Michigan No-Fault: Definition of a Motor Vehicle

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Christensen Law 
David Christensen  
25925 Telegraph Rd #200  
Southfield, MI 48033 
248-900-9000 
inquiry@davidchristensenlaw.com 
https://davidchristensenlaw.com 
https://plus.google.com/101403597068266196711/posts

Before you can file a claim under your Michigan no-fault automobile insurance, your attorneys will have to determine one basic question: Was this a motor vehicle accident?

In most car crashes there is no question: when a car hits a car and you were in one of them, a motor vehicle accident has occurred. But what if a car hits a person? Or what if two motorcycles collide? What counts as a motor vehicle?

The No-Fault Act defines motor vehicle as “a vehicle, including a trailer, that is operated or designed for operation on a public highway by power other than muscular power and has more than 2 wheels.”

Let’s break that down:

• A motor vehicle needs to have more than 2 wheels. That means motorcycles and mopeds don’t count.

• The device has to be intended for use on a public road. That means go-carts and golf carts don’t count.

• Motor vehicles need to be powered by something other than your muscles. That cuts off bicycles, tricycles, wagons, scooters, and other rider-propelled toys.

Michigan law also explicitly excludes off-road vehicles (ORVs), commercial quadricycles, battery operated wheelchairs, and unregistered farm equipment, like tractors.

Let’s go through a few possible accidents to show whether a motor vehicle was involved.

About David Christensen
LISTENING. PROTECTING. WINNING
At Christensen Law, we are leaders in helping victims of automobile and truck accidents. We understand the overwhelming challenges that come with these life-changing events, and we want to help. You are not alone – we will become your voice.

Christensen Law 
David Christensen  
25925 Telegraph Rd #200  
Southfield, MI 48033 
248-900-9000 
inquiry@davidchristensenlaw.com 
https://davidchristensenlaw.com 
https://plus.google.com/101403597068266196711/posts