Michigan Motorcycle Accident Law for Grand Rapids Riders
Motorcycle crashes can be devastating, often resulting in serious or catastrophic injuries. Unlike automobile crashes, motorcycle accidents in Michigan involve different insurance rules, different benefit structures, and more complex fault analysis.
Michigan Motorcycle Insurance Requirements
Motorcyclists in Michigan are required to carry liability insurance, including at least:
Motorcycle insurance does not provide automatic Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits like standard auto insurance does. This is a crucial distinction — and why understanding Michigan’s No-Fault priority rules is critical after a crash.
No-Fault Benefits and Priority Rules for Motorcyclists
Although motorcycle insurance itself doesn’t include PIP, injured riders may still be eligible for No-Fault benefits if the crash involved a motor vehicle (such as a car or truck).
Under MCL 500.3114 and MCL 500.3115, the order of priority for PIP benefits after a motorcycle–motor vehicle crash is generally:
If none of these apply, an injured motorcyclist may be able to claim benefits through the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan (MACP).
One additional point worth knowing: if a higher-priority insurer’s coverage limit runs out, an injured rider isn’t stuck — Michigan courts have confirmed the rider can then pursue the next insurer in line for additional benefits. This matters most in cases with serious, high-cost injuries that outlast a single policy’s limits.
This means a motorcyclist can typically claim No-Fault benefits through the insurance of the car involved in the crash — not through their own motorcycle policy. No-Fault PIP benefits can include:
If the crash does not involve a motor vehicle (for example, a single-bike accident), PIP coverage usually does not apply unless the rider has separately purchased optional PIP coverage.
Recoverable Damages in Motorcycle Accident Claims
In addition to No-Fault benefits (when available), injured riders may pursue a third-party negligence claim against the at-fault driver for:
Proving Negligence After a Motorcycle Crash
Many motorcycle collisions occur because a motorist:
We work with accident reconstructionists and medical experts to preserve evidence, establish liability, and maximize recovery for our clients.
The “Serious Impairment of Body Function” Threshold
Collecting No-Fault benefits is only part of the picture. To pursue a claim against the at-fault driver for pain and suffering and other non-economic losses, Michigan law requires the injury to meet a specific legal threshold: serious impairment of body function.
Under MCL 500.3135, that means the impairment must:
Whether an injury clears this bar is fact-specific — courts look at the individual’s life before and after the crash, not just a diagnosis on paper. Because motorcycle crashes tend to produce more severe trauma than typical car accidents (road rash, fractures, head and spinal injuries), riders often meet this threshold, but documentation matters enormously: consistent medical treatment, and a clear record of how the injury has changed daily life, are what typically make or break these claims.
Comparative Fault: Michigan’s 50% Bar
Insurance companies frequently try to shift blame onto the motorcyclist — citing lane position, speed, or visibility. Michigan uses a modified comparative fault system: your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault, and if you’re found more than 50% at fault, you can’t recover non-economic damages at all.
This makes an early, thorough investigation critical. We work to establish the other driver’s fault — often through failure-to-yield violations, unsafe lane changes, or distracted driving — before an insurer’s narrative about “an unseen motorcycle” takes hold.
How Long Do You Have to File? Michigan’s Deadlines
Michigan sets two different clocks running after a motorcycle accident:
These deadlines are strict, and missing either one can permanently forfeit your right to recover — which is why it’s worth talking to an attorney as soon as possible after a crash, even before all your medical treatment is finished.
Wrongful Death Claims
Because motorcycle crashes are more likely to result in fatal injuries, family members may bring a wrongful death action under MCL 600.2922 to recover damages such as:
Why Motorcycle Accident Cases Are Different
These factors make it essential to work with a lawyer experienced in Michigan motorcycle law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my motorcycle insurance cover my medical bills after a crash?
Not directly. Michigan motorcycle policies don’t include Personal Injury Protection (PIP) the way car insurance does. If a car or truck was involved in the crash, you’d typically claim PIP benefits through that vehicle’s insurer instead.
What if I was in a single-motorcycle accident with no car involved?
No-Fault PIP generally won’t apply unless you purchased optional PIP coverage separately. You may still have other coverage options depending on your policy — this is worth reviewing with an attorney.
Can I still recover damages if I was partly at fault for the crash?
Possibly. Michigan reduces your damages by your percentage of fault, and bars recovery of non-economic damages if you’re found more than 50% at fault. Being partly at fault doesn’t automatically disqualify a claim.
How long do I have to file a claim after a Michigan motorcycle accident?
Generally one year to file for No-Fault (PIP) benefits, and three years to file an injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. Both deadlines are strict.
What if the other driver’s insurance isn’t enough to cover my injuries?
Depending on your own coverage, underinsured/uninsured motorist benefits may be available. This is something we review closely, especially in serious-injury cases.
Speak with a Grand Rapids Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, don’t navigate Michigan’s complex insurance and liability rules alone. We’ll help identify all available coverage, pursue maximum compensation, and protect your rights every step of the way.
Free consultation. No fee unless we win.
Contact JKH Law, (616) 226-3762 to get started today.
JKH Law, PLC
312 Fulton Street East
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 226-3762 (office)
(616) 988-6504 (fax)
Personal Injury Practice