Top three most common motorcycle crashes and what insurance will cover you
I’ve been blogging a lot lately on insurance for motorcycle riders in Michigan. It’s a complicated subject, given that our state does not consider a motorcycle a “motor vehicle.” So insurance for motorcycle crashes is different than that for car accidents or truck accidents.
Hopefully the advice from our motorcycle accident lawyers below will help clear up some of the confusion. So, what insurance do you turn to if you are injured when riding a motorcycle in Michigan? Below are the three most common scenarios:
Scenario No. 1: Solo motorcycle accident
If the motorcycle rider is the sole person in the accident and, for instance, loses control of the motorcycle, falls or hits a tree, then he is not entitled to No-Fault insurance benefits, because a motorcycle is not considered a “motor vehicle” according to the Michigan No-Fault law. But the injured biker may be entitled to separate motorcycle PIP (personal injury protection), if it was paid for on his motorcycle insurance policy.
Scenario No. 2: Motorcycle accident with a pedestrian
The motorcycle rider involved in an accident with a pedestrian is also not entitled to collect Michigan No-Fault insurance benefits. Likewise, a pedestrian injured by a motorcycle is not entitled to No-Fault benefits.
Scenario No. 3: Motorcycle accident with an automobile
If the motorcyclist can show he was in an accident with an automobile (car or truck) while riding his motorcycle, he will be entitled to Michigan No-Fault benefits. The motorcycle rider will usually receive No-Fault benefits from the insurer of the driver of the automobile involved in the crash, unless the automobile owner is uninsured. Read here on new Michigan case law allowing injured motorcycle riders to collect underinsured motorist coverage (UIM).
Important exception: According to the Michigan No-Fault law, an operator of a motorcycle involved in an accident can be denied No-Fault benefits if he holds legal title to the motorcycle, but does not have motorcycle insurance. This exception does not apply to other users of the motorcycle. However, it will not affect the ability of a motorcycle rider who is injured in a car or truck accident in Michigan to sue for injuries against the other driver involved in the accident.
If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident and need help obtaining your insurance benefits, call Michigan Auto Law at (248) 353-7575. We specialize in motorcycle crashes, and we are here to answer all of your questions.
– Steven M. Gursten heads Michigan Auto Law. He received the highest motorcycle accident settlement in Michigan last year, according to Michigan Lawyers Weekly. He is recognized as one of the nation’s top motorcycle accident lawyers. Steve has spoken at trial seminars on motorcycle lawsuits, and is available for comment.
Related information:
Michigan motorcycle accident lawsuits
I’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident. Who will cover my No-Fault benefits?
What happens when a motorcyclist causes an accident in Michigan?
Michigan Auto Law is the largest law firm exclusively handling car accident, truck accident and motorcycle accident cases throughout the entire state. We have offices in Farmington Hills, Detroit, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids and Sterling Heights to better serve you. Call (248) 353-7575 for a free consultation with one of our motorcycle accident lawyers.
