Motorcycle accident
Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Detroit, Michigan
The firms in this guide
1. Michigan Auto Law
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents exclusively, auto accidents, truck accidents, no-fault insurance claims, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, wrongful death from motor vehicle accidents
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle versus car collisions, motorcycle versus truck accidents, multi-vehicle motorcycle crashes, left-turn motorcycle accidents, lane change collisions, intersection accidents, hit-and-run motorcycle accidents, drunk driving motorcycle accidents, distracted driving motorcycle accidents, fatal motorcycle crashes, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, catastrophic injuries, wrongful death claims
Legal Services: Motorcycle accident investigation, no-fault benefits claim assistance, personal injury protection (PIP) claim filing, third-party liability claims, insurance claim negotiation, personal injury litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering claims, excess medical benefits claims, coordination with health insurance and Medicare
Background: Firm has represented motorcycle accident victims throughout Michigan for over 50 years. 100% of legal focus is on auto injury and motorcycle injury crashes. Firm has more attorneys ranked as Super Lawyers than any other personal injury law firm in Michigan. Two attorneys ranked among top 50 attorneys in the state across all practice areas. Named among “Best Lawyers” and “Best Law Firms” nationally by independent organizations. Documented record-breaking settlements including $8 million dog bite settlement (largest in Michigan history), confidential wrongful death settlement for motorcyclist killed by commercial motor vehicle, and $10 million wrongful death verdict. Firm handles everything from no-fault benefits to insurance company negotiations.
Location: Multiple offices throughout Michigan serving Detroit metro area
Contact: https://www.michiganautolaw.com
Consultation: Free consultation, contingency fee basis, one-on-one client care throughout case
2. Christensen Law
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, personal injury, wrongful death, no-fault insurance claims
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle versus car collisions, motorcycle versus truck accidents, intersection motorcycle accidents, lane change collisions, left-turn accidents, drunk driving motorcycle accidents, distracted driving motorcycle accidents, road hazard motorcycle accidents, fatal motorcycle crashes, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, road rash, permanent disability claims
Legal Services: Motorcycle accident investigation, evidence gathering (police reports, witness accounts, photos), no-fault benefits claims, personal injury protection (PIP) claims, third-party liability claims, insurance claim negotiation, personal injury litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering claims
Background: Firm has fought for motorcycle accident victims in Michigan since 1991. Successfully completed thousands of cases and recovered multiple millions of dollars for clients throughout Michigan. Strong track record of record-setting verdicts and awards. Team of attorneys and support staff ensures liable parties pay fairly for accidents. Detroit office serves clients throughout the state. Multiple positive Google reviews specifically from motorcycle accident victims.
Location: Detroit, MI (serves all of Michigan)
Contact: https://davidchristensenlaw.com
Consultation: Free consultation, contingency fee basis
3. Michigan Biker Law
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents exclusively, represents only the motorcycle community
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle versus car collisions, motorcycle versus truck accidents, intersection motorcycle accidents, lane change collisions, left-turn accidents, hit-and-run motorcycle accidents, drunk driving motorcycle accidents, distracted driving motorcycle accidents, road hazard motorcycle accidents, fatal motorcycle crashes, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, road rash, permanent disability claims, wrongful death motorcycle cases
Legal Services: Motorcycle accident investigation, evidence preservation, witness interviews, no-fault benefits claims, personal injury protection (PIP) claims, third-party liability claims, insurance claim negotiation, personal injury litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering claims
Background: Founded by the “Original Motorcycle Lawyer.” Firm has been proudly serving the biker community in Livonia, Metro Detroit, and throughout Michigan for over 35 years. Exclusively represents motorcycle community members. Attorneys are active motorcycle riders who understand biker culture. Larry, the owner and lead attorney, lost his middle brother in a tragic auto accident and understands the shock and pain families face. Team provides 24/7 support and guidance. Firm prioritizes the well-being of the biker community.
Location: Livonia, MI (serves Metro Detroit and all of Michigan)
Contact: (800) 642-4537 (800-MI-BIKER) | https://www.michiganbiker.com
Consultation: Free consultation, contingency fee basis, 24/7 availability
4. Goodman Acker, P.C.
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, personal injury, wrongful death, premises liability, medical malpractice, workers compensation
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle versus car collisions, motorcycle versus truck accidents, head-on collisions, intersection motorcycle accidents, lane change collisions, left-turn accidents, drunk driving motorcycle accidents, distracted driving motorcycle accidents, speeding motorcycle accidents, failure to yield accidents, fatal motorcycle crashes, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, road rash, permanent disability claims
Legal Services: Motorcycle accident investigation, no-fault benefits claims, personal injury protection (PIP) claims, third-party liability claims, insurance claim negotiation, personal injury litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims
Background: Team of experienced litigators with more than 150 years of combined experience. Works with clients throughout Detroit and Michigan’s tri-county area (Wayne County, Oakland County, Macomb County). Proven long track record of fighting passionately for clients’ rights. Firm understands complexities of Michigan’s no-fault insurance laws as they apply to motorcyclists. Handles all types of motorcycle accident claims including accidents involving moving automobiles, parked automobiles, and motorcyclist vs. pedestrian scenarios.
Location: Detroit, MI (serves Wayne County, Oakland County, Macomb County, and throughout Michigan)
Contact: 1-800-TRUSTED | https://www.goodmanacker.com
Consultation: Free consultation, contingency fee basis
5. Ratton Law Group PC
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, personal injury, catastrophic injuries, wrongful death
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle versus car collisions, motorcycle versus truck accidents, intersection motorcycle accidents, lane change collisions, left-turn accidents, drunk driving motorcycle accidents, distracted driving motorcycle accidents, road hazard motorcycle accidents, fatal motorcycle crashes, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, internal injuries, road rash, permanent disability claims, wrongful death motorcycle cases
Legal Services: Motorcycle accident investigation, evidence gathering (medical records, witness testimonies), no-fault benefits claims, insurance claim negotiation, personal injury litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering claims, future income loss recovery
Background: Michael Ratton, lead attorney, has owned and operated a motorcycle since age 16. Specialized in motorcycle litigation for over 30 years. Firm has years of experience using negotiation tactics to maximize compensation for clients. Attorneys understand the unique challenges motorcyclists face, including police bias and insurance company tactics. Firm disputes unfair fault determinations and conducts independent accident investigations. Handles cases throughout Michigan.
Location: Detroit, MI (serves all of Michigan)
Contact: https://www.rattonlaw.com
Consultation: Free consultation, contingency fee basis
Helmet Security Rules, Government Vehicles and Wrongful Death Actions for Detroit Motorcycle Crashes
A Detroit motorcycle crash claim can involve Michigan’s helmet exception, which depends on age, experience and at least $20,000 in first-party medical security, and its rule making governmental agencies liable for their employees’ negligent driving. Michigan also sets the wrongful death action and felony penalties for leaving a serious crash.
The Medical Security Condition for Riding Without a Helmet
Under MCL 257.658(5)(c), an operator and rider are not required to wear crash helmets only if the operator or rider has first-party medical security of at least $20,000, and an operator with a rider needs $20,000 per person unless the rider has his or her own $20,000 in security. The operator must also be 21 or older with a 2-year endorsement or a passed safety course under (5)(a). When a crash involves a car or truck, MCL 500.3114(5) has the rider claim personal protection insurance benefits first from the insurer of that vehicle’s owner or registrant, then from its operator’s insurer, and only after that from the rider’s own motor vehicle insurers.
A Government-Owned Vehicle
Under MCL 691.1405, governmental agencies are liable for bodily injury and property damage resulting from the negligent operation by an officer, agent or employee of a motor vehicle the agency owns.
A Wrongful Death Action
Under MCL 600.2922, the personal representative brings the action and must serve the complaint and notice on those who may be entitled to damages within 30 days after commencing it, and those persons include the deceased’s spouse, children, descendants, parents, grandparents and siblings.
Leaving the Scene
Under MCL 257.617, a driver who knows or has reason to believe of a crash must stop and remain, or report immediately if remaining would cause further harm; leaving a crash that results in serious impairment of a body function or death is a felony punishable by up to 5 years or $5,000, and up to 15 years or $10,000 if the driver caused a fatal crash.
Detroit Motorcycle Accident Questions
Can a passenger ride without a helmet in Michigan?
Yes, if the passenger is 21 or older and the passenger or the operator has the first-party medical security required by MCL 257.658(5)(c); otherwise the crash helmet requirement in (4) applies.
Can I recover if I was partly at fault?
Yes. Under MCL 600.2959, damages are reduced by the rider’s percentage of fault. For example, imagine $130,000 in damages and 25 percent of the fault on the rider: the recovery would be $97,500. If the rider’s fault were greater than everyone else’s combined, noneconomic damages would not be awarded.
How long do I have to sue after a Detroit motorcycle crash?
Three years after the death or injury, under MCL 600.5805(2).