Motorcycle Accident Claims Process in Michigan

After a motorcycle accident, the claims process can feel like a second trauma full of delays, paperwork, and pressure from insurance companies. Whether you’re dealing with serious injuries, expensive medical bills, or a totaled bike, understanding how the claims process works can help you avoid common mistakes and stay in control of your case.

This page walks you through each stage of the motorcycle accident claims process in Michigan, explains how long it typically takes, and highlights what you can do to protect your rights along the way.

Table of Contents

What Is a Motorcycle Accident Claim?

A motorcycle accident claim is a formal request for compensation made to an insurance company after a crash. In Michigan, there are two main types of claims:

First-party claims – Filed with your own insurance company to cover medical bills, wage loss, and certain replacement services.
Third-party claims – Filed against the at-fault driver’s insurance company for pain and suffering, excess medical expenses, and other long-term losses.

Unlike a lawsuit, a claim is handled outside of court and often involves negotiations with insurance adjusters. If your injuries are serious and the insurer refuses to settle fairly, your claim can eventually lead to a personal injury lawsuit but many cases resolve before that step is necessary.

Knowing the type of claim you’re filing and what it covers is the first step in protecting your financial recovery.

The Stages of a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Michigan

Every motorcycle accident claim follows a general timeline, though the specifics can vary depending on your injuries, the insurer’s response, and whether the case settles or leads to a lawsuit. Understanding each stage helps you prepare for what’s ahead and avoid mistakes that could hurt your compensation.

🛣️ Stage	📋 What Happens	✅ What You Should Do
Crash & Medical Care	You’re treated for injuries; police may respond to the scene	Get medical help, keep records, take photos if possible
Initial Investigation	Your attorney gathers evidence and reviews insurance coverage	Provide all crash info, medical bills, and witness details
Claim Filing	First-party and/or third-party claims are submitted to insurers	Let your lawyer handle all communications
Insurance Review	The insurer reviews your case and may ask for more info	Avoid giving recorded statements without legal advice
Negotiation Phase	Your lawyer negotiates a settlement with the insurance company	Be patient and allow the process to play out
Settlement or Lawsuit	You either reach a fair agreement or prepare for litigation	Decide with your attorney whether to accept or file suit

While some claims resolve quickly, others require ongoing pressure and experienced negotiation to reach a fair outcome.

How Long Does the Claims Process Take?

There’s no one-size-fits-all timeline for a motorcycle accident claim in Michigan. Some cases settle in a matter of weeks especially when injuries are minor and liability is clear. Others, particularly those involving serious injuries or insurance disputes, can take several months or even longer.

Several factors affect how long the process takes, including medical treatment, the complexity of the crash, and how cooperative the insurance company is.

⏱️ Claim Type	📅 Typical Duration	🔍 Factors That Can Delay
First-Party PIP Claim	30 to 90 days	Incomplete forms, disputed medical necessity
Third-Party Injury Claim	3 to 9 months	Ongoing treatment, unclear liability, low offers
Serious Injury Claim	6 months to 2 years	Long-term disability, high damages, expert reviews
UM/UIM Claim	3 to 12 months	Disputes over policy coverage or fault
Claims Leading to Lawsuit	12–24+ months	Litigation timelines, court scheduling

The best way to keep your claim moving is to stay organized, get medical care promptly, and work with an attorney who knows how to push back on delays.

Common Challenges Riders Face During the Claims Process

Insurance companies don’t make the claims process easy and riders often face pushback at every stage. From blame-shifting tactics to low settlement offers, knowing what to expect (and how to respond) can make a major difference in the outcome of your case.

Below are some of the most common challenges Michigan riders encounter and what to do when they happen.

⚠️ Issue	📋 Description	💡 Recommended Response
Blaming the Rider	Insurer argues you caused or contributed to the crash	Use police reports, witness statements, or expert analysis
Low Settlement Offers	Initial offer is far below actual medical or wage loss	Don’t accept early — let your lawyer negotiate
Delayed Responses	Weeks or months go by with little or no communication	Your attorney can escalate or file bad-faith complaints
Denied Medical Bills	Insurer questions necessity or scope of treatment	Submit medical records, doctor notes, and appeal if needed
Disputes Over Long-Term Injury	Insurer minimizes ongoing symptoms or recovery time	Provide specialist reports and documentation of limitations

These challenges are frustrating but they’re also common. Having the right legal strategy in place can keep your claim moving and protect your rights.

When Does It Make Sense to File a Lawsuit?

Not every motorcycle accident claim leads to a lawsuit but sometimes, it’s the only way to move forward. If the insurance company refuses to negotiate in good faith or delays the process without reason, filing a personal injury lawsuit can help level the playing field.

Situations where filing a lawsuit may be the right move include:

You’ve received a settlement offer that doesn’t cover your losses
The insurer denies liability or blames you for the crash
Your injuries are serious, permanent, or require long-term care
The insurance company is stalling or refusing to respond
There’s a dispute over coverage, policy limits, or uninsured motorist benefits

Filing a lawsuit doesn’t mean your case will go to trial. In fact, many settle shortly after legal action begins. But it does apply pressure and shows you’re serious about getting the compensation you deserve.

Why Working With a Lawyer Helps Streamline the Claims Process

Motorcycle accident claims are rarely simple especially when serious injuries, high medical costs, or disputed liability are involved. Insurance companies are skilled at slowing down claims, shifting blame, and offering far less than your case is worth.

An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can:

Handle all communication with insurance adjusters
Gather the medical and crash evidence needed to strengthen your claim
Push back against delays, denials, and lowball offers
Determine when a lawsuit is necessary and file it on time
Maximize the value of your claim by building a case from day one

You don’t need to face the insurance company alone. Contact us today for a free consultation and get a team that knows how to move your claim forward and fight for the full compensation you deserve. Want to understand more about motorcycle crash claims, damages, and your legal rights? Visit our Motorcycle Compensation & Claims Guide for a complete breakdown.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Motorcycle Claims Process

How long does a motorcycle accident claim take in Michigan?

It depends on the complexity of the case. Minor injury claims may settle in a few months, while serious injury claims or disputed cases can take a year or more, especially if litigation is required.

Can I handle the claim myself without a lawyer?

You can, but it’s risky — especially if your injuries are serious. Insurance companies often offer less to unrepresented riders and may try to shift blame or delay the process.

What happens if the insurance company denies my claim?

You can appeal the denial, submit more evidence, or file a lawsuit. A denial doesn’t mean your case is over — it just means you’ll need to escalate it.

Is there a deadline to file a claim after a motorcycle accident?

Yes. You typically have one year for a first-party PIP claim and three years for a third-party injury claim or lawsuit. Waiting too long can result in lost rights.

Will I have to go to court?

Not necessarily. Most claims settle outside of court. But if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, filing a lawsuit may be the next step.

5/5 - (1 vote)