Laws, Injuries, Insurance, and How to Protect Your Rights

Updated June 2026 | Reviewed by Donna MacKenzie, Michigan Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycling offers a sense of freedom that few other forms of travel can match, but it also exposes riders to serious risks. When a motorcycle accident is caused by a negligent driver, the consequences can be devastating, leaving victims to cope with severe injuries, mounting medical expenses, lost income, and an uncertain future.

Unfortunately, recovering compensation after a motorcycle crash in Michigan is rarely straightforward. Michigan’s no-fault insurance system applies differently to motorcyclists than it does to occupants of passenger vehicles, creating unique legal and insurance challenges. Riders often face unfair stereotypes from insurance companies, disputed liability claims, and aggressive efforts to minimize the value of their injuries. At the same time, motorcycle accidents frequently result in catastrophic harm, making the financial and personal stakes exceptionally high.

For decades, the Michigan motorcycle accident attorneys at Olsman MacKenzie Peacock have represented injured riders and families who have lost loved ones in preventable crashes. We understand the laws, insurance rules, and litigation strategies that can determine the outcome of a motorcycle accident claim. This guide explains what every Michigan motorcyclist and family member should know after a crash, including how Michigan law applies, what insurance benefits may be available, and the steps that can help protect your right to full compensation.

Call us at 1-800-366-8653 for a free consultation with an experienced Michigan motorcycle accident attorney. There are no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.

We also recommend reading through this Michigan motorcycle accident guide, as it covers a wealth of Michigan-specific information about motorcycle crashes, settlements, and lawsuits, including:

Michigan motorcycle laws and what riders are legally required to do
How Michigan’s no-fault insurance system applies to motorcyclists
Michigan’s motorcycle helmet law and how it affects injury claims
Common causes of Michigan motorcycle accidents
The most serious motorcycle accident injuries
How insurance companies create and exploit bias against riders
What compensation injured motorcyclists can pursue
Steps to take immediately after a Michigan motorcycle crash
Results we have achieved for motorcycle accident clients
What clients say about working with our firm

What Michigan Laws Apply to Motorcycle Accidents?

Michigan has a specific set of laws that govern motorcycle operation, licensing, and insurance. Understanding these statutes matters because insurance companies and defense attorneys will use any violation to shift blame onto an injured rider or reduce the value of a motorcycle accident claim.

What Are the Licensing Requirements for Michigan Motorcycle Riders?

Under MCL 257.312a, any person operating a motorcycle on a Michigan public road must hold a valid motorcycle endorsement (CY) on their driver’s license. Obtaining that endorsement requires passing a written knowledge test and a road skills test administered by the Secretary of State or completing a Michigan-approved motorcycle safety course through the Michigan Rider Education Program (MREP).

Riders under the age of 18 who hold a motorcycle level 2 restricted license may only operate a motorcycle during daylight hours, may not carry passengers, and must follow all other graduated licensing restrictions under MCL 257.310e.

What Are Michigan’s Motorcycle Equipment Laws?

Michigan law imposes specific equipment requirements on motorcycles operated on public roads. A motorcycle must be equipped with at least one head lamp (MCL 257.685), a rear tail lamp (MCL 257.686), a stop lamp and signal device (MCL 257.697), a horn or warning device audible from at least 200 feet (MCL 257.706), and at least one mirror (MCL 257.708). A passenger may not ride unless the motorcycle has footrests the passenger’s feet can reach (MCL 257.658a). All motorcycle equipment must be maintained in safe working order and is subject to inspection by law enforcement under MCL 257.683.

Eye protection is required for riders who are subject to the helmet law. Riders legally exempt from wearing a helmet under the conditions described below are still required to wear approved eye protection unless the motorcycle is equipped with a windscreen.

How Does Michigan’s Lane Splitting Law Affect Motorcycle Accident Claims?

Lane splitting, which is the practice of riding a motorcycle between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic, is illegal in Michigan under MCL 257.660(5). Insurance companies and defense attorneys frequently raise lane splitting as evidence of contributory negligence when a rider is injured in a crash. Even when a rider was not lane splitting, the accusation alone can complicate a motorcycle accident case and reduce the compensation available under MCL 500.3135‘s comparative fault rules.

At Olsman MacKenzie Peacock, our Michigan motorcycle accident attorneys work to investigate the facts thoroughly and preserve evidence that demonstrates exactly where each vehicle was positioned at the time of impact, eliminating unfounded accusations that can negatively impact a settlement or jury award.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Michigan Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit?

In most Michigan motorcycle accident cases involving injuries caused by another driver’s negligence, the statute of limitations is three years from the date of the accident under MCL 600.5805(2).Claims against a governmental entity for a road defect or dangerous condition carry a much shorter deadline: written notice of the injury and the defect must be served on the responsible agency within 120 days of the injury under the highway exception to governmental immunity, MCL 691.1404.

Missing a filing deadline may eliminate the right to pursue compensation entirely, unless a narrow exception tolls the statute of limitation. As experienced Michigan motorcycle accident lawyers, we help monitor critical deadlines to ensure our clients do not lose the opportunity to pursue justice and maximum compensation.

How Does Michigan’s No-Fault Insurance System Apply to Motorcycle Accidents?

Michigan is a no-fault insurance state, which means that after most vehicle accidents, injured people turn to their own insurance company first for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits covering medical expenses, lost wages, and replacement services. However, motorcycles occupy a unique position under Michigan’s no-fault law that creates significant gaps in coverage for injured riders.

Are Motorcyclists Covered by Michigan No-Fault Insurance Benefits?

Motorcycles are not defined as “motor vehicles” under Michigan’s no-fault act, MCL 500.3101(3)(i). This means motorcycle owners are not required to purchase no-fault insurance. As a result, when a motorcyclist is injured in a crash that does not involve another vehicle, there may be no PIP benefits available at all.

When a motorcycle accident involves a motor vehicle, such as when a car strikes a motorcycle, the injured rider may be entitled to no-fault benefits from the at-fault driver’s insurer. MCL 500.3114(5) establishes a priority order for which insurance policy must pay:

First: the insurer of the owner or registrant of the motor vehicle involved in the accident
Second: the insurer of the operator of the motor vehicle involved
Third: the insurer of the operator of the motorcycle involved in the accident
Fourth: the insurer of the owner or registrant of the motorcycle

If none of those sources are available, the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan may provide a source of benefits under MCL 500.3172.

Can Motorcyclists Purchase No-Fault Insurance in Michigan?

Motorcycle owners can purchase no-fault insurance voluntarily, and doing so provides access to PIP medical benefits, wage loss, and replacement services following a crash involving another vehicle. Under the 2019 no-fault reform law (PA 21 of 2019), riders who purchase no-fault benefits can now choose their PIP medical benefit coverage level, ranging from limited coverage to unlimited lifetime medical benefits.

For riders who choose to ride without a helmet, the purchase of no-fault insurance with at least $20,000 in first-party medical benefits is a legal requirement under MCL 257.658(5)(c), described in more detail in the helmet law section below.

What Are Third-Party Claims in Michigan Motorcycle Accident Cases?

In addition to no-fault benefits, injured motorcyclists may pursue a third-party claim against the driver who caused the crash. A third-party claim allows recovery for pain and suffering, excess medical expenses, lost income, and other non-economic damages. Under MCL 500.3135, to recover pain and suffering damages in Michigan, an injured motorcyclist must demonstrate a “serious impairment of body function” or “permanent serious disfigurement.”

Serious impairment is defined under MCL 500.3135(5) as an objectively manifested impairment of an important body function that affects the person’s general ability to lead their normal life. Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, multiple fractures, and major orthopedic injuries typically meet this threshold. As Michigan motorcycle accident attorneys with decades of legal experience, we analyze every case with registered nurses on our team to fully document the medical impact and support the strongest possible third-party claim.

What Is Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage for Motorcycle Riders?

UM/UIM coverage, which stands for uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, is not mandatory in Michigan but is available for purchase. When the driver who caused a motorcycle accident carries no insurance or carries insurance insufficient to cover the full extent of the rider’s injuries, UM/UIM coverage from the motorcyclist’s own policy can bridge the gap. Insurance companies often fight UM/UIM claims aggressively. As such, having an experienced motorcycle accident attorney handle those negotiations matters.

What Is Michigan’s Motorcycle Helmet Law and How Does It Affect an Injury Claim?

Michigan’s motorcycle helmet law, codified at MCL 257.658, has gone through significant changes over the past two decades. Understanding the current law, and how helmet use or non-use affects compensation after a crash, is essential for every Michigan rider.

Who Is Required to Wear a Helmet Under Michigan Law?

Under MCL 257.658(4), a person operating or riding on a motorcycle must wear a crash helmet on their head. Helmets must meet U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) standards and be approved by the Department of State Police.

Pursuant to MCL 257.658(5), a motorcycle operator is exempt from the helmet requirement only if they meet all of the following conditions:

The operator is 21 years of age or older.
The operator has held a motorcycle endorsement for at least two years, or has successfully completed an approved motorcycle safety course.
The operator is covered by a first-party medical benefits insurance policy providing at least $20,000 in coverage.

A motorcycle passenger is exempt from the helmet requirement only if they meet the following conditions:

The passenger is 21 years of age or older.
The passenger has at least $20,000 in first-party medical benefits insurance in effect, which can be in addition to the insurance required of the operator (either through their own policy or the operator’s qualifying policy).

Riders and passengers who do not meet these respective criteria are legally required to wear a helmet. You can review additional enforcement details on the Michigan State Police Motorcycle Law Guide.

How Did the 2012 Helmet Law Change Affect Michigan Motorcycle Accident Cases?

Michigan eliminated its universal helmet requirement in April 2012. Before 2012, all riders were required to wear a helmet regardless of age, experience, or insurance coverage. The change was driven by motorcycle enthusiast advocacy groups who argued that adult riders should have the freedom to choose.

The consequences became measurable quickly. Research from the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute found that following the helmet law change, the rate of head injuries among unhelmeted riders increased substantially. Insurance industry data cited during prior legislative sessions noted that riders who do not wear a helmet face approximately a 40 percent higher risk of fatal head injury than helmeted riders, and that helmets are approximately 67 percent effective in preventing brain injuries.

At the national level, the CDC estimates that motorcycle helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 69 percent and the risk of death by approximately 37 percent. These are not small margins. They represent real lives and real injuries.

Can a Lack of Helmet Use Reduce Compensation in a Michigan Motorcycle Accident Case?

This is one of the most important questions for injured Michigan riders, and the answer is nuanced. Under Michigan’s no-fault law, the failure to wear a helmet does not affect an injured motorcyclist’s access to no-fault PIP benefits. The no-fault system provides benefits without regard to fault or comparative negligence.

However, in a third-party claim for pain and suffering and excess damages, helmet non-use can become relevant in two ways. First, under Michigan’s comparative fault provisions, a defense attorney may argue that a rider’s decision not to wear a helmet contributed to the severity of their head injuries, which can reduce the damages available if the rider is found partially at fault. Second, jury perception matters. Even when riding without a helmet is legal, jurors may view a helmetless rider less favorably when evaluating the full circumstances of a case.

Our motorcycle accident attorneys at Olsman MacKenzie Peacock address helmet-use arguments directly and early. We work with medical experts to distinguish between injuries caused by the at-fault driver’s negligence and any arguable contribution from helmet non-use, minimizing the impact of these arguments on the overall recovery.

What Are the Common Causes of Michigan Motorcycle Accidents?

Michigan motorcycle accidents share common fact patterns that repeat across thousands of cases every year. Recognizing these patterns helps our motorcycle crash attorneys investigate quickly and identify every responsible party before evidence is lost.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Michigan?

Left-turn collisions: A driver turns left across the path of an oncoming motorcycle, failing to yield or misjudging the motorcycle’s speed. These crashes account for a substantial share of motorcycle accident fatalities nationwide and are among the most common scenarios we handle.
Distracted driving: Drivers using cell phones, adjusting navigation, or otherwise diverted from the road fail to see motorcycles in traffic. Distraction is a leading cause of all vehicle crashes in Michigan.
Failure to yield at intersections: Drivers who run red lights or stop signs strike motorcyclists who have the right of way. Intersection crashes are disproportionately fatal for motorcycle riders.
Lane-change crashes: A driver who fails to check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes can strike a motorcycle traveling in an adjacent lane. Motorcycles are significantly less visible than passenger vehicles.
Rear-end collisions: A distracted, impaired, or following-too-closely driver strikes a motorcycle from behind. Even a low-speed rear impact can launch a rider from the motorcycle.
Drunk and impaired driving: Alcohol-impaired drivers cause a significant percentage of all fatal motorcycle accidents in Michigan. Impaired drivers have reduced reaction time, impaired judgment, and are more likely to fail to see smaller vehicles like motorcycles.
Speeding: Excessive speed reduces stopping distance and increases the force of impact, making crashes far more likely to result in catastrophic injuries.
Road defects: Potholes, uneven pavement, missing or obscured lane markings, debris, and dangerous construction zones can cause a rider to lose control. Claims against governmental entities for road defects require specific notice and legal procedures under MCL 691.1404.
Defective motorcycle parts: Manufacturing defects in brakes, tires, throttles, or other components can cause crashes independent of any other driver’s conduct. Product liability claims against manufacturers and distributors may be available in these cases.
Dooring: A driver or passenger opening a car door directly into the path of a passing motorcycle causes a sudden and often catastrophic crash.

At Olsman MacKenzie Peacock, our investigation into every Michigan motorcycle accident case begins immediately. We retain accident reconstruction specialists, preserve surveillance footage, obtain police reports, and interview witnesses before critical evidence disappears.

What Are the Most Serious Motorcycle Accident Injuries in Michigan?

Motorcycle accident injuries differ fundamentally from injuries sustained in passenger vehicle crashes. A motorcyclist has no steel cage, no seatbelt, no airbags, and no crumple zones. Even at moderate speeds, a collision transfers enormous force directly to the rider’s body. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are approximately 27 times more likely to die in a crash per vehicle mile traveled than occupants of passenger vehicles.[1]

What Types of Injuries Do Motorcycle Accident Victims Commonly Sustain?

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the most serious and life-altering consequences of motorcycle accidents. Even riders wearing helmets can sustain brain injuries in high-impact crashes. TBIs range from concussion-level injuries with symptoms lasting weeks or months to severe injuries causing permanent cognitive impairment, personality changes, memory loss, seizure disorders, and the inability to return to work or live independently.

The registered nurses on the Olsman MacKenzie Peacock team work alongside our motorcycle accident attorneys to document TBI cases fully, from initial emergency treatment through long-term neurological care and vocational impact. This medical depth strengthens both the liability case and the damages calculation.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

Spinal cord damage resulting in paraplegia or quadriplegia represents some of the most catastrophic outcomes of motorcycle accidents. These injuries require lifetime medical care, adaptive equipment, home modifications, and long-term attendant care, all of which must be captured in the damages calculation. We work with life-care planning professionals to quantify the full economic impact of permanent spinal cord injuries.

Orthopedic Fractures and Amputations

Broken bones are extremely common in motorcycle accidents. Riders frequently sustain fractures to the clavicle, arms, wrists, hips, femur, tibia, and fibula. Some fractures are simple and heal with conservative treatment. Others require surgical repair, internal fixation hardware, bone grafting, and months of rehabilitation. In the most severe cases, a limb is so severely damaged that amputation is necessary, either at the scene or following failed surgical salvage attempts.

Severe Road Rash

Road rash refers to skin abrasion injuries caused when a rider slides across pavement after a crash. Severe road rash can penetrate through multiple layers of skin, requiring debridement, skin grafting, and extensive wound care. Significant scarring and permanent disfigurement are common. Under MCL 500.3135, permanent serious disfigurement is a threshold that allows recovery of pain and suffering damages through a third-party claim.

Internal Injuries

Blunt force trauma in motorcycle accidents frequently causes internal organ damage, including liver lacerations, spleen rupture, kidney injuries, and internal bleeding. Internal injuries can be life-threatening and are not always immediately apparent following a crash. Riders who decline emergency evaluation after a crash and subsequently discover internal injuries may face challenges documenting the connection between the accident and the injury. Consequently, it is critical to consult with medical personnel immediately after an accident, even if injuries initially seem minor.

Facial Injuries and Scarring

Riders who are not wearing helmets, or who are wearing open-face helmets, are at significant risk of facial trauma, including fractures of the jaw, orbital bones, and nose, as well as permanent scarring and soft tissue injuries. Facial disfigurement can have profound psychological and vocational consequences in addition to requiring extensive reconstructive surgical treatment.

How Do Insurance Companies Create Bias Against Michigan Motorcycle Riders?

One of the most persistent challenges facing injured Michigan motorcyclists is the bias embedded in how insurance companies evaluate, investigate, and decide motorcycle accident claims. This bias is not accidental. It reflects a deliberate strategy to minimize payouts by exploiting cultural stereotypes about motorcyclists and the complexity of Michigan’s no-fault system.

What Tactics Do Insurance Companies Use to Reduce Motorcycle Accident Claims?

Insurance adjusters handling Michigan motorcycle accident claims regularly employ tactics designed to reduce or deny compensation. Understanding these tactics is the first step to countering them.

Assuming the rider was at fault. Even before any investigation is complete, insurance adjusters often approach motorcycle accident cases with an assumption that the rider was speeding, lane splitting, or otherwise behaving recklessly. This assumption is rarely supported by the evidence but shapes how the adjuster investigates and how early settlement offers are structured.
Disputing injury severity. Insurance companies frequently question whether injuries are as serious as the medical records indicate, challenging treatment recommendations, disputing the need for surgery, and using independent medical examiners who are paid to find that injuries are less severe or unrelated to the accident.
Raising helmet non-use to reduce damages. When a rider was not wearing a helmet, insurance companies and defense counsel often argue that the rider’s head injuries were self-inflicted through their own negligence, attempting to reduce pain and suffering damages through Michigan’s comparative fault framework.
Exploiting the no-fault gap. Because motorcycles are not treated as motor vehicles under Michigan no-fault law, insurance companies know that some injured riders may not be entitled to PIP benefits at all. Adjusters exploit this uncertainty to pressure riders into early low-value settlements before they understand their full legal rights.
Delaying claims. Insurance companies know that financially stressed injured riders are more likely to accept inadequate settlements as time passes and medical bills accumulate. Deliberate delays in claims processing are a documented strategy.

At Olsman MacKenzie Peacock, our Michigan motorcycle accident attorneys are familiar with every one of these tactics. We gather evidence immediately, retain the right experts, and push back against unfounded assumptions from the first demand letter forward. The insurance company has experienced professionals working against injured riders every day. Injured riders deserve experienced professionals in their corner.

Why Do Juries Sometimes Favor Insurance Companies Over Injured Motorcycle Riders?

Jury bias against motorcycle riders is a real factor in Michigan personal injury litigation. Jurors who have never ridden a motorcycle may hold unconscious assumptions that riders are risk-takers who bear responsibility for their own injuries. Defense attorneys exploit these assumptions in jury selection, opening statements, and closing arguments.

Countering jury bias requires careful case preparation: demonstrating the rider’s compliance with every traffic law, presenting evidence of the at-fault driver’s specific negligent conduct, and humanizing the rider through testimony about their life, relationships, and the daily impact of their injuries. As motorcycle crash attorneys with decades of experience, we have spent decades preparing motorcycle accident cases for trial, and that trial experience shapes how we build every case, whether it resolves at the negotiating table or before a jury.

What Compensation Can Injured Michigan Motorcycle Accident Victims Recover?

The compensation available to an injured motorcyclist in Michigan depends on the specific facts of the crash, the severity of the injuries, the insurance coverage in place, and whether the injuries meet the threshold for a third-party claim. We evaluate every available source of recovery in every case and leave no stone unturned in seeking maximum compensation for injuries.

What No-Fault Benefits Are Available to Injured Michigan Motorcyclists?

When a motorcycle accident involves a motor vehicle and the priority order under MCL 500.3114(5) makes a no-fault insurer responsible, the injured motorcyclist may be entitled to the following no-fault benefits:

Medical benefits: Reasonable and necessary medical expenses for treatment of accident-related injuries, including hospital care, surgery, physical and occupational therapy, prescription medications, durable medical equipment, and home nursing care. Under Michigan’s reformed no-fault law, the duration and amount of PIP medical benefits depends on the coverage level selected by the policyholder.
Lost wages: Wage loss benefits replacing up to 85 percent of gross income, subject to a statutory maximum, for up to three years after the accident under MCL 500.3107.
Replacement services: Expenses for household services the injured person can no longer perform, such as cleaning, cooking, yard maintenance, and childcare, up to $20 per day for up to three years.
Attendant care: Benefits for care provided by family members or professional caregivers when the injured person requires assistance with daily living activities.

What Damages Are Available in a Third-Party Motorcycle Accident Claim?

When a motorcycle accident claim meets the serious impairment threshold, the injured rider or family can pursue the following categories of damages from the at-fault driver and their insurance company:

Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life caused by the motorcycle accident injuries.
Excess medical expenses: Medical bills and future medical costs that exceed the available no-fault PIP benefits.
Lost income beyond PIP limits: Wage loss exceeding the three-year, 85 percent cap of no-fault benefits, including permanent loss of earning capacity for riders whose injuries prevent them from returning to their previous occupation.
Future care costs: Lifetime medical care, attendant care, adaptive equipment, and home modification costs for catastrophic injury cases.
Wrongful death damages: In fatal motorcycle accident cases, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death claims under MCL 600.2922 for the loss of financial support, companionship, and the decedent’s conscious pain and suffering.

Maximum compensation in a Michigan motorcycle accident case depends on the strength of the liability evidence, the completeness of the damages documentation, and the legal strategy used to navigate the no-fault framework. Our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers pursue every available dollar.

What Should You Do After a Michigan Motorcycle Accident?

The steps taken in the hours and days immediately following a Michigan motorcycle accident can significantly affect the outcome of a legal claim. Evidence disappears quickly. Insurance companies begin their investigation immediately. Consequently, injured riders and their families should take the following steps after a Michigan motorcycle accident:

Call 911: Report the accident and request emergency medical services. A police report documents the scene, collects witness information, and creates an official record of the crash. Do not leave the scene before law enforcement arrives.
Seek emergency medical care: Even if injuries do not seem severe in the immediate aftermath, adrenaline can mask pain and some injuries, including traumatic brain injuries and internal bleeding, may not produce obvious symptoms for hours or days. A same-day emergency evaluation creates a contemporaneous medical record linking injuries to the accident.
Document the scene: If it is possible to do so safely, photograph the positions of all vehicles, road conditions, traffic signals, skid marks, debris, and any visible injuries before vehicles are moved. Exchange insurance and contact information with all drivers involved.
Collect witness information: Names and contact numbers for any bystanders who observed the crash are valuable. Witness testimony about the at-fault driver’s conduct can be critical to proving fault.
Preserve the motorcycle and gear: Do not repair or discard the motorcycle, helmet, or riding gear after a crash. This physical evidence may be relevant to accident reconstruction and to demonstrating the severity of the impact.
Do not give recorded statements to any insurance adjuster: Insurance adjusters, including those representing your own insurer, are trained to ask questions designed to elicit admissions that can reduce the value of a claim. Politely decline to give a recorded statement until you have spoken with a motorcycle accident attorney.
Do not accept an early settlement offer: Initial settlement offers from insurance companies in Michigan motorcycle accident cases are almost always far below the full value of the claim. Accepting a settlement and signing a release eliminates the right to pursue additional compensation, even if additional injuries are later discovered.
Contact a Michigan motorcycle accident attorney immediately: Early legal representation preserves evidence, stops the insurance company from building a one-sided record, and ensures that all applicable deadlines are met.

At Olsman MacKenzie Peacock, we offer free consultations to injured Michigan motorcyclists and their families.

Call 1-800-366-8653 to speak with a Michigan motorcycle accident attorney today.

What Results Has Olsman MacKenzie Peacock Achieved for Michigan Motorcycle Accident Clients?

Past results cannot guarantee future outcomes. Every motorcycle accident case presents unique facts, injuries, and legal challenges. The following settlements reflect the outcomes we have achieved for some of our motorcycle accident clients.

$1,250,000	Policy limits settlement for an injured motorcyclist who was struck by a distracted driver.
$1,250,000	Settlement for traumatic brain injury and orthopedic injuries following a motorcycle accident.
$200,000	Settlement for a motorcyclist who suffered fractures to his leg when struck by a car, requiring surgical repair.

These results reflect our commitment to pursuing the maximum available compensation for injured Michigan motorcycle riders and their families. Our firm has recovered millions of dollars for motorcycle accident victims across Michigan, from Metro Detroit and Southeast Michigan to Mid-Michigan, West Michigan, and the Upper Peninsula.

Why Do Michigan Motorcycle Accident Victims Choose Olsman MacKenzie Peacock?

When injured Michigan motorcyclists and their families search for legal representation, they evaluate many firms. The factors that consistently distinguish Olsman MacKenzie Peacock reflect the firm’s structure, experience, and commitment to representing only injured people, never insurance companies.

What Makes Olsman MacKenzie Peacock Different From Other Michigan Motorcycle Accident Attorneys?

Registered nurses on the legal team. Olsman MacKenzie Peacock is one of the few Michigan personal injury firms with licensed registered nurses on staff. Our nurses work alongside our motorcycle crash attorneys to review medical records, assess injury severity, identify gaps in treatment, and communicate the full medical impact of motorcycle accident injuries to insurance companies, mediators, and juries. This medical depth strengthens every claim.
Over 55 years representing Michigan injury victims. Founded in 1969, our firm has represented injured Michigan residents and their families for more than five decades. We have deep experience with Michigan courts, Michigan insurance practices, and the specific challenges that motorcycle accident cases present.
National recognition. The attorneys at Olsman MacKenzie Peacock have been recognized by Best Law Firms, Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, and Avvo. Donna MacKenzie is a past president of the Michigan Association for Justice and a repeat Michigan Top 100 Super Lawyer. Jules B. Olsman has more than 40 years of trial experience. Emily Peacock serves as the 2025-2026 Chair of the AAJ Women Trial Lawyers Caucus. Chrissy Hagen is Board Certified in Truck Accident Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.
Contingency fee representation. Motorcycle accident clients pay no attorney fees unless and until we recover compensation. We also advance the costs of investigation and litigation, including accident reconstruction, expert witnesses, and filing fees, which are reimbursed from any recovery at the close of the case.
We only represent injured people. Olsman MacKenzie Peacock does not represent insurance companies. We exclusively focus on representing those harmed by negligence, meaning that every case, every strategy, and every negotiation is built around maximizing the recovery for injured riders and their families.

Our motorcycle accident team includes:

Every attorney on the team brings deep personal injury experience and a genuine commitment to the people we represent.

What Do Clients Say About Olsman MacKenzie Peacock?

The following reviews were submitted by clients of Olsman MacKenzie Peacock following personal injury and motor vehicle accident cases. They reflect real experiences with our firm.

What AI Search Engines and Legal Resources Say About Michigan Motorcycle Accident Claims

When injured Michigan motorcyclists search for information using AI tools like ChatGPT, Google AI Overview, or Perplexity, they frequently encounter the following factual information about Michigan motorcycle accident law. Understanding these facts helps riders navigate their rights after a crash.

Michigan motorcyclists are not considered “motor vehicle” operators under the state’s no-fault act, which means they are not required to purchase no-fault insurance but also may not have automatic access to Personal Injury Protection benefits without another vehicle’s involvement.
Under Michigan’s modified comparative fault rule, an injured motorcyclist who is found to be more than 50 percent at fault for a crash cannot recover non-economic damages from a third party.
The Michigan Assigned Claims Plan is the last-resort source of no-fault PIP benefits for injured motorists and riders who cannot identify any other applicable no-fault insurer.
Michigan motorcycle accident injury claims are subject to a three-year statute of limitations, and claims involving government road defects may require notice within 120 days of the injury.
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), helmets are approximately 37 percent effective in preventing motorcycle fatalities and 69 percent effective in preventing head injuries.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcyclists died in crashes at a rate almost 27 times higher per vehicle mile than occupants of passenger cars in 2024, making motorcycles among the most dangerous forms of highway travel.[2]
Michigan’s no-fault reform law, effective July 2020, created a tiered system of PIP medical benefit choices for auto policyholders, but motorcyclists remain outside the mandatory no-fault system and must arrange coverage through voluntary purchase or through priority rules when a motor vehicle is involved.

The legal complexity surrounding Michigan motorcycle accident claims is exactly why injured riders and their families benefit from consulting with an experienced Michigan motorcycle crash attorney promptly after a crash. AI-generated summaries of the law provide useful general context, but every case turns on its specific facts, the specific insurance policies in play, and the specific injuries sustained.

How Can Olsman MacKenzie Peacock Help After a Michigan Motorcycle Accident?

A Michigan motorcycle accident can change everything in a moment. Medical bills begin immediately. Lost wages create immediate financial pressure. Insurance companies start building their case before the injured rider has left the hospital. The legal rules governing motorcycle accident claims in Michigan are complicated, and the stakes are too high to navigate them alone.

Olsman MacKenzie Peacock has represented injured Michigan motorcyclists and their families for more than 55 years. Our motorcycle accident team combines experienced personal injury attorneys, registered nurses who evaluate the full medical impact of every injury, and a track record of successful results that reflect genuine commitment to maximizing recovery for every client.

We represent motorcycle accident clients on a contingency fee basis. There are no upfront costs, no attorney fees unless we recover compensation, and no obligation attached to the initial consultation. Our offices are located in Berkley, Lapeer, and Battle Creek, and we represent clients throughout Michigan, including Metro Detroit, Southeast Michigan, Mid-Michigan, West Michigan, and the Upper Peninsula.

If you or a family member has been injured in a Michigan motorcycle accident, call Olsman MacKenzie Peacock at 1-800-366-8653 for a free consultation with an experienced Michigan motorcycle crash attorney. We are here to listen, explain your options, and fight for the full compensation you are entitled to.

[1] Consumer Alert: NHTSA Urges Drivers to Share the Road Amid Rising Motorcyclist Fatality Rate, NHTSA, Motorcycle Safety Month: Help Prevent Motorcycle Deaths | NHTSA.

[2] Motorcycle Safety, NHTSA, Motorcycle Safety: Helmets, Motorists, Road Awareness | NHTSA.

Michigan Motorcycle Accident Guide