Riding a motorcycle in Ann Arbor is a great experience. From the tree-lined curves of Huron River Drive to open stretches along Zeeb Road and scenic weekend rides through Dexter and Saline, the area draws motorcyclists from across Washtenaw County. But even in a bike-friendly city like Ann Arbor, riders face constant threats from inattentive drivers, rough road conditions, and fast-moving traffic on routes like I-94 and US-23.
One mistake by another driver can leave you with serious physical injuries and life-changing consequences. If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident in or around Ann Arbor, you may be facing medical bills, lost income, and insurance company delays. That’s where the Lee Steinberg Law Firm can help. We’ve spent more than 50 years fighting for injured riders across Michigan. We know how to handle motorcycle accident claims and how to push back when insurers try to limit payouts or deny benefits.
Why Hire Us For Your Motorcycle Claim in Ann Arbor?
At the Lee Steinberg Law Firm, we know what Michigan riders are up against: delayed benefits, unfair blame, and insurance providers looking for a way out. Our legal team negotiates aggressively on your behalf and deters any attempt to deny you full and fair compensation. Here’s why injured riders in Ann Arbor trust our law office to fight for them:
- Over 50 Years of Motorcycle Case Experience: We’ve represented thousands of injured motorcyclists across Michigan. We understand how motorcycle accident claims differ from standard auto cases, and we know how to build strong claims that meet Michigan’s no-fault and serious injury thresholds.
- In-Depth Knowledge of Local Roads and Risks: From the sharp turns along Huron River Drive to the congestion on Washtenaw Avenue, we’re familiar with the traffic patterns, construction zones, and road hazards riders face every day in Ann Arbor. This local insight helps us investigate crashes more effectively.
- No Fee Unless You Win: We work on a contingency basis, which means you pay nothing out of pocket. If we don’t recover financial compensation for you, you owe us nothing. It’s that simple. This gives you access to experienced legal representation without financial risk.
- Full-Service Case Management: We handle everything from insurance forms and medical documentation to negotiations and, if needed, litigation. We stay in contact throughout your case, keeping you updated and informed without making you chase down answers.
- Aggressive Negotiation With Insurance Companies: Insurers often try to undervalue motorcycle injuries or shift blame to the rider. We push back hard. Our personal injury attorneys know how to present medical records, expert opinions, and accident reports to maximize your settlement or verdict.
Why You Should Hire an Ann Arbor Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
After a motorcycle crash, your focus should be on medical treatment and getting back on your feet, not fighting with insurance companies or sorting through confusing paperwork. But the reality is that the system doesn’t make it easy for riders. Without legal representation, you risk missing deadlines, losing access to benefits, or accepting a settlement that doesn’t even cover your long-term costs. Here’s why hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer matters:
- Insurance Companies Don’t Work for You: No matter how friendly they sound, insurance adjusters are trained to protect their bottom line, not your recovery. They may question the cause of the crash, minimize severe injuries, or deny benefits outright. An experienced lawyer protects your insurance claim and makes sure your rights are enforced.
- Michigan’s Laws Are Complicated: Motorcycle accidents are handled differently than regular car accidents in Michigan. Whether you’re eligible for no-fault benefits depends on who was involved and what type of insurance is available. A personal injury lawyer who understands Michigan’s motorcycle laws can help you access all available coverage.
- Your Injuries May Be More Serious Than You Think: Many riders walk away from a crash only to discover serious injuries days or weeks later. If you settle too soon, you may be stuck with medical bills and lost wages that no longer qualify for compensation. A lawyer helps calculate the full impact of your injuries and makes sure nothing gets left out.
- Proving Fault Isn’t Always Straightforward: Motorcyclists are often unfairly blamed for crashes. An experienced attorney can gather the right evidence (police reports, witness statements, accident reconstructions) and build a case that clearly shows what happened and who was responsible.
- Deadlines Matter: You only have a limited time to file a personal injury claim for medical bills, wage loss, and pain and suffering. Miss a deadline, and you lose your chance at compensation. A lawyer keeps everything on track and files the necessary documents before time runs out.
- You Deserve a Fair Settlement: Insurance companies rarely offer a fair number upfront. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer knows what your claim is worth and fights to get you every dollar you’re owed. Whether that means negotiating a settlement or taking your case to court, your lawyer is your advocate from start to finish.
Why Motorcycle Accident Claims Are Different
Motorcycle collision claims are not the same as car accident claims. Michigan’s no-fault insurance law treats motorcyclists differently than drivers and passengers in standard vehicles. That means what you are entitled to can change based on the type of crash and the vehicles involved.
If your motorcycle collided with a car or truck, you may be eligible for Michigan no-fault PIP (personal injury protection) benefits, which can include medical expenses, lost wages, replacement services, and mileage reimbursement. If the accident did not involve a motor vehicle (e.g. you hit a pothole or were forced off the road by an unidentified driver), your right to medical benefits is limited by the coverage on the insurance on the motorcycle.
Understanding who pays and how to get those benefits is not always simple. Insurance companies may delay or deny valid claims, or tell you that your policy does not apply. Our Ann Arbor motorcycle accident lawyers can step in early to make sure your rights are protected.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor is a busy college town with a mix of local traffic, student drivers, and high-speed roads. US-23, I-94, and M-14 bring in thousands of vehicles each day. Many of these roads are not structured with motorcycles in mind. Drivers often fail to check blind spots or yield to riders who have the right of way.
Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Washtenaw County include:
- Left-turn accidents at intersections
- Sudden lane changes by distracted drivers
- Rear-end collisions at stoplights or stop signs
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Hazardous road conditions like potholes or loose gravel
- Drivers following too closely
- Failure to yield while merging
- Drunk or drug-impaired driving
Even low-speed crashes can lead to catastrophic injuries for motorcyclists. Without the protection of a car frame or airbags, riders often suffer broken bones, head trauma, and road rash. Helmets help reduce the risk of death, but they cannot prevent every injury.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle accidents frequently cause severe and lasting injuries. In many cases, recovery takes months or even years. Some people never return to the physical condition they were in before the crash. The most common injuries from motorcycle accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), including concussions
- Spinal cord injury and paralysis
- Neck injuries
- Knee injuries
- Hip and leg injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Severe road rash, sometimes requiring skin grafts
- Amputations
- Disfigurement and scarring
- PTSD, anxiety, and depression following the crash
If another driver caused your injuries, you may be able to pursue a claim for pain and suffering. These damages are separate from no-fault benefits and can include compensation for your physical pain, mental anguish, lost quality of life, and permanent disability.
To pursue these damages in Michigan, your injuries must meet the legal threshold of a “serious impairment of body function.” Our attorneys have decades of experience proving this standard and holding negligent drivers accountable.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Crash in Ann Arbor
What you do in the first few hours and days after a motorcycle accident can impact your case. If you are seriously hurt, seek medical treatment right away. Your health comes first, and having proper documentation of your injuries helps build your claim later.
Here are the steps you should take after a crash:
- Call 911. Make sure police respond and complete an accident report. This document becomes a key piece of evidence.
- Get medical care. Even if you think you are fine, see a doctor. Many injuries are not immediately obvious.
- Exchange insurance and contact info with the at-fault driver. If the driver left the scene, report this to law enforcement.
- Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and your injuries, if possible.
- Do not give recorded statements to insurance adjusters until you have legal representation.
- Contact a motorcycle accident attorney. The sooner you speak with a lawyer, the better your chances of securing maximum compensation.
If the crash involved a car, truck, or SUV, you will likely file a no-fault claim through the car owner’s policy, even if you were not at fault. If no motor vehicle was involved, coverage depends on your motorcycle insurance and your household auto policies. We can help you sort through these details and take over communication with the insurance companies.
Who Pays Medical Bills After a Motorcycle Accident?
Michigan’s no-fault insurance system generally covers medical expenses, but motorcyclists must meet specific conditions to qualify. If a motor vehicle was involved in the crash, the car or truck’s no-fault policy typically covers your medical bills under its PIP benefits.
If the car or truck was not insured, then the auto insurance for the injured motorcycle operator is responsible for paying medical benefits. If the motorcyclist doesn’t have auto insurance, then the injured motorcyclist can turn to the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan.
However, if you do not maintain insurance on your motorcycle, you will not be eligible for PIP benefits.
This area of the law is highly technical. Our team reviews all available insurance policies and determines how to get your bills paid. We also make sure your claim is filed on time. You only have one year from the date of service to recover medical costs under Michigan’s no-fault law.
How Long Do You Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit?
Michigan has strict deadlines for filing personal injury lawsuits. For motorcycle crashes involving pain and suffering, you must file a lawsuit within three years of the accident date. This is known as the statute of limitations.
For claims involving no-fault benefits (such as medical bills or lost wages), you must file your application for benefits within one year of the accident. If an insurer refuses to pay and you want to sue, you must do so within one year of the date the specific benefit was denied or overdue.
Failing to meet these deadlines can prevent you from recovering compensation. Our team tracks every date and files all documents on time, so your case stays on track.
Compensation Available in a Motorcycle Accident Case
Depending on the facts of your case, you may be eligible to recover several types of damages. They include economic damages such as:
- Past and future medical bills
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Loss of income during recovery
- Home modifications for disability
- Property damage and replacement costs
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Non-economic damages include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement
- Permanent impairment
In fatal motorcycle crashes, families may also bring a wrongful death claim. This can include funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and loss of financial support.
Every case is different. The value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your daily life, and the insurance coverage available. Our attorneys assess these factors and pursue the full value of your case.
Speak With an Ann Arbor Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash in Ann Arbor or the surrounding area, do not wait to speak with a lawyer. Your time to act is limited, and the insurance companies are already building their defense.
At the Lee Steinberg Law Firm, we fight for Michigan riders. We understand the challenges you face after a serious crash, and we’re ready to help you take the next step. Contact our Ann Arbor motorcycle accident lawyers today by calling 1-800-LEE-FREE or filling out our online contact form. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and help you decide what to do next.