Making Sense of Michigan Motorcycle Insurance

There are important differences between No-Fault insurance for drivers and Michigan motorcycle insurance. Vehicle drivers in Michigan must have no-fault auto insurance policies to file claims against in the event of an accident. The Michigan No-Fault Act also imposes different requirements on motorcyclists.

In Michigan, motorcyclists are required to have only Personal Liability and Property Damage (PLPD) insurance coverage. This will protect others if a motorcyclist acts negligently. Motorcyclists may still be eligible for no-fault benefits, but the order of priority is different from that of motor vehicles.

Meanwhile, if a vehicle hits a motorcyclist with PLPD coverage, the motorcyclist will receive Michigan No-Fault insurance benefits in the following order:

First, the insurer of the motor vehicle’s owner or registrant.  Second, if this is not available, the insurer of the motor vehicle’s operator; third, if neither of the above are available, the motorcycle operator’s no-fault insurance on their own motor vehicle; and finally, the motorcycle owner’s insurance, if different from the operator on their motor vehicle. If no other insurance is available, the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan is the last resort.  It is important to note that a motorcycle is NOT a motor vehicle under the Act, therefore, the insurance would come from the person’s car insurance, not their motorcycle insurance.

These insurance coverage laws can be confusing. And they make it challenging for those injured in a motorcycle accident in Southfield to recover compensation for their losses after an accident.

That’s why it’s crucial to acquire a seasoned motorcycle accident lawyer near you in Southfield as soon as possible. An attorney, like those at Kajy Law, can help you determine the type and amount of compensation you deserve as well as how much your case is worth. In addition, they will offer guidance on best practices for navigating the terrain after a motorcycle accident.

What NOT to Do After a Motorcycle Accident

It can be difficult to know what to do after sustaining an injury in a motorcycle accident in Southfield. But your attorney will advise you on actions NOT to take following an accident, which could help minimize injury, prevent further harm, and increase your odds of financial recovery. They are as follows:

1. Never Admit Fault

Fight your inclination to apologize to anyone involved in the accident. This includes the other driver, an eyewitness, police officers, or even your passengers. Doing so could be seen as an admission of guilt.

2. Do Not Move Your Motorcycle

Immediately after a collision, your priority is to move yourself out of harm’s way. Trying to move your bike could not only exacerbate injuries, but it also compromises the crash scene and complicates determining who’s at fault.

3. Avoid Leaving the Scene of the Accident

You must remain at the scene of the accident until assistance has been provided to everyone who needs it and the incident has been reported to the authorities. Leaving before this could be considered a hit-and-run and incriminate you as the one who caused the accident.

4. Never Decline Medical Attention

Motorcyclists are four times more likely to be injured in a crash than those in a vehicle. So even if you think you’re okay, there could be serious conditions whose symptoms may not surface for hours or days. Seeking medical attention will be best for your health, but will also provide a record of any injuries you received should you pursue compensation.

5. Steer Clear of Any Offer from the Other Party’s Insurer

Do not accept any amount offered by the other driver’s insurer until you discuss it with your attorney. The insurer will try to pressure you into accepting a lower amount than what your claim is really worth. So let your lawyer handle it.

6. Never Give a Recorded Statement

Do not give a recorded statement to the insurance company about the accident or your opinion of what happened. Your recorded words can be easily taken out of context and used against you when determining fault.

7. Don’t Delay Contacting a Southfield Motorcycle Accident Attorney

An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Southfield can gather necessary evidence before it’s lost or destroyed and help you handle communications with the insurance company so you can focus on recovering. Be sure to work only with a law firm that will handle your entire case from start to finish and that you don’t pay unless they win.

The Benefit of Working with a Southfield Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Even though Michigan motorcycle accident claims are personal injury cases and follow many of the same rules in terms of lawsuits in court, sometimes there are procedural considerations that make handling motorcycle cases more challenging. An attorney understands how these rules and court procedures will apply to your specific situation.

In addition, personal injury claims in Michigan must generally be filed within three years of the date of injury. This is true for most motorcycle cases too. There are exceptions, however, that can extend or reduce that amount of time. A skilled motorcycle accident lawyer in Southfield understands these terms and conditions and whether they apply to your case.

You Deserve the Best

After being injured in a motorcycle accident in Southfield, you deserve specialized help from attorneys who understand motorcycle accidents and the needs of those injured in one.

Kajy Law’s motorcycle accident attorney team has successfully represented hundreds of injured clients involved in Michigan motorcycle accidents. So contact us today to get a Southfield motorcycle accident lawyer fighting for you.

Call us at 877-KAJY-CARES or use our contact form to set up your free Michigan motorcycle accident consultation. Our team will get you the compensation you deserve while providing help and support throughout the entire process.