Riding a motorcycle can be liberating, but it does come with some risks. If you have been injured in a crash, understanding Michigan motorcycle traffic laws can make a difference in your personal injury claim. At Thurswell Law, our motorcycle accident lawyers can help you understand your rights and determine whether you have a case.
Drivers may not understand how the law treats motorcycles, and some insurance companies may try to shift the blame to the rider. That is why it is important to have experienced attorneys who understand the nuances associated with motorcycle traffic laws on your side.
Rules of the Road for Motorcyclists
Michigan law treats motorcycles as motor vehicles. As a result, riders must follow the same traffic laws as cars. Plus, riders also have some motorcycle-specific rules they must follow. According to Michigan Compiled Law § 257.636, all vehicles, including motorcycles, must pass on the left and return to the right once it is safe. Motorcyclists must ride with the flow of traffic and obey all traffic signals and signs. In addition, Michigan Compiled Law §257.642 requires vehicles, including motorcycles, to stay within a single lane unless it is safe to change lanes. While lane splitting (riding between lanes or cars) is illegal in Michigan, motorcycles are allowed in HOV lanes.
Motorcyclists must also:
- Use headlights at all times
- Carry a valid motorcycle endorsement
- Ride no more than two abreast in a lane
- Never pass another vehicle in the same lane
Violating these rules can put both your safety and your personal injury claim at risk. Our attorneys at Thurswell Law know how to examine the facts and build a case based on traffic law.
Helmet Laws and Legal Liability
Helmet use in Michigan is also regulated by law. If you are under 21, you are legally required to wear a helmet. Riders 21 and older may ride helmetless if they have a valid motorcycle endorsement for at least two years or have completed a Michigan-Rider-Education-Program-approved safety course. They must also carry at least $20,000 in medical benefits coverage from their insurance carrier.
Even when a helmet is not required, insurance companies may try to use the lack of one against you. However, helmet use alone does not determine who was at fault. At Thurswell Law, our attorneys are prepared to push back against unfair blame tactics and focus on what caused your injuries. We are experienced in analyzing Michigan motorcycle traffic laws to the facts of each case to get the best outcome for our clients.
What are Common Traffic Violations That Cause Motorcycle Accidents?
It is not unusual for motorcycle crashes in Michigan to happen because other drivers fail to follow basic traffic laws. When a driver violates these rules and causes a crash, they can be held legally responsible for the motorcyclist’s injuries. At Thurswell Law, our attorneys regularly handle cases involving driver negligence and traffic law violations.
Some of the most common driver traffic violations that lead to motorcycle accidents include:
- Failing to yield when turning left
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Following too closely
- Illegal or unsafe lane changes
- Texting while driving or other distractions
Because motorcycles are smaller and harder to see, drivers should use extra caution. However, many drivers do not. When that happens, riders may suffer the consequences. We investigate every crash thoroughly to uncover what happened and who broke the traffic law. That evidence is important in proving fault and securing compensation for our clients.
Speak to a Michigan Attorney About Motorcycle Traffic Laws and Your Case
At Thurswell Law, our attorneys have been helping injured clients across Michigan since 1968. We do not charge any attorney fees unless we get you compensation for your injuries. Call to speak with our team about Michigan motorcycle traffic laws.
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