Most riders learn the hard way that insurance companies see motorcycle crashes differently from other accidents. The assumption that the rider must have been speeding, weaving, or somehow asking for it shows up in adjuster notes, settlement offers, and even courtrooms.
Our Detroit motorcycle accident lawyers at Christensen Law have spent more than 30 years pushing back against that bias, and we know how to flip the story so the focus lands where it belongs: on the driver who caused the crash.
We have recovered millions for Michigan riders, including a $9.5 million result for a single motorcycle client, by combining detailed scene investigation, top medical experts, and the kind of courtroom experience that insurers respect. If you were hit on your bike in Detroit, we are ready to help.
Contact us today at 313-546-1091 to discuss your case during a free consultation.
CHRISTENSEN LAW HAS A 24 HOUR RAPID RESPONSE SERVICE
Why Do Motorcycle Riders in Detroit Trust Christensen Law?
We know Detroit, and we know motorcycles. Our attorneys have spent decades representing riders hurt on I-75, I-94, the Lodge, and surface streets across Wayne County. We understand the bias riders sometimes face from insurers and even juries, and we know how to push back with strong evidence, accident reconstruction, and clear storytelling.
Firm founder David Christensen is a member of the MILW Hall of Fame and both he and Managing Partner Sarah Stempky-Kime are members of the elite American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). Our firm has been ranked First-Tier in Detroit for Personal Injury Litigation by U.S. News and Best Lawyers® for the 2026 edition of “Best Law Firms.”
We have also earned the Martindale Hubbell AV Preeminent rating, the highest peer-reviewed honor in the legal profession. When you hire us, you get more than a recognized name. You get a team that genuinely cares:
- We take every case on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing up front and nothing unless we win.
- We keep you informed at every stage, so you never have to wonder where your claim stands.
- We bring in top accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and life-care planners to build the strongest case possible.
- We are trial-ready from day one, which often pushes insurers to offer fair settlements rather than face us in court.
If you want a Detroit motorcycle accident lawyer who will treat your case with the urgency and respect it deserves, we are ready to talk.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes in Detroit
Most motorcycle crashes in Detroit happen because another driver fails to share the road safely. Drivers often claim they “didn’t see” the motorcycle, but the law still holds them responsible for the harm they cause. Understanding how these crashes happen can help you protect your rights after one occurs.
Some of the most frequent causes we see include left-turn collisions at busy intersections like those along Michigan Avenue and Gratiot Avenue, where drivers misjudge a rider’s speed or simply do not look twice.
Distracted driving, especially texting behind the wheel, has become one of the leading dangers facing riders today. Michigan’s distracted driving law prohibits drivers from holding or manually using a mobile device while operating a vehicle.
Other causes we see in Detroit motorcycle crashes include:
- Drivers running red lights or stop signs near downtown and Midtown intersections
- Drunk or drugged driving, particularly late at night or after sporting events
- Speeding and aggressive freeway driving on I-75 and I-94
- Unsafe lane changes that cut off riders
- Poor road conditions, including potholes and uneven pavement
- Doored riders in parking lanes along busy commercial streets
No matter what caused your crash, we will investigate every angle to identify everyone who may share responsibility for your injuries. That careful approach often uncovers additional sources of compensation that other firms miss.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Detroit Motorcycle Crash?
You may be able to recover money for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care costs after a motorcycle crash in Detroit. Michigan law treats motorcycle injury claims differently from typical car accident claims, and the rules can affect how much you receive and from whom.
Under Michigan’s no-fault auto insurance system, motorcycles are not considered “motor vehicles” for no-fault purposes.
That means riders generally cannot collect no-fault Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits from their own motorcycle insurance policy. However, if a car, truck, or other motor vehicle was involved in your crash, you may be entitled to PIP benefits from that vehicle’s insurer.
In addition to PIP benefits, you may have a third-party claim against the at-fault driver for damages such as:
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Disfigurement and scarring, common in road rash and burn injuries
- Lost earnings beyond what no-fault covers, including future earning capacity
- Loss of enjoyment of life and loss of consortium for spouses
- Excess medical expenses not covered by PIP
Every case is different, and the value depends on the severity of your injuries, the strength of the evidence, and the insurance policies available. We will sit down with you, review the details, and give you honest answers about what your case may be worth.
How Soon Should You Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
You should contact a motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible after your crash, ideally within days. Evidence disappears quickly, witnesses move on, and insurance adjusters start building their defense the moment a claim is reported. The sooner we get involved, the better we can protect your rights.
Michigan has strict deadlines that can quietly destroy a claim if you wait too long. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Michigan is generally three years from the date of the crash, but no-fault benefit deadlines come much sooner.
Some written notices must be filed within one year, and certain benefits must be claimed within a year of the date the expense was incurred.
Beyond the legal deadlines, fast action helps in practical ways. We can send investigators to the scene before skid marks fade, secure traffic and security camera footage from nearby businesses before it is overwritten, and interview witnesses while memories are fresh.
If your crash happened near landmarks like Campus Martius, the Renaissance Center, or along the Joe Louis Greenway, nearby cameras may have captured critical footage that supports your case.
If you are still in the hospital or recovering at home, you can call us at 313-546-1091, and we will come to you. There is no pressure, no cost, and no obligation.
How Does Michigan’s Motorcycle Helmet Law Affect My Claim?
Michigan allows certain riders to ride without a helmet, but choosing not to wear one can affect parts of your claim. Under Michigan’s motorcycle helmet law, riders 21 and older may ride without a helmet if they meet specific insurance and experience requirements.
Even when a rider legally chose not to wear a helmet, that decision does not bar a claim. However, insurers sometimes argue that the lack of a helmet contributed to head injuries and try to reduce the available compensation.
Michigan follows a modified comparative fault rule, which means your recovery can be reduced by your percentage of fault and may be limited for noneconomic damages if you are found more than 50 percent at fault.
We know how to push back on these arguments. We work with medical experts who can explain whether a helmet would have actually prevented or reduced the specific injuries involved, and we make sure insurers do not unfairly blame our clients for choices that had nothing to do with the crash itself.
What If the Driver Who Hit You Was Uninsured?
If the driver who hit you was uninsured or fled the scene, you may still have options for recovery through uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. Detroit, unfortunately, sees a higher number of uninsured drivers and hit-and-run crashes than many other parts of the country, so this issue comes up often in the cases we handle.
Many motorcycle insurance policies in Michigan include uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage, which can step in when the at-fault driver cannot pay for the harm they caused.
These claims can be complicated, and your own insurance company may not act like a friendly partner once you file. We deal with these insurers regularly, and we know how to push them to honor the policy you paid for.
We also explore every other possible source of recovery, including:
- Commercial policies if the at-fault driver was working at the time of the crash
- Rideshare insurance if the at-fault driver was logged into an app
- Bar or restaurant liability under Michigan’s dram shop law in drunk driving cases
- Government claims if a road defect or poorly designed intersection contributed to the crash
Finding every source of recovery takes time and resources, but it can make an enormous difference in the final result. That is the kind of work we take on every day for Detroit riders.
How We Build a Strong Motorcycle Accident Case
Our motorcycle accident attorneys in Detroit build cases the same way we build our biggest verdicts: with thorough preparation, clear evidence, and a deep understanding of who you are and what you have lost. From the moment you call, we start investigating, gathering documents, and lining up the experts your case may need.
Our process typically includes a careful scene investigation, often using drone photography and 3D reconstruction software to show exactly how the crash happened. We collect police reports, traffic camera footage, witness statements, and the at-fault driver’s phone records when distracted driving is suspected.
We also gather your medical records, work with your treating doctors, and bring in life-care planners when long-term injuries are involved.
Throughout the process, we treat you the way we would want to be treated. You will always know who is handling your case, what is happening, and what to expect next. Whether your case settles at the negotiation table or goes to a jury in Wayne County Circuit Court, you can count on us to be prepared and ready to fight for you.
FAQs Answered by a Detroit Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Below are answers to questions we hear often from injured riders and their families in Detroit. If your question is not covered here, please reach out to us, so we can give you answers tailored to your situation.
How much does it cost to hire a Detroit motorcycle accident lawyer?
Our firm handles motorcycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis, which means there is no up front cost to you. We only get paid if we recover money for you, and the fee comes out of the settlement or verdict. Your initial consultation is always free.
What should I do if the insurance company offers a quick settlement?
Be very cautious before accepting any early offer. Insurance companies often make low initial offers before the full extent of your injuries is known, hoping you will sign away your rights. We recommend talking with a lawyer first, so you understand what your case may truly be worth before agreeing to anything.
How long do motorcycle accident cases take to resolve in Michigan?
Every case is different, but motorcycle accident claims often take anywhere from several months to a few years to resolve. Cases involving catastrophic injuries usually take longer, because we want to fully understand your long-term needs before settling. Rushing a serious case rarely benefits the injured rider.
Will I have to go to court if I hire a motorcycle accident lawyer?
Many motorcycle accident cases settle without going to trial, but not all of them. We prepare every case as if it will go before a jury, which often motivates insurers to make fair offers. If trial is the right path, our courtroom experience is one of the reasons clients come to us.
What if my loved one died in a Detroit motorcycle crash?
When a family loses a loved one in a motorcycle crash, Michigan’s wrongful death law allows certain family members to pursue compensation for funeral expenses, lost financial support, loss of companionship, and more. Our wrongful death attorneys handle these cases with care and respect for what your family is going through.
Do I need a lawyer if my injuries seem minor?
Even injuries that seem minor at first can turn into long-term medical issues, especially with soft tissue damage, concussions, or back injuries. A free consultation costs you nothing, and it can help you understand whether you should pursue a claim before deadlines run out.
Talk to a Detroit Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
If you or someone you love was hurt in a motorcycle crash in Detroit, do not wait to get the answers you need. At Christensen Law, we listen, we protect, and we win, and we have done so for Michigan riders since 1991. Our team is ready to review your case, explain your options, and fight for the full recovery you deserve.
We serve all of Michigan, from the D to the UP. Call our Detroit office today at 313-546-1091 for a free, no-obligation consultation, or reach out online to schedule a meeting at a time that works for you. There is no fee unless we win your case, so there is no reason to wait. Let our Detroit motorcycle accident lawyers stand up for you while you focus on healing.
