and best handled by a competent attorney who can effectively evaluate, prepare, present, and fight to win your case. Neil prides himself on doing all these things for his clients and would be honored to have the opportunity to discuss your case with you.

Detroit Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Looks At Rise In Fatalities

A report issued this month by the Governors Highway Safety Association stated deaths among Michigan riders decreased by one or less than one percent in the past year compared to the national decrease of nine percent. In part, bad weather contributed to the decrease nationally.

In 2012, Michigan repealed its universal helmet laws, requiring only riders younger than 21 to ride with a helmet. Motorcycle operators who are at least 21 and who carry at least $20,000 in first-party medical benefits are not required to wear a helmet. Michigan is now one of the 31 states that now are without a universal helmet law. Critics point out that the increase in deaths was found in those who were not wearing helmets at the time of their accident.

The group said 2013 is only the second year in the past 15 years that motorcycle deaths declined over the past year.

If you or your loved one has suffered serious personal injury in a motorcycle accident, it is crucial to speak with a Detroit motorcycle accident lawyer who can assist you. Call to speak about your case today.

Injured in an accident? Contact a Detroit Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Call Davis Law Center today at (248) 865-7740

About the Author
Neil Davis, owner of Davis Law Center, is a seasoned attorney specializing in personal injury cases. With over 30 years of experience, he has successfully secured millions in compensation for injured individuals. Neil is a dedicated advocate for justice and an active member of legal associations.

Personal injury law is complex and best handled by a competent attorney who can effectively evaluate, prepare, present, and fight to win your case. Neil prides himself on doing all these things for his clients and would be honored to have the opportunity to discuss your case with you.

It is crucial to understand rules of the road when operating any vehicle, but especially when riding a motorcycle. Motorcyclists are unique. When they are riding, they are more susceptible to serious injuries if the laws are not followed. Sometimes it is other motorists who are not following the rules of the road. When an accident occurs due to another motorist’s carelessness or disregard, you may want to speak with a Michigan motorcycle accident attorney.

According to the state, half of all motorcycle fatalities involve riders who are not properly licensed. In order to drive a motorcycle, one must have a motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s license. Driving without one can result in points on the driver’s record as well as fines.

Motorcyclists who are 18 years of age and younger are required to take a motorcycle safety course in order to get the endorsement. The course is recommended for all new motorcycle operators as well and costs $25.

Michigan law requires riders to wear a Michigan DOT – compliant helmet that allows an operator to see as far to the sides as possible. The DOT also suggests riders wear eye and face protection along with body protection and clothing helping other drivers to spot a motorcyclist.

It is illegal to operate a motorcycle while under the influence of illegal drugs, controlled substances or alcohol, just as it is illegal to operate a car under the same conditions. According to the state, alcohol was involved in 35 percent of all fatal motorcycle crashes in 2012.

Motorcyclists must follow the rules of the road and by doing so, may help increase their safety. If you or your loved one has been injured in any type of motorcycle accident, you may want to speak with a Michigan motorcycle accident attorney today.

About the Author
Neil Davis, owner of Davis Law Center, is a seasoned attorney specializing in personal injury cases. With over 30 years of experience, he has successfully secured millions in compensation for injured individuals. Neil is a dedicated advocate for justice and an active member of legal associations.

Personal injury law is complex and best handled by a competent attorney who can effectively evaluate, prepare, present, and fight to win your case. Neil prides himself on doing all these things for his clients and would be honored to have the opportunity to discuss your case with you.