What to Do After a Motorcycle Crash in Michigan

Getting into a motorcycle accident is terrifying and what you do in the minutes and hours that follow can make or break your physical recovery and legal claim. Whether you were hit by a careless driver, forced off the road, or involved in a multi-vehicle crash, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. But in Michigan, you only get one shot at protecting your rights. Knowing what to do after a motorcycle accident can help you avoid costly mistakes, preserve critical evidence, and put yourself in the best position to recover compensation.

At The Clark Law Office, we’ve helped countless riders across Michigan take the right steps after a crash and we’re ready to help you too. Below, you’ll find a clear, step-by-step guide outlining exactly what to do after a motorcycle accident in Michigan.

Table of Contents

Immediate Steps to Take at the Scene of the Crash

The moments right after a motorcycle accident are chaotic, but your actions can make a big difference. Your first priority should always be safety, for yourself and others involved. If you’re physically able, take the following steps to protect your well-being and begin documenting what happened:

Move yourself and your bike to a safe location if possible, away from traffic.
Call 911 immediately to report the crash and request emergency medical help.
Stay calm and avoid arguing or admitting fault to the other driver.
Wait for police to arrive and provide your version of events factually and clearly.

If you’re too injured to take these actions, do not attempt to move or speak. Wait for emergency responders and focus on receiving immediate medical care.

🛑 Step	🚦 Why It Matters	✅ Pro Tip
📱 Call 911	Creates an official crash report and gets help on the way	Mention any injuries, even if they seem minor
🛵 Move to Safety	Reduces risk of secondary accidents or injury	Only move if you’re physically able
🤐 Don’t Admit Fault	Anything you say could be used against you later	Stick to the facts when talking to others
📸 Take Photos	Captures scene, damage, road conditions, and injuries	Use your phone’s video option too
🗣️ Talk to Witnesses	Their statements can support your version of events	Get their names and contact details

What Information Should You Gather Before Leaving the Scene?

If you’re able to stay at the scene, gathering the right information is crucial , both for your insurance claim and any potential legal case. Motorcycle accidents often result in serious injuries, and proving fault later will rely heavily on the evidence you collect now.

Here’s what you should make sure to document:

Driver information: Get the name, phone number, driver’s license number, license plate, and insurance details of everyone involved — especially the at-fault driver.
Witness details: Speak with any bystanders or drivers who saw what happened. Ask for their full name, phone number, and a brief statement of what they witnessed.
Photos and videos: Take clear photos of all vehicles, damage, road debris, skid marks, traffic signals, weather conditions, and your visible injuries. Video walkthroughs are also helpful.
Police report info: Ask the responding officer for their name, badge number, and a copy or report number for the crash documentation.

Even small details can matter later like the direction each vehicle was traveling, or whether the other driver looked distracted. If you’re too injured to collect this yourself, ask a trusted friend or bystander if they can help.

When Should You Seek Medical Attention?

Always err on the side of caution after a motorcycle crash even if you feel “fine.” Adrenaline can mask serious injuries like internal bleeding, brain trauma, or spinal damage. Getting checked out by a medical professional immediately is not just smart, it’s essential for protecting both your health and your legal rights.

You should seek medical attention:

Immediately at the scene if you have visible injuries, pain, dizziness, or were knocked unconscious even briefly.
At the ER or urgent care the same day if symptoms show up hours later (e.g., headaches, back pain, confusion, or abdominal pain).
From your primary doctor within 24–48 hours even if you think your injuries are minor, this creates a medical record that documents the trauma.

Failing to get prompt medical care can hurt your claim. Insurance adjusters may argue that your injuries weren’t serious or weren’t caused by the crash. Always follow up and attend every appointment and keep copies of all records, prescriptions, and medical bills.

Reporting the Accident to the Police and Insurance

Reporting a motorcycle accident in Michigan isn’t just a good idea. In many cases, it’s legally required. You’ll also need to notify your insurance company quickly to avoid delays or denials in coverage. Here’s what you need to know:

Police reporting: Michigan law requires you to report any crash that causes injury, death, or property damage over $1,000. Call the police from the scene, don’t wait to report it later.
Insurance reporting: Most insurance policies require prompt notification within 24 to 72 hours. Delays can hurt your ability to access No-Fault benefits or file a claim.
Get the report: Ask the responding officer how to obtain a copy of the UD-10 Traffic Crash Report, which you’ll need for your insurance claim or any future lawsuit.

Even if the crash seems minor, it’s still smart to report it. Some injuries don’t appear right away, and having a paper trail from day one strengthens your case.

📌 Requirement	📅 Deadline	📄 Where to File/Get Info
🚓 Police Report (if injury/property damage)	Immediately from scene	Local law enforcement / MSP
📞 Notify Your Insurance	24–72 hours (check your policy)	Contact your carrier directly
📋 Request Official Crash Report (UD-10)	Typically available in 3–10 days	Michigan State Police or crash portal
💡 File an MV-104A (if required)	May be needed for uninsured/underinsured cases	Secretary of State or attorney can help

Mistakes to Avoid After a Motorcycle Accident

Even if the crash wasn’t your fault, certain missteps can weaken your case or give the insurance company ammunition to deny your claim. Here are some of the most common and costly mistakes to avoid:

Admitting fault: Never say “I’m sorry” or accept blame at the scene. Fault must be determined by evidence, not emotions.
Skipping medical care: Not seeing a doctor right away can create gaps in your records, allowing insurers to argue your injuries aren’t crash-related.
Talking to the other driver’s insurance: Do not give a recorded statement without speaking to a lawyer first. Adjusters are trained to twist your words.
Posting on social media: Photos, comments, or check-ins after your crash could be taken out of context and used against you.
Delaying legal help: Waiting too long to contact a motorcycle accident lawyer can cause critical evidence to disappear and deadlines to pass.

Avoiding these mistakes won’t guarantee your case is smooth, but it will dramatically improve your chances of a full recovery physically and financially.

When and Why to Call a Michigan Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Not every motorcycle accident requires a lawsuit but if you’ve suffered injuries, missed work, or are facing high medical bills, getting a lawyer involved early can make a huge difference. Insurance companies are not on your side, and their goal is often to minimize or deny your claim.

You should strongly consider calling a lawyer if:

Your injuries are serious, permanent, or require surgery or hospitalization.
You’re unsure whether Michigan’s “injury threshold” applies to your case.
The other driver’s insurance company is calling or asking for a recorded statement.
There’s a dispute over who was at fault or whether you contributed to the crash.
Your No-Fault benefits are being delayed, denied, or cut off.

At The Clark Law Office, we handle each case personally, no call centers, no case managers, and no passing you off to associates. When you hire us, you work directly with Matthew R. Clark from day one.

🚨 Situation	⚠️ Why It Matters	👤 What a Lawyer Can Do
🩺 Serious or long-term injuries	Higher case value and more complex claims	Maximize compensation and medical coverage
🔁 Disputed fault	Michigan’s comparative fault rules may reduce your payout	Investigate, gather evidence, and build your case
📞 Insurance pushing for a statement	They may use your words against you	Handle all communications on your behalf
⏱️ Missed work or lost wages	You may be entitled to wage loss under No-Fault or third-party claims	Calculate and demand full lost income
❌ Denied or delayed benefits	Insurers often stall or deny valid claims	File appeals and push back with legal force

Your Legal Options After a Crash

After a motorcycle accident in Michigan, your legal options depend on several factors including who was at fault, the severity of your injuries, and your insurance coverage. Michigan’s No-Fault laws add an extra layer of complexity, especially for motorcyclists who don’t automatically qualify for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) unless another vehicle was involved.

Here’s a quick breakdown of potential legal paths:

No-Fault Benefits: If a motor vehicle (like a car or truck) was involved in the crash, you may qualify for PIP benefits to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and replacement services even if you were at fault.
Third-Party Lawsuit: If the other driver was at fault and your injuries meet Michigan’s “serious impairment” threshold, you can file a lawsuit for pain and suffering and excess economic damages.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Claims: If the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough coverage, you may be able to file a claim through your own policy but time limits apply.
Wrongful Death Lawsuits: If a loved one was killed in a motorcycle crash, surviving family members may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim.

Getting Legal Help After a Motorcycle Accident in Michigan

The days after a motorcycle accident can feel like a blur but you don’t have to navigate this alone. At The Clark Law Office, we give every case the personal attention it deserves. You won’t deal with call centers or get passed around. You’ll work directly with an experienced attorney who knows how to fight for Michigan riders and win.

If you’re unsure about your next steps or worried about missing deadlines, reach out today for a free consultation. We’re here to answer your questions, review your case, and help you move forward with confidence.

Common Questions After a Motorcycle Crash in Michigan

What should I do immediately after a motorcycle accident in Michigan?

Move to safety if possible, call 911, and report the crash to police. If you're able, gather the other driver’s information, take photos of the scene, and speak to any witnesses. Don’t admit fault and seek medical care right away — even if injuries seem minor.

Do I need to file a police report after a motorcycle crash?

Yes. Under Michigan law, you must report the accident if it involves injury, death, or property damage over $1,000. Calling 911 from the scene ensures an official report is created, which is critical for any insurance or legal claim.

How long do I have to report the accident to my insurance?

Most insurance policies require that you report the accident within 24 to 72 hours. Reporting it late could result in a denial of benefits or a reduced settlement.

Can I sue the other driver after a motorcycle accident in Michigan?

Yes — but only if the other driver was at fault and your injuries meet Michigan’s legal threshold for a “serious impairment of body function.” A third-party lawsuit allows you to seek compensation for pain and suffering, excess medical bills, and lost wages.

Should I talk to the other driver’s insurance company?

No. You should never give a recorded statement or answer detailed questions without first speaking to an attorney. Insurance adjusters may try to get you to say something that could hurt your case.

When should I contact a motorcycle accident lawyer?

You should contact a lawyer as soon as possible — especially if you’ve suffered injuries, missed work, or are facing medical bills. Early legal help ensures evidence is preserved and deadlines aren’t missed.

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