Michigan Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Trusted Legal Help After a Motorcycle Crash in Farmington Hills and Metro Detroit

As a biker, riding along I-696 or I-275, you know the thrill of the open road—but you’re also aware of the risks. While motorcycles account for only 3.5% of all registered vehicles in the U.S., they are involved in a disproportionately high number of fatal crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Unfortunately, many people wrongly assume that motorcycle riders are reckless, especially after a crash. In reality, most motorcycle accidents in Michigan are caused by negligent drivers, not bikers. That’s why it’s critical to have a knowledgeable Farmington Hills motorcycle accident lawyer who can prove that the other driver was at fault and that you were riding responsibly.

At the Davis Law Center, we fight for injured bikers. With over 30 years of experience and millions recovered for accident victims, attorney Neil Davis understands the challenges motorcyclists face and is dedicated to protecting your rights. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash, we’ll handle the legal battle while you focus on healing. There’s no fee unless we win. Call today or fill out our contact form for a free consultation.

Who Pays No-Fault (PIP) Benefits Following A Motorcycle Crash?

Who pays your economic expenses (medical bills, wage loss, etc.) after a motorcycle crash is very different from who pays your expenses after a motor vehicle collision. This is because a motorcycle is not considered a “motor vehicle” for insurance coverage purposes under Michigan law. As such, while bikers must purchase liability coverage, they are not required to buy PIP coverage.

Unlike someone injured in a car crash that usually obtains benefits through their own auto insurance or that of a resident relative, motorcyclists are unique and have a different “Order of Priority” (OOP) under MCL 500.3114(5). For example, if a car crashes into a motorcyclist at the intersection of 13 Mile & Middlebelt, the injured rider would collect No-Fault benefits (PIP) in the following order:

• The insurer of the motor vehicle owner involved in the crash
• The insurer of the operator of the motor vehicle involved in the crash
• The insurer of the owner of the motorcycle involved
• The Michigan Assigned Claims Plan (Limited to a maximum of $250,000)

Unfortunately, the amount of PIP coverage available depends on the coverage the motor vehicle owner chose when purchasing or renewing their policy. This could range from unlimited, lifetime coverage to nothing at all. In order to qualify for PIP coverage, however, a “motor vehicle must be involved in the crash.” This means that if a biker crashes into a deer, a tree, or even another motorcycle, they are denied all No-Fault benefits. In such a case, the rider must rely on their own private health insurance or on optional medical benefits they may have purchased from their own motorcycle insurer.

Who Pays My Other Damages After Being Hit By A Car?

Just as in a Michigan car accident, injured motorcyclists in a crash caused by a negligent motorist can recover damages for pain & suffering and excess economic losses from the at-fault driver. To recover, however, the biker must have suffered death, permanent serious disfigurement, or a serious impairment of body function. “Serious impairment of a body function” is defined in MCL 500.3135. What this basically says is that the impairment must be demonstrated by:

1. Medical Proof: A diagnosis supported by objective evidence like X-rays, MRI’s, or muscle spasms
2. Important Functional Loss: An impairment to a body part essential for daily tasks (e.g., your back, neck, joints, or brain).
3. Lifestyle Impact: Evidence that you no longer do things like work, enjoy hobbies, or perform household duties as you did before the crash.

What Types of Damages Can I Recover?

Once you meet the threshold above, recoverable damages can consist of:

• Medical bills (past and future)
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life
• Damage to your motorcycle and personal property

At the Davis Law Center, we work with your own doctors or leading medical experts in Metro Detroit to ensure your injuries are documented correctly from day one, giving you the best chance to meet this strict legal threshold.

Can I Recover Damages If I Wasn’t Wearing A Helmet?

Even if you were riding without a helmet (which is legal in Michigan if you are over 21 and have proper insurance), you still have a right to seek compensation. We fight insurance companies that try to unfairly blame you for injuries that a helmet wouldn’t have prevented.

In this regard, Michigan follows a comparative negligence system. This means that in a personal injury case, the court evaluates the actions of all parties involved in the crash and assigns a percentage of fault to each. Your final financial recovery is directly tied to this percentage.

Comparative Negligence And Economic Damages

The law treats your losses differently depending on whether they are financial (economic) or personal (non-economic):

Economic Damages are your financial losses, the “dollars-and-cents” costs resulting from your crash, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. In Michigan, you can recover economic damages as long as you are not 100% at fault. Even if you played a significant role in the accident, you are entitled to collect compensation for your financial losses, though your total award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Comparative Negligence And Non-Economic Damages

Non-Economic Damages (Your Pain and Suffering) cover the subjective human impact of a crash, including physical pain and emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent serious disfigurement. To recover these damages, you must be 50% or less at fault. If a court determines you were 51% responsible for the accident, you are barred from recovering any compensation for pain and suffering.Why Your Percentage Of Fault Matters

Regardless of the type of damages, your total award is always reduced by your degree of fault. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 but the jury believes your failure to wear a helmet caused 20% of your damages, your final recovery would be $80,000. So, although you can still recover damages if not wearing a helmet at the time of a crash, your failure to wear a helmet could substantially reduce the amount you receive. That’s one of the reasons (the 1st being your health and safety) why we at the Davis Law Center always recommend our Farmington Hills and Metro Detroit neighbors wear a helmet when riding.

Because even a small shift in fault percentage can cost you thousands of dollars—or bar you from non-economic recovery entirely—it is vital to have an experienced Michigan Motorcycle Accident Lawyer on your side. We know how to investigate the details of your crash to minimize your assigned fault and maximize your settlement.

Fighting The “Reckless Biker Myth”

At the Davis Law Center, we know the truth: most motorcyclists are among the most attentive and safety-conscious drivers on Michigan roads. Because you lack the “steel cage” of a car, you have to be more aware of your surroundings than anyone else.

Unfortunately, in Michigan, insurance companies and defense attorneys often rely on a tired, unfair stereotype: the “Reckless Biker Myth.” After a crash, insurance adjusters often assume the rider was at fault and try to argue that you were:

• Speeding or “weaving” through traffic (even with no evidence).
• Hard to see, as if your smaller profile excuses a driver’s failure to look.
• Inherently risky, implying that by choosing to ride, you “accepted” the injuries caused by someone else’s negligence.

Why You Need an Advocate Who Knows the Truth

We advocate for our clients by fighting through these insurance company smokescreens by using a variety of tools, such as:

• Accident Reconstruction: To prove your speed and lane positioning were legal and safe.
• Witness Testimony: To counter biased police reports that may have been written without hearing your side of the story.
• Litigation: To ensure a jury sees the responsible driver’s inattention (like texting or failing to yield) as the true cause of the accident.

Don’t let an insurance company’s bias dictate the value of your case. We know our Michigan riders have the same rights as motorists, and we fight to ensure your reputation—and your recovery—are protected.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes In Michigan

Michigan motorcycle accidents often happen because other drivers fail to see or properly judge motorcyclists. The most common causes include:

• Left-turn collisions – Drivers misjudge a motorcycle’s speed or overlook the bike entirely when turning.
• Lane splitting – Although not legal in Michigan, this maneuver can lead to accidents if other drivers aren’t expecting a rider to pass between lanes.
• Speeding – High speeds reduce reaction time and increase injury severity.
• Distracted driving – Texting, using GPS, or other distractions put riders at serious risk.
• Alcohol or drug use – Impaired riding or driving increases the chance of a crash.
• Road hazards – Potholes, debris, or slick roads pose a greater danger to motorcycles than to other vehicles.
• Inexperienced riders – Lack of training or confidence can contribute to poor decisions in traffic.

If any of these factors caused your accident, the Davis Law Center can investigate and build a compelling case for compensation.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Crash in Michigan

Taking the right steps after a crash can protect your health and your legal rights:

1. Get medical attention immediately – Your health is the top priority.
2. File a police report – This official document is critical to your case.
3. Follow all treatment plans – This shows insurers that you’re taking recovery seriously.
4. Avoid social media posts – Insurance companies may use your posts against you.
5. Notify your insurer cautiously – Stick to basic facts and don’t admit fault.
6. Contact a motorcycle accident attorney – Legal help can make the difference between a lowball settlement and full compensation.

Deadline to File a Motorcycle Injury Claim in Michigan

In Michigan, the statute of limitations for filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit is three years from the date of the crash. However, acting quickly is essential—valuable evidence can disappear within days. Don’t wait. Let an experienced attorney start your case immediately to preserve your claim.

Contact Davis Law Center Free of Charge Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Michigan, don’t leave your recovery to chance. The Davis Law Center has decades of experience helping injured motorcyclists obtain justice and fair compensation. We understand the differences between motorcycle and car accident claims and use this knowledge to build strong, winning cases.

Call us today (248) 865-7740) or fill out our free consultation form to speak with a trusted Farmington Hills motorcycle accident lawyer. We’re ready to fight for your rights and help you rebuild your life.

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