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

Motorcycle Accident Laws and Regulations in Michigan

Statute of Limitations: Michigan allows three (3) years from the date of a motorcycle accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (third-party claim). Some deadlines may be shorter, especially for no-fault insurance claims. Missing this deadline typically results in permanent loss of the right to seek compensation.

No-Fault Insurance System (Unique Michigan Law): Michigan is a no-fault state with complex rules that apply differently to motorcyclists than to car drivers. Motorcycles are NOT considered “motor vehicles” under Michigan’s auto no-fault law (MCL 500.3101(3)(i)(i)). This means:

• Motorcyclists are not required to purchase no-fault auto insurance
• Motorcyclists are excluded from obtaining Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits unless the crash involves a motor vehicle (car or truck)
• If a motorcycle accident involves a motor vehicle, the rider can seek no-fault benefits through the involved car or truck’s insurance policy
• If the involved motor vehicle lacks insurance, the motorcyclist may have no-fault coverage through their own automobile policy (if they have an insured car or truck)
• If no motor vehicle was involved (motorcycle-only crash), the motorcyclist’s only options are motorcycle insurance, optional medical coverage, health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, or paying out-of-pocket

Modified Comparative Negligence (51% Bar): Under Michigan Compiled Laws Section 2959, an injured party’s compensation can be reduced based on their percentage of fault. If the motorcyclist is found more than 50% at fault for the accident, they cannot recover any damages from the other party.

Motorcycle Insurance Requirements: Michigan law requires motorcyclists to have liability coverage with the following minimum limits:

• $250,000/$500,000 for bodily injury or death (one person/two or more persons per accident), OR
• Lower limits of $50,000/$100,000 for bodily injury if elected
• $10,000 for property damage
• Motorcyclists riding without helmets must also carry at least $20,000 in first-party medical benefits coverage ($20,000 per person per occurrence if carrying passengers)

Helmet Law: Michigan has a partial helmet law (MCL 257.658). Requirements:

• Riders under 21 years of age MUST wear a DOT-approved helmet at all times
• Riders 21 and older may ride without a helmet IF they meet ALL of these conditions:

1. Have at least $20,000 in first-party medical benefits insurance coverage

1. Have held a motorcycle endorsement for at least 2 years OR have passed an approved motorcycle safety course

• Passengers 21+ may ride without helmets if the operator meets the insurance requirement AND the passenger has at least $20,000 in first-party medical benefits coverage

Helmet Law Violation and No-Fault Benefits: Under MCL 500.3113(b), violation of Michigan’s motorcycle helmet law does NOT disqualify an otherwise eligible motorcyclist from receiving no-fault PIP benefits.

Eye Protection Requirements: Licensed motorcyclists must use eye protection (shatterproof goggles, face shield, or windshield) when traveling more than 35 miles per hour.

Lane Splitting/Lane Filtering: Lane splitting is illegal in Michigan. Motorcycles are entitled to a full lane of traffic and cannot operate between lanes of traffic.

Motorcycle Licensing Requirements: Michigan requires either a motorcycle endorsement (CY) on a standard driver’s license or a separate motorcycle license. Requirements include passing knowledge and skills tests or completing an approved safety course.

Motorcycle Equipment Requirements:

• Front and rear brakes
• Horn
• Working headlights, taillights, and stop lights
• Muffler
• Rearview mirror
• Permanent seat

Excess Medical Benefits: Motorcyclists can sue an at-fault driver for “excess” medical benefits, which is the amount by which medical needs and expenses exceed the no-fault PIP coverage levels of the policies associated with the accident (MCL 500.3135(3)(c)).

Damage Caps: Michigan does not cap compensatory damages in personal injury cases.

Wrongful Death: Michigan allows wrongful death claims to be filed by personal representatives of deceased accident victims. Recoverable damages include loss of financial support, loss of companionship, pain and suffering experienced before death, and funeral/burial expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A: Michigan’s no-fault insurance system treats motorcyclists differently than car drivers, creating a complex situation for injured riders. Under Michigan law, motorcycles are specifically excluded from the definition of “motor vehicle” for no-fault purposes. This means motorcyclists are not required to purchase no-fault auto insurance and are generally excluded from receiving Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits. However, if your motorcycle accident involves a motor vehicle (car or truck), you can seek no-fault benefits through the involved vehicle’s insurance policy. If that vehicle is uninsured, you may have coverage through your own automobile policy if you own an insured car or truck. If no motor vehicle was involved (such as a single-motorcycle crash or motorcycle-versus-motorcycle collision), your only insurance options are motorcycle liability insurance, optional medical coverage you purchased, health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, or paying out-of-pocket. This complexity makes it essential to work with an experienced Michigan motorcycle accident attorney who understands the state’s unique no-fault laws.

Q: What are the helmet requirements for motorcycle riders in Michigan?

A: Michigan has a partial helmet law that allows some riders to choose whether to wear a helmet. If you are under 21 years of age, you MUST wear a DOT-approved helmet at all times when operating or riding a motorcycle. Riders 21 and older may legally ride without a helmet if they meet ALL of the following conditions: (1) they have at least $20,000 in first-party medical benefits insurance coverage, and (2) they have held a motorcycle endorsement for at least two years OR have passed an approved motorcycle safety course. Passengers 21 and older may ride without helmets if the motorcycle operator meets the insurance requirement AND the passenger also has at least $20,000 in first-party medical benefits coverage. Importantly, even if you violated the helmet law, this violation will NOT disqualify you from receiving no-fault PIP benefits if you are otherwise eligible (MCL 500.3113(b)). However, not wearing a helmet may be used against you in a third-party lawsuit under comparative negligence arguments.

Q: How does Michigan’s comparative negligence law affect my motorcycle accident claim?

A: Michigan follows a modified comparative negligence rule under MCL 2959. This means your compensation can be reduced based on your percentage of fault in the accident. More critically, if you are found more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover ANY damages from the other party. Insurance companies and defense attorneys often use common motorcycle stereotypes and biases to try to shift blame onto riders. They may argue that your failure to wear a helmet, speeding, or lane positioning contributed to your injuries. If a jury finds you 51% or more at fault, you will receive nothing. This harsh rule makes it essential to work with an experienced Michigan motorcycle accident attorney who can investigate the true cause of your accident, counter unfair blame, and present evidence establishing the other party’s negligence.

Q: What is the deadline to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Michigan?

A: In Michigan, the general statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit (third-party claim) is three (3) years from the date of your motorcycle accident. However, some deadlines may be shorter, particularly for no-fault insurance claims which have specific notice and filing requirements. Missing the filing deadline typically results in the permanent loss of your right to seek compensation. Because evidence can deteriorate, witnesses’ memories fade, and surveillance footage may be deleted, it is advisable to consult with a motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible after your crash. The sooner you act, the better your recall of the event will be and the more evidence is likely to be available to support your case.

Q: What damages can I recover in a Detroit motorcycle accident case?

A: In a Michigan motorcycle accident case, you may be entitled to recover various types of damages depending on your specific situation and the insurance policies involved. If your crash involved a motor vehicle, you may be able to recover no-fault PIP benefits to cover medical expenses up to policy limits. In a third-party lawsuit against the at-fault driver, you can pursue: (1) Economic damages including medical bills (past and future), motorcycle repair or replacement, lost wages during recovery, lost earning capacity if permanently disabled, and rehabilitation costs; (2) Non-economic damages including pain and suffering, emotional distress, scarring and disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium; (3) “Excess” medical benefits, which is the amount by which your medical needs and expenses exceed the no-fault PIP coverage levels available to you. An experienced Michigan motorcycle accident attorney can help you understand all available sources of compensation and maximize your recovery under the state’s complex insurance laws.