Not every motorcycle crash involves a collision with another vehicle. In fact, many of the most serious accidents happen when a rider loses control and goes down alone. Whether it was a sharp curve, loose gravel, an animal in the road, or a mechanical failure, the result is often the same: a totaled bike, painful injuries, and a long road to recovery.
The insurance companies may try to say it was all your fault. But that’s not always true. Poor road design, defective parts, and other people’s negligence can all cause a single-vehicle crash, even if they weren’t there when it happened. Choosing the best Michigan motorcycle accident lawyer means working with someone who understands what’s at stake.
In this guide, we’ll explain what counts as a single-vehicle motorcycle accident, when you still have the right to file a claim, and how to protect yourself legally after a loss-of-control crash in Michigan.
What Counts as a Single-Vehicle Motorcycle Crash?
A single-vehicle motorcycle accident is exactly what it sounds like: a crash that involves only the motorcycle and rider, with no direct impact from another vehicle. But that doesn’t mean the rider was at fault or that no one else is responsible. These accidents often happen when something outside the rider’s control causes them to:
Many riders walk away thinking they have no legal options because no one else was involved. But under Michigan law, you may still be able to file a claim especially if poor road maintenance, a vehicle defect, or third-party negligence played a role.
Common Causes of Loss-of-Control Motorcycle Accidents
Losing control of a motorcycle can happen in a split second and it’s not always because of rider error. In many cases, the true cause is something completely outside your control: a road hazard, defective motorcycle equipment, or a sudden obstruction that gives you no time to react. Here are some of the most common reasons solo motorcycle crashes happen in Michigan:
If any of these played a role in your crash, you may still have a legal path to compensation even if no other driver was involved.
Injuries Riders Suffer in Single-Bike Accidents
Even without another vehicle involved, single-motorcycle crashes can result in devastating injuries. The lack of protection combined with the speed and impact of hitting the ground or a fixed object often leaves riders with long recovery times, permanent damage, or worse. Here’s a breakdown of the most common injuries we see after loss-of-control motorcycle accidents:
Can You File a Claim After a Single-Vehicle Motorcycle Accident?
Yes, you can still file a claim, even if no other vehicle was involved. The key is identifying whether someone else’s negligence, a product defect, or unsafe road conditions played a role in your crash. Here are a few examples where a rider may still have a valid case:
Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to pursue:
Don’t assume that being the only vehicle in the crash means you’re out of options. These claims can still succeed with the right legal strategy.
What to Do After a Solo Motorcycle Crash
Even without another vehicle involved, the steps you take immediately after your accident can make or break your case. From documenting the scene to preserving your gear, every detail matters especially when you’re the only person who can speak to what really happened. In some situations, a near-miss while lane splitting or riding through tight traffic could be a critical detail in explaining how you lost control. Here’s what to focus on:
Taking these steps early can protect your rights, strengthen your claim, and increase your chances of receiving full compensation.
Talk to a Michigan Motorcycle Accident Lawyer About Your Crash
Just because you were the only vehicle involved doesn’t mean you’re out of options. If poor road conditions, a vehicle defect, or another party’s negligence contributed to your loss of control, you may be entitled to significant compensation. But you’ll need to act fast and strategically.
At The Clark Law Office, we know how to handle motorcycle crashes that don’t fit the typical mold. We work with experts to uncover the true cause of your accident, hold the right parties accountable, and fight to recover the full compensation you deserve. Don’t let the insurance company blame you without a second opinion.
🔗 Understand the risks of various wrecks by visiting our Motorcycle Crash Types guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Single-Vehicle Motorcycle Accidents
