MICHIGAN MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS INVOLVING ANIMALS (LIKE DOGS, HORSES, COWS, GOATS AND DEERS)

Do I have a case if I hit a deer on my motorcycle in Michigan?

If a Michigan motorcyclist hits a deer, there is no personal injury case for the motorcyclist to bring.  A deer is a wild animal and in no one’s control.  Further analysis, the motorcyclist is not entitled to Michigan no-fault benefits either because there is no ‘motor vehicle’ (meaning car truck or van) involved.

If the motorcyclist has a motorcycle insurance policy with medical coverage, it may pay medical bills.  If it has collision coverage, the damage to the bike would be covered. Health insurance may also be a source to pay medical bills in a deer-motorcycle accident.

Passengers on motorcycles may have a personal injury case.  I have brought what we call ‘friendly claims’ for passengers against the operator’s motorcycle policy if there is a reasonable argument that the operator should have seen the deer and slowed down or operated the bike in a different and safer manner.

See my other posts on the subject to read about my recommendations for motorcyclists insurance coverage.