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Last Modified on Apr 08, 2026
Riding a motorcycle can be a fun leisurely activity and a great way to get around. Their small size and often overwhelming speed can make motorcycles among the most dangerous vehicles on the road. There are motorcycle accidents all the time, and sometimes they can be physically devastating to the rider. Knowing the Michigan motorcycle accident statistics may help keep both riders and other drivers safe on the road.
About Us
At Wigod & Falzon, our practice has been devoted to representing injury victims throughout the greater Detroit area since 1997. Serious motorcycle accidents fall under personal injury law, which is why we are well-equipped to help you. Our team of over 30 people sees that we give each client the time and attention they deserve. We go above and beyond to make sure you have all the information you need and understand your options every step of the way.
Michigan Motorcycle Accident Statistics
According to the Michigan State Police reports, there were 3,187 total motorcycle-involved traffic crashes. This was a 4% increase from the previous year, which had 3,056 accidents. There were also 168 fatal traffic crashes involving motorcycles. Additionally, 97.02% of riders in accidents were males, and 53.57% of fatalities were not wearing helmets.
Over a quarter of a million Michigan citizens ride motorcycles, but they can be easy to miss on the road because of the vehicles’ small size and the speed at which they often travel. It is important to remember that most motorcycle crashes occur on city streets rather than on highways. They also tend to happen at busy intersections when a vehicle makes a left turn without noticing a motorcyclist.
A skilled Michigan Motorcycle Accident Lawyer can provide legal assistance to deal with such accidents.
Understanding Driver Error
Motorcycle accidents are often related to issues with seeing motorcycles on the road. When examining motorcycle crashes, car-involved incidents often stand out. These wrecks often happen when another vehicle fails to see the motorcycle while making a left-hand turn. Most multi-vehicle motorcycle wrecks involve a passenger vehicle traveling straight while another vehicle turns left directly into the motorcycle’s path.
Passenger vehicles turning left into motorcycles are just one example of crashes caused by driver error. Drivers simply don’t see motorcycles, or they misjudge their speed and distance.
Motorcycles weave through traffic differently than cars or trucks. They can also hide in a vehicle’s blind spot, just waiting to be seen at an intersection. This egregious violation of another driver’s right-of-way is commonplace in motorcycle wrecks.
Motorcycle Impairment Statistics
Impairment isn’t exclusive to motorcycle riders either. Drivers involved in motorcycle wrecks are often impaired, too. Approximately 28% of motorcycle deaths involve alcohol or drug impairment. For motorcyclists, safe operation relies on immediate reflexes, heightened awareness, and practiced coordination. Driver impairment drastically reduces the already slim room for error.
Motorcycle riders can quickly lose their balance or focus if they are impaired. Other drivers may simply not notice the motorcycle at all or realize their car can move that fast.
Speeding as a Factor
Speeding is another factor you’ll commonly see listed as part of motorcycle wrecks. Speeding, while a factor in many crashes, appears more frequently in motorcycle accident reports than in those involving cars. Motorcyclists also face greater risks when speeding due to their proximity to the road. They don’t have the same safety features that help prevent injuries to passenger-vehicle drivers.
Drivers also have a tendency to misjudge a motorcycle’s speed. It’s possible that a driver may pull out into traffic or try to turn left in front of a motorcycle because they think they have more time than they actually do.
The Financial Reality of Motorcycle Accidents
When you think about motorcycle accidents, you might think about the potential for physical injury. However, these types of wrecks can also cause financial injury. Medical expenses stemming from motorcycle crashes can easily run from thousands to more than $100,000. More severe injuries can lead to even higher medical costs.
There are many different aspects that can factor into the medical costs associated with a motorcycle accident. Injuries that can lead to permanent disability can significantly increase your medical bills.
Michigan No-Fault Insurance
When it comes to Michigan’s no-fault insurance law, motorcyclists are treated differently from passenger vehicle drivers. Motorcyclists are exempt from having Personal Injury Protection coverage on their own policy. In the event of an accident, PIP coverage usually comes from the motor vehicle’s insurer, but other policies might apply depending on the specific circumstances.
Due to how Michigan law handles motorcycle accidents, there can be some confusion about the available no-fault benefits. PIP benefits can help cover medical bills, replacement services, lost wages, and more. However, they can also have limits and requirements that must be met.
PLPD Coverage and Third-Party Claims
Motorcycles in Michigan are required to carry PLPD insurance, which covers damage to others if the rider is liable. Sadly, PLPD coverage only shields the owner from liability, leaving the rider without personal injury protection. Because of this fact, many motorcycle accident victims must file third-party claims in order to fully recover from their injuries.
Fault in motorcycle accidents often comes into play when filing third-party claims. While drivers of cars do cause motorcycle accidents, researchers have found that the majority are caused by drivers of other motor vehicles failing to yield.
Third-party claims are common in motorcycle accident injury cases. Most motorcycle accident cases handled by lawyers involve severe injuries that qualify for pain and suffering compensation in Michigan. Because Michigan’s No-Fault law provides limited protection for motorcyclists injured in accidents, many injuries are left with lasting effects.
The Complexity of Motorcycle Accident Claims
Cases involving motorcycles generally have more issues than your average car accident case does. This may be because there are typically more serious injuries. There can also be unique considerations when proving fault.
It’s not uncommon for judges and insurance adjusters to have underlying biases, assuming motorcyclists are reckless, even though the data often tells a different story about who’s at fault. Cases like this can be won by producing evidence and deconstructing the events leading up to the collision.
There are also the considerations involving no-fault benefits, a liability claim, and how insurance limits play into your case. Each of these areas provides another layer to your motorcycle accident case.
Why Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Navigating a motorcycle accident often brings up many unknowns. You have doctors and hospitals to think about while dealing with insurance companies that may try to deny your claim or blame you for the accident.
Our lawyers can help you make sense of motorcycle accident laws. Whether you just want to know if you have a case or your situation involves serious injuries or disputed liability, we can help you understand how Michigan law applies to your accident.
We’re here to walk you through your legal choices, freeing you to concentrate on what matters. If your case goes to court, it will likely be heard in a nearby venue, such as the Oakland County Circuit Court (1200 N Telegraph Road, Pontiac, MI 48341). Knowing which courts are nearby and their procedures can help you understand your case along the way.
Safety Tips to Avoid Motorcycle Accidents
There is a good chance that if you are driving a larger vehicle, such as a car, truck, or bus, you may fail to see an approaching motorcyclist. If you don’t see them, you could hit them and create a terrible situation. If you are a motorcyclist, you may be going too fast to stop when you notice a car moving towards you, seemingly unaware of you. Here are some important safety tips for motorcycle riders to avoid getting hit by unsuspecting cars:
- Wear protective gear. Michigan does not have a very strict helmet law for riders over 21. Still, it is generally good practice to wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle, as you may need head protection if you lose control of the bike. Wearing a helmet can save your life, as can wearing protective clothing and reflective gear at night. Dress appropriately for the weather, too.
- Make sure to have reflective elements. Wearing reflective gear, such as red or orange helmets and vests, can help prevent accidents. Reflective gear helps you stay visible on the road. Keeping your headlights on at night and using hand signals to indicate which way you are turning can also help remind other drivers you are out there.
- Maintain a safe distance. You may want to consider adhering to the three-second rule on the road. This rule provides the car ahead of you with at least three seconds’ worth of space. Adjust the distance accordingly to account for bad weather or poor road conditions.
- Proper maintenance. It is vital to your road safety that you keep your motorcycle properly maintained. If you are unable to perform the maintenance yourself, make sure you take it to a mechanic for regular inspections.
- Avoid road rage. It can be very easy to fly into a rage on the road, especially when another driver does something that puts you in danger. Calm yourself and try your hardest to ignore the situation before you do something you will likely regret.
Unfortunately, a motorcycle’s small size makes it easy to miss in a blind spot when traveling towards oncoming traffic that may be turning, or in several other situations. For riders, it is important to ride safely and have awareness of others on the road. While all drivers have a duty of care to others, motorcyclists may need to take extra precautions to stay safe.
FAQs
How Many Motorcycle Deaths Are There Per Year in Michigan?
Generally, there are a little under 200 motorcycle fatalities per year in Michigan. The number appears to have been steadily declining in recent years, with a 5% decrease between 2022 and 2023. Motorcyclists are easy to miss on the road and are afforded little protection while driving. Other drivers can try their hardest to stay alert on the road and watch for motorcyclists who may pop into their blind spots.
What State Has the Highest Rate of Motorcycle Accidents?
The state with the highest rate of motorcycle accidents, according to the most recent data, is Florida. Florida offers year-round riding options, whereas Michigan sees an increase in motorcycle activity in the warmer months. Michigan, however, offers some of the most beautiful landscapes and roadways for a ride. Staying safe in Michigan can help you enjoy the spring blossoms, the summer warmth, and the fall colors.
Where Do 70% of Motorcycle Accidents Occur?
Approximately 70% of motorcycle accidents occur at intersections, particularly busy ones. There is often a lot of activity happening at these locations, and some drivers may fail to notice incoming motorcyclists until it is too late to do anything about it. Drivers may also have trouble judging the motorcycle’s speed and may jump out in front of motorcyclists, expecting them to be going much slower.
What Are the Odds of Having a Motorcycle Accident?
While it can be difficult to know the exact odds of an accident occurring, the risk of being involved in a motorcycle accident is greater than being in a car accident. Motorcycles are inherently dangerous. They are small, fast, and difficult to see on the road. All those traits contribute to a dangerous situation.
Reach Out to an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
Dealing with a motorcycle accident can be terrifying, painful, and devastating in certain situations. You may want to seek compensatory damages from the party that caused your accident. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can help you work out the most effective way to approach your case.
The legal team at Wigod & Falzon knows how to help you develop a claim for a motorcycle accident. We can help you build your case, conduct a thorough investigation of the accident, and make sure you are not taken advantage of by insurance companies. Contact us to schedule a consultation as soon as you can.
