When Do Michigan Motorcyclists Qualify for No-Fault Benefits?
The Motorcycle Legal Minute™ was created by Jason Waechter, THE Motorcycle Lawyer, to explain Michigan’s motorcycle law in a short and easy to understand way.
When is a Michigan motorcyclist entitled to No-Fault benefits? Which includes payment for wage loss and medical bills. For anyone on a motorcycle to get no-fault benefits a ‘motor vehicle’ must be ‘involved’ in the crash.
A ‘motor vehicle’ basically means a car truck or van. ‘Involved’ means actively contribute to the crash and was in close proximity. Often, people have a misconception that contact between the motor vehicle and the motorcycle is required; it is not.
Think of all the crashes that do not involve motor vehicles? A wreck from a pothole, a deer, loose gravel, or a crash between two motorcycles. In these examples there is no car truck or van involved and therefore no no-fault benefits will be paid.
There is a huge exclusion for a motorcyclist from receiving No-Fault benefits. If you are the owner and operator of an uninsured motorcycle you are excluded from No-Fault benefits. This could cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars and wage loss. Make sure you insure your motorcycle and it does not lapse.