Michigan Motorcycle Accident Risk Factors

Michigan is home to some of the best scenic trips for motorcycle riders anywhere in the country. However, Michigan has it's fair share of damaged roads and dangerous drivers which both contribute to thousands of motorcycle crashes every year. In fact, according to the Michigan State Police, there were 3,187 motorcycle involved traffic crashes in 2024, a 4% increase from 2023. The Michigan motorcycle accident lawyers at the Lee Steinberg Law Firm are constantly looking at data and updates in motorcycle road safety. What we have observed is there are consistent motorcycle accident risk factors.

Michigan Motorcycle Accident Risk Factors

There are plenty of risk factors contributing to motorcycle crashes in Michigan. Some are more apparent and obvious than others.

Alcohol and Drug Use

Alcohol and drug use affects decision making, slows reaction time, reduces coordination and increases distraction. Because alcohol lowers inhibition, it skews perception of risk, leading to speeding, tailgating, and unsafe driving that a sober person would avoid. This obviously leads to more crashes. What's interesting is that alcohol is a major factor in motorcycle crashes. According one recent Michigan study, the proportion of motorcycle operators who were impaired by alcohol was 3.8 times the proportion of non-motorcycle operators who were impaired. In other words, motorcyclists were almost 4x more likely to be under the influence of alcohol during a crash compared to a standard motor vehicle operator.

Michigan's Helmet Law

Today, many motorcyclists are permitted by law to not wear a helmet when riding. Under the motorcycle helmet law, motorcyclists 21 and older in Michigan may ride without a helmet if they have either passed a motorcycle safety course or have held the motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s license for at least two years. Also, riders who choose not to wear helmets must have at least $20,000 in medical payment coverage.

Since 2012, helmet use has dropped from 97.7% to a low of 61% a few years ago. Even more striking, helmet use for people under 21 has dropped from 91.3% to 82.6%, despite the requirement they wear helmets. As for the severity of injuries, it is estimated there are 20 more fatalities and 71 more serious injuries every year due to the new "no-helmet" law. This has resulted in an increase in medical expenses as well. In 2024, less than 54% of motorcyclist fatalities were wearing a helmet.

Speed

Speed shows up disproportionately in motorcycle crash reports compared to car crashes, partly because riders have less protection and less margin for error at higher speeds. In addition, other drivers often misjudge how fast an approaching motorcycle is going.

Potholes and Dangerous Roadbeds

Michigan has notorious roads. Years of underfunding caught up to our state in the 2010s, leading to pothole filled roads and dangerous roadbeds. Although billions has been spent over the past decade to increase roadway safety, its seems to be a never ending battle.

Michigan's brutal winters create a deep freeze and resulting thaw cycle that breaks up cement, asphalt and other mixtures. In addition, although many states limit their large trucks to a maximum of 80,000 pounds for a standard 5-axle semi-truck, Michigan has no such limit. In fact, the state permits up to 160,000 pounds on state roads, making it the highest weight allowance in the United States.

This huge weight further degrades the highways and roads, causing deep ruts, potholes, uneven surfaces, and debris which can create dangerous road conditions that lead to serious motorcycle crashes and severe rider injuries.

Low Visibility of Riders

Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning direct-observation surveys found only about 3.6% of motorcyclists routinely wore high-visibility or reflective gear, leaving many riders more vulnerable to drivers simply not seeing them.

Intersections and Left-Turning Vehicles

A large share of motorcycle crashes happen at intersections, largely because other drivers fail to see or misjudge the speed of an oncoming motorcycle. Nationally, in 44% of fatal two-vehicle crashes between a motorcyclist and another vehicle, the other vehicle was turning left in front of the motorcyclist as they traveled straight ahead.

Motorcycle Accident Injuries and Michigan’s No-Fault Law

Victims of motorcycle accidents are not entitled to Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits, also known as first-party benefits, under the Michigan No-Fault Law unless the accident involved a motor vehicle like a car or truck. Even if you or your loved one were not wearing a helmet, you may still have a strong personal injury case and could recoup a considerable portion of your medical expenses, as well as damages for lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Additionally, if someone dies in a motorcycle accident, surviving family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit. The compensation received from a wrongful death suit can include costs for funeral and burial, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain, suffering, and loss of companionship for the survivors.

Michigan motorcycle accident injury cases demand specific detail and expertise. The motorcycle accident injury attorneys at The Lee Steinberg Law Firm can help provide more information on the insurance rules in the event of a Michigan motorcycle crash to clear up any questions or confusion.

How Michigan Motorcycle Accident Injury Lawyers Can Help

If you or your family member is suffering from physical and emotional pain due to a motorcycle accident caused in some part by another person, the motorcycle accident attorneys at the Lee Steinberg Law Firm can help. In an initial consultation, we can discuss your claim in depth and help you to understand all your legal options.

Please call us at 1-800-LEE-FREE (1-800-533-3733) if you have any questions about Michigan motorcycle accident injury law.