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Who Pays for an Injured Motorcyclist’s Benefits Under Michigan’s New Auto Insurance Law? - Detroit Injury Lawyer
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Who Pays for an Injured Motorcyclist’s Benefits Under Michigan’s New Auto Insurance Law?

 

Personal Injury Results

$15.3 MILLION | AUTO ACCIDENT (WAYNE COUNTY, MI)

$3 MILLION | PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT (INGHAM COUNTY, MI)

$2.1 MILLION | PREMISES LIABILITY (OAKLAND COUNTY, MI)

$2 MILLION | TRUCK ACCIDENT (OAKLAND COUNTY, MI)

$1.9 MILLION | AUTO ACCIDENT (WAYNE COUNTY, MI)

Michigan’s new no-fault law, which will go into effect starting July 1, will affect all motorists, including motorcyclists. However, many motorcyclists are concerned that the law will pose new challenges that leave them vulnerable in the wake of their accidents.

Under Michigan’s old no-fault law, motorcyclists who are injured in car accidents can acquire benefits through a variety of options, depending on who caused the accident.

The following can pay for no-fault benefits, in priority order:

  • The insurer of the motor vehicle’s owner

  • The insurer of the motor vehicle’s operator

  • The insurer of self, spouse, or resident relative

  • The insurer of the motorcycle’s owner

  • Michigan Assigned Claims Plan


While the priority still stands under Michigan’s new law, the main change is that motorcyclists will now be bound to whatever insurance coverage the at-fault vehicle had at the time of the crash. It will no longer matter what motorcycle insurance coverage the motorcyclist already has. Unfortunately, this can create issues for motorcyclists who experience injuries and damage that costs beyond the policy limits and assets of at-fault drivers.

For many drivers, their auto insurance policy can be set at $50,000, $250,000, $500,000, or may be unlimited. This can be a major issue for motorcyclists who, for example, may have unlimited motorcycle insurance but the driver who caused their injuries has a $50,000 policy limit.

Additional Options for Seeking Compensation


Just because a driver’s policy limit may not be enough to pay for medical bills and lost wages, doesn’t mean that you’re out of options. After first seeking no-fault benefits from the insurer of the owner of the motor vehicle involved in the accident, motorcyclists who have been injured and whose benefits have been limited can sue the at-fault driver to recover excess medical benefits. This will be an available option after the new no-fault PIP medical benefits coverage levels become available in July.

Concerned motorcyclists can call our law firm with all questions. It’s understandable that many are concerned they will be stuck with bills and thus need to file for Medicaid or even bankruptcy if they run out of coverage. Our team is committed to providing solutions to even the most complicated issues.

Protecting the Vulnerable


It’s well known that motorcyclists are some of the most vulnerable individuals in motor vehicle accidents. Because of their lack of outer protection, such as seat belts, motorcyclists are more than 35 times more likely to be killed in an accident than those in passenger vehicles. While 20% of car accidents cause injuries, 80% of motorcycle crashes result in injuries or death.

If you’ve been injured as a motorcyclist, chances are you’re facing a lot of financial debt. The more serious the injuries, the more costly it can be to treat them, especially if you require long-term care. Our motorcycle attorneys have recovered millions for clients and can work to strengthen your claim so you’re able to pay expenses from medical bills and property damage to pain and suffering and lost wages and future earning capacity. Though we can’t prevent your accident from occurring, we can prepare you for a protected and healthy future.

Contact Goodman Acker P.C. online or at (248) 286-8100 if you’ve been injured by a negligent driver in a motorcycle accident. Our personal injury attorneys have more than 150 years of combined legal experience we can use to help you get the compensation you need to heal.

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