When Do Michigan Motorcyclists Qualify for No-Fault Benefits?

The Motorcycle Legal Minute™ was created by Jason Waechter, THE Motorcycle Lawyer, to explain Michigan’s motorcycle law in a short and easy to understand way.

When is a Michigan motorcyclist entitled to No-Fault benefits?  Which includes payment for wage loss and medical bills.  For anyone on a motorcycle to get no-fault benefits a ‘motor vehicle’ must be ‘involved’ in the crash.  

A ‘motor vehicle’ basically means a car truck or van.  ‘Involved’ means actively contribute to the crash and was in close proximity.  Often, people have a misconception that contact between the motor vehicle and the motorcycle is required; it is not.

Think of all the crashes that do not involve motor vehicles?  A wreck from a pothole, a deer, loose gravel, or a crash between two motorcycles.  In these examples there is no car truck or van involved and therefore no no-fault benefits will be paid.

There is a huge exclusion for a motorcyclist from receiving No-Fault benefits.  If you are the owner and operator of an uninsured motorcycle you are excluded from No-Fault benefits.  This could cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars and wage loss.  Make sure you insure your motorcycle and it does not lapse.