The Great Lakes State is known for its picturesque beauty. For many riders, there’s no better way to enjoy Michigan’s more than 3,288 miles of shoreline than on a motorcycle. Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents occur more frequently than we’d like to think. Many times, these accidents are the result of other drivers who are negligent or reckless. You are left with all the medical bills and pain and suffering just because the driver chose to disobey traffic rules.
Here, the experienced motorcycle accident attorneys of Christensen Law have provided some vital information on how often accidents happen and what you can do to protect yourself as a rider or passenger. Some of our lawyers are even riders themselves, and they recognize the need for compassionate and fair representation If you or a loved one were harmed in an accident, you can seek help today.
How Often Do Motorcycle Accidents Happen in Michigan?
According to 2022 data published by the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP):
- There were 3,158 Michigan traffic crashes involving motorcycles in one recent year.
- That same year, 817 motorcyclists were suspected to be seriously injured and 173 were killed in traffic crashes.
Additional sources show that:
- One Michigan motorcyclist was hurt every three hours and three minutes in 2022
- Over 84 percent of traffic incidents involving motorcycles and other vehicles crashes happen on local streets, rather than Michigan highways.
- Motorcycles were involved in nearly 1 percent of all Michigan traffic accidents in one recent year, despite accounting for less than 3 percent of all registered vehicles.
- June 2022 showed the highest number of motorcycle-involved collisions, and Saturdays were had the highest number of accidents.
- When looking at fatal crash data, motorcycles represent just over 10 percent of the vehicles involved in these types of crashes.
Motorcycle Safety Gear Statistics
Visibility and personal safety gear are major factors in motorcycle crashes. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation recommends that motorcyclists use high-visibility equipment and other types of protective gear, such as:
- Light or brightly colored helmets
- Protective eyewear or face shields
- Bright or reflective high-visibility clothing
- Clothing made of leather or other thick material
- Long sleeves and pants
- Over-the-ankle riding boots
- Thick gloves
Data from the Michigan OHSP also indicates 52.6 percent of motorcyclists who were killed in traffic crashes in a recent year were not wearing a helmet.
Do Motorcycle Helmets Save Lives?
Traffic Safety Facts published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) demonstrates without a doubt that motorcycle helmets save lives:
- Helmet use saved an estimated 1,872 lives in the United States in one recent year alone.
- The NHTSA estimates 749 more lives could have been saved if all motorcyclists had been wearing helmets that year.
- Helmet use saved roughly $3.5 billion in economic costs and $21 billion in comprehensive costs, which include quality of life losses, that year.
- If all motorcyclists had worn helmets that year, the NHTSA estimates an additional $1.5 billion in economic costs and $8.9 billion in comprehensive costs could have been saved.
How to Increase Safety While Riding
As a Michigan motorcycle rider, you can keep yourself safe and decrease your risk of sustaining serious crash-related injuries by:
- Wearing a helmet with a face shield or protective eyewear at all times
- Wearing appropriate, high-visibility protective gear such as leather clothing, non-skid boots, and thick gloves
- Obeying the speed limit and all other traffic laws
- Practicing defensive riding by keeping your headlights on, staying mindful of other drivers’ blind spots, and signaling your intent well in advance of turning
- Taking formal motorcycle riding and safety education courses
- Performing regular inspections of your tires, lights, fluid levels, and other critical components
- Avoiding the road during dangerous weather conditions and at night
- Avoiding the road if you’re feeling fatigued or if you’ve been drinking
Most Dangerous Roads to Ride on in Michigan
ClickOnDetroit.com published a list of Michigan’s top 10 most dangerous roads in 2021, based on a MoneyGeek report. Based on fatal crash data, the list of deadly state roads includes:
- Gratiot Avenue between East Grand Boulevard and 7 Mile Road in Detroit
- The section of I-75 that runs from I-96 to the I-94 interchange in Detroit
- A segment of East Davison Street between Conant Street and I-96 in Detroit
- Telegraph Road Grand River to Joy Road in Wayne County near Detroit
- The section of I-94 between Viking Road and Telegraph Road near the Detroit Metro Airport
- The section of 7 Mile Road between Telegraph Road and the John C Lodge Freeway in Detroit
- A section of Dort Highway, also known as the M-54, running from East Pierson Road to East Morris Road in Flint
- 28th Street, or the M-11, between Eastern Avenue SE and Byron Center Avenue in Grand Rapids
- US-131 from Wealthy Street SE to 44th Street SW in Grand Rapids
- The segment of US-10 between North Stiles Road and North Washington Avenue in Ludington
Michiganders Should Be Aware of These Dangerous Intersections
Sometimes, motorcyclists find themselves facing dangerous traffic situations at some of Michigan’s most dangerous intersections. The Detroit Free Press’s 2024 article listed these locations as somewhere that motorists should be extra cautious:
- Grand Rapids: US-131 at Wealthy Street
- Southfield: Telegraph Road at 12 Mile Road
- Sterling Heights: 18 1/2 Mile Road at Van Dyke Avenue
- Warren/Centerline: 11 Mile Road/I-696 at Van Dyke Avenue
- Redford: Schoolcraft Road at Telegraph Road
- Commerce Township: Martin Parkway at North Pontiac Trail Roundabout
- St. Clair Shores: 10 Mile Road at I-94
Drivers often disrespect a rider’s right to ride and their right to safety, but a personal injury lawyer can help you fight back against negligent motorists, whether your accident happened on urban roads, busy intersections, or winding highways.
Motorcycle Accidents and Your Legal Rights
If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle accident in Michigan, it’s crucial to be aware of your rights and what types of accident compensation might be available to you.
Michigan is a no-fault auto insurance state, which means most drivers will rely on their own insurance providers to cover accident-related losses. Motorcycles, however, are excluded as motor vehicles under Michigan’s no-fault laws. This means that bikers often don’t get the same protection and coverage that other motorists do. Fortunately, bikers are entitled to no-fault benefits if a motor vehicle (car or truck) was involved in the accident.
If another vehicle was involved, you could seek compensation for your medical bills and lost wages (e.g., PIP benefits) from:
- The owner of the vehicle or the driver of the vehicle (if different)
- The owner of the bike’s insurance policy (if different)
- The Michigan Assigned Claims Plan (MACP) up to $250,000
If another vehicle negligently caused your crash, you can seek compensation for your pain and suffering from that vehicle’s owner and driver. If you have uninsured (or underinsured) motorist coverage or additional policies that offer expanded coverage, you may also be able to obtain compensation from your insurance company.
Because recovering compensation as a biker can be challenging under Michigan law, it is crucial to consult with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer about your rights.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Michigan Today
The legal team at Christensen Law has more than 30 years of experience handling motorcycle accident cases in Michigan, and we can help you with any questions you may have about motorcycle laws and accidents. If you’ve been hurt, we’ll be ready to stand up and fight for you. Contact us for a free and confidential consultation today when you call.
