Detroit Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

For all the freedom and convenience that they offer, motorcycles offer less protection than other passenger vehicles like cars, trucks, or buses. Even riders who wear helmets and protective gear face high risks of severe or fatal injury. In Detroit, where busy roads like I-75, I-94, and M-10 see heavy traffic, motorcyclists are especially vulnerable. Unlike drivers of cars, motorcyclists do not have a frame, airbags, or advanced crash-avoidance systems to absorb the force of a collision. These dangers mean that motorcycle crashes often result in much higher rates of catastrophic injuries.

Contact us today at (313) 462-7979.

What Causes Motorcycle Accidents in Metro Detroit?

Motorcycle accidents in Wayne County and the broader Metro Detroit area happen for several preventable reasons. Some of the most frequent causes include:

Drivers Failing to Check Blind Spots

Many collisions happen when drivers overlook motorcycles in their blind spots, leading to dangerous side-swipe or merging accidents.

Left-Turn Collisions at Intersections

Drivers making left turns often misjudge a motorcycle’s speed or fail to see it entirely, causing serious intersection crashes.

Distracted Driving, Including Texting and Phone Use

Phone use, texting, or other distractions delay a driver’s reaction time, significantly increasing the risk of hitting a motorcyclist.

Speeding on Highways and City Streets

Excessive speed reduces stopping distance and gives drivers less time to react to motorcycles, making accidents more severe.

Impaired Driving from Alcohol or Drugs

Driving under the influence slows reflexes and impairs judgment, creating highly dangerous conditions for motorcyclists.

Poor Road Conditions, Such as Potholes and Uneven Pavement

Detroit’s frequent potholes and rough pavement can cause riders to lose control, especially at higher speeds or during sudden maneuvers.

Unsafe Lane Changes and Aggressive Driving

Abrupt lane changes, tailgating, or aggressive driving leave motorcyclists with little time or space to avoid a crash.

Types of Motorcycle Accident Injuries We See Most Often

Motorcycle accidents in Michigan often result in serious injuries that change a person’s life instantly. Some of the most common include:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

Head impacts can lead to severe brain damage, even with a helmet, often requiring long-term medical care.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

Damage to the spinal cord may result in partial or complete paralysis, dramatically altering a victim’s mobility and independence.

Broken Bones and Fractures

Motorcycle accidents frequently cause broken arms, legs, or ribs, which can involve multiple surgeries and lengthy rehabilitation.

Severe Road Rash and Skin Damage

Sliding across asphalt can strip away layers of skin, leading to infection, permanent scarring, and painful recovery.

Internal Organ Injuries

The force of a crash can damage vital organs, causing internal bleeding and life-threatening complications.

Amputations and Crush Injuries

High-impact collisions may result in crushed limbs or traumatic amputations, often requiring prosthetics and long-term therapy.

What Are My Rights After a Motorcycle Accident in Michigan?

Michigan has a no-fault insurance system. Under this system, drivers typically turn to their own insurance first after a crash. But motorcyclists face a unique situation. Motorcycles are not considered “motor vehicles” under Michigan’s no-fault law. When a motorcycle collides with a car or truck, motorcyclists may qualify for personal injury protection (PIP) benefits, but coverage usually comes through the insurance of the motor vehicle involved in the crash, not the motorcyclist’s own motorcycle policy. That means the details of which policies apply can be complex. Coverage may depend on whether the rider has motorcycle insurance, whether a car was involved in the collision, and what policies exist at the time of the crash.

When You Can Step Outside No-Fault and File a Lawsuit

Michigan law allows injured people to step outside no-fault and file a lawsuit if they suffer a “serious impairment of body function” or permanent disfigurement. Motorcycle accident victims often meet this requirement due to the severity of injuries. A lawsuit can be filed against the at-fault driver to recover damages beyond the medical and wage benefits provided by PIP insurance. This includes seeking compensation for pain and suffering, long-term disability, and loss of quality of life.

How Does Comparative Negligence Work in Michigan?

Michigan follows a rule called “modified comparative negligence.” Under this rule, an injured person can still recover damages even if they were partly at fault, as long as they were less than 51% responsible for the crash. However, the compensation gets reduced by the percentage of fault. For example, if a court decides a rider was 20% at fault and total damages were $100,000, the rider could still recover $80,000. Once someone is found 51% or more at fault, Michigan law bars them from recovering non-economic damages like pain and suffering. This rule makes it critical to understand exactly how fault gets assigned after a Detroit motorcycle accident.

How a Detroit Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help After a Motorcycle Accident

It’s possible to pursue compensation for your motorcycle personal injury claim after a crash without a lawyer, but that’s not advisable. Insurance companies are looking to avoid payments as much as possible. Without the help of a lawyer like Maurice Davis and his team, you could get bullied into accepting a lowball settlement, leaving you in a deficit as you face medical or repair bills. A motorcycle crash attorney can:

Investigate Your Crash & Gather Evidence

Evidence can make or break a motorcycle accident case. A Detroit personal injury lawyer works quickly to investigate and collect key information such as:

• Police reports and crash reconstructions
• Surveillance or traffic camera footage
• Eyewitness statements
• Vehicle damage reports
• Medical records documenting the injuries
• Cell phone records or toxicology reports of the other driver

Collecting evidence early ensures key details are preserved before they are lost or destroyed.

Negotiate With Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, especially in cases with serious injuries. They might dispute coverage or argue about fault. A Detroit motorcycle accident lawyer speaks directly with adjusters and negotiates for fair compensation. Having legal representation prevents insurance companies from pressuring injured riders into accepting low settlements.

Pursue Maximum Compensation for Medical Bills, Lost Wages, and Pain and Suffering

The aftermath of a motorcycle accident can involve steep financial losses. Victims often face:

• Emergency medical care and intensive treatment
• Ongoing rehabilitation and physical therapy
• Lost wages from time away from work
• Future loss of earning capacity if they cannot return to their job
• Costs for adaptive equipment or home modifications

On top of these economic costs, victims suffer greatly from pain, emotional trauma, and a sudden loss of independence. A skilled lawyer fights for both economic and non-economic damages within the limits of Michigan law.

Take Your Case to Court If Necessary

Most motorcycle accident cases can be resolved outside of court. But when an insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, going to trial may become necessary. An experienced Detroit injury attorney prepares every case as if it will go before a jury. This preparation strengthens negotiations and shows insurers that the lawyer is prepared to fight aggressively if needed.

Why Does Experience Matter in Motorcycle Accident Claims?

Michigan law has unique insurance rules and strict deadlines. Having a lawyer who understands the specifics of Michigan no-fault law and comparative negligence makes a difference. Detroit riders deserve an attorney who understands these legal details and how they apply to motorcycle crashes specifically.

What Kind of Compensation is Available to Motorcycle Accident Victims?

When you’ve been hurt by someone else’s negligence while riding a motorcycle, you can expect to have significant injuries, physical damage, and emotional distress. Under Michigan personal injury law, you have the right to pursue economic and non-economic damages.

Economic damages include measurable financial losses such as:

• Hospital bills
• Prescription costs
• Rehabilitation expenses
• Lost wages and benefits

Non-economic damages reflect the human cost of the crash, such as:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of companionship or enjoyment of life

Wrongful Death Claims After a Fatal Motorcycle Accident

In the tragic instance that a motorcycle crash results in the death of a loved one, surviving family members may bring a wrongful death claim under Michigan law. These claims allow families to seek compensation for funeral costs, medical expenses, lost financial support, and loss of companionship. Michigan law requires wrongful death claims to be filed by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate, but the damages benefit close relatives like spouses, children, and parents.

What Should I Do Immediately After a Motorcycle Accident in Detroit?

Motorcycle accidents are stressful and overwhelming, which is completely understandable. If you’ve been hurt in a crash, get yourself to safety and try to protect your claim by:

Protecting Your Health and Gathering Evidence

Health and safety come first. After a crash, call 911 and seek medical help right away. Even if you feel fine, adrenaline can mask symptoms of serious injuries. If possible, gather evidence at the scene, such as photographs, witness information, and details about the other vehicles involved.

Reporting the Accident and Filing an Insurance Claim

Michigan law requires drivers to report accidents that cause injury or property damage. Call the police and file an accident report. Next, notify your insurance company, but be cautious when giving statements. Insurance adjusters may use early comments against you to reduce a payout.

Calling a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Call a lawyer as soon as possible after a crash. An attorney can guide you on what steps to take, protect your rights during conversations with insurance companies, and begin investigating while evidence is still fresh.

FAQs About Motorcycle Accident Claims in Detroit

What should I do right after a motorcycle accident in Detroit?

Seek emergency medical care, call the police, and gather as much evidence from the scene as possible. Contact a lawyer quickly to protect your rights and start the process of building your claim.

How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Michigan?

Under Michigan’s statute of limitations law, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If the crash resulted in wrongful death, the personal representative of the estate has three years from the date of death to file suit. Missing this deadline can prevent you from pursuing compensation in court.

Can I recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the crash?

Yes. Michigan’s comparative negligence law allows compensation if you were less than 51% at fault. However, your damages will be reduced based on your share of fault.

What types of damages are available after a motorcycle accident in Detroit?

You may pursue both economic damages, such as medical bills and lost wages, and non-economic damages, like pain and suffering. In wrongful death cases, families may also pursue compensation for funeral costs and loss of support.

How does Michigan’s no-fault insurance system affect motorcycle accident claims?

Motorcyclists face a different set of rules under no-fault. PIP coverage typically comes from the policy covering the motor vehicle involved, not the motorcycle itself. Navigating this system requires a careful look at all policies involved in the crash.

Do I need a lawyer if the insurance company already made me an offer?

Insurance companies often make initial offers that do not fully cover losses. Speaking with a lawyer helps you understand what your claim is truly worth before accepting any settlement.

How much does it cost to hire a Detroit motorcycle accident lawyer?

Most personal injury lawyers, including Davis Injury Lawyers, work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront, and attorney fees come from the recovery won on your behalf.

Speak with a Detroit Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today

At Davis Injury Lawyers, we know how devastating motorcycle accidents are for Detroit families. We provide compassionate support to every client while fighting hard against insurance companies trying to minimize claims. Our team has experience handling complex Michigan no-fault issues and guiding riders through the process from start to finish.

Davis Injury Lawyers has secured meaningful outcomes for many injured riders and their families throughout Detroit and Wayne County. While every case is different, our record reflects our commitment to standing up for those who were hurt by negligent drivers.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle crash, call Davis Injury Lawyers today. We are ready to listen, explain your legal options, and take action on your behalf. Do not wait to get the help you need—evidence can disappear and deadlines are strict under Michigan law.

Call 313-462-7979 or fill out our online form to get started.