Motorcycle & Bicycle Accidents

Bicycles and motorcycles are not “second class citizens” under Michigan law, but they are frequently treated like that. They should normally enjoy the full protection of Michigan Law, including Michigan No Fault benefits where automobiles are involved in an accident. Generally there is a 3 year statute of limitations for an injury claim, but only 1 year for applying for "first party" medical and wage benefits.

Insurance companies have become very aggressive in defending and denying victims’ claims, so we recommend victims refrain from making statements to insurance adjusters. We have taken many, many No Fault cases to trial and obtained verdicts as well as settlements. The No Fault Act citation is MCL 500.3101 et seq., see especially MCL 500.3135.

Our Michigan Bicycle & Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Parsons Law Firm has decades of experience in bicycle and motorcycle accident cases. If you think we may be able to help you after a Michigan bicycle or motorcycle injury, we welcome you to contact us for a free, confidential consultation.

Michigan Bicycle & Motorcycle Cases

These cases are examples of past successes*:

Bicyclist Killed by Teenager on Dark Highway: $1,125,000 Settlement

A teenager who had smoked pot ran into the client, who was riding his bicycle on a dark highway. The defendant blamed our client for riding his bicycle in the dark. Our illumination expert and our reconstruction expert performed a “recreation” of the incident. Learn more about this case in the Traverse City Record Eagle.

Bicyclists Struck from Behind by Commercial Truck: $1,500,000-plus Settlement During Trial

Two experienced touring bicyclists were struck from behind by a commercial vehicle. The truck driver was not initially ticketed, but after we became involved, a ticket was eventually issued for careless driving. There were multiple commercial insurers, and we challenged insurance denials. We worked closely with the treating doctors to understand and explain the significance of the head and back injuries. After several days of trial, a settlement was reached with all of the insurance carriers.

Motorcycle Death by "Pull-Out" Driver: $400,000-plus Settlement

A driver failed to properly observe the oncoming motorcyclist and pulled out from a stop sign. The insurance company used a complex defense, and claimed that the car driver was not entitled to coverage. To win compensation, first we needed to prove there was insurance coverage. We won both issues.

Motorcyclist Injured by Truck Turning Left: $725,000 Settlement

A commercial driver made a left turn into our client's path. The client suffered a complex wrist injury requiring multiple surgeries. After thorough investigation of company records, we determined that the commercial driver was hurrying because of his schedule.

Bicyclist Falls into Street Excavation: $515,000 Settlement

A bicyclist tumbled, suffering a head injury, at an unmarked excavation across the road. We sued the excavation company and a subcontractor. We investigated construction permits and signage regulations.

Driver Pulls into Oncoming Motorcyclist’s Lane: $200,000 Settlement

A young man driving his motorcycle suffered a significant shoulder injury when an older driver made a left turn in front of him. The motorcyclist was doing nothing wrong and the car driver claimed he thought he could “beat” the motorcyclist. Unfortunately, the young man lost a military career. After careful research, we were able to prove the value of his lost career, and the insurance company agreed to settle.

Bus Pulls Out in Front of Motorcycle: $250,000 Settlement

A public bus tried to "beat traffic" by pulling out into the path of an oncoming motorcycle. The rider suffered a badly broken wrist.

Bicycle in Crosswalk Struck by Distracted Motorist

A bicyclist crossing a cross-walk was struck by a car that accelerated when the light changed. Confidential settlement of "First Party" claim for wage loss and "Third Party" claim for broken back.

For More Information on Your Legal Rights

For more information and to discuss your legal rights, we welcome you to contact Parsons Law Firm in Traverse City. We work with clients in cases throughout Michigan and are pleased to offer a free, no-obligation consultation.

* These cases are chosen from many more, to illustrate some of the variety of the issues we have dealt with.