Why Motorcycle Accidents Are More Dangerous Than Car Crashes in Michigan

Aug 19 2025 14:00

When it comes to road safety, not all accidents are created equal. Motorcycle accidents consistently result in more severe injuries and fatalities than car crashes—especially here in Michigan. As experienced legal advocates at Latham Law Group, we’ve seen firsthand how devastating motorcycle accidents can be.

In this post, we’ll explore why motorcycle accidents are more dangerous, the unique risks bikers face, and how a motorcycle injury lawyer in Birmingham, MI can help you recover if you’ve been injured.

Lack of Protection = Increased Risk

Unlike car drivers, motorcyclists don’t have the benefit of seat belts, airbags, or reinforced steel frames. When a crash occurs, the rider is often thrown from the bike, making them more vulnerable to life-threatening injuries like:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (even with a helmet)

  • Spinal cord damage

  • Road rash and scarring

  • Broken bones

  • Internal injuries

This lack of physical protection significantly increases the Michigan motorcycle accident risk —and the need for serious medical care and long-term recovery.

Smaller Size, Less Visibility

Motorcycles are smaller and less visible than cars or trucks, especially in blind spots or during lane changes. Many motorcycle accidents occur because drivers simply “didn’t see the bike.” Add in Michigan’s frequent poor weather or road construction zones, and visibility issues become even more dangerous.

Road Hazards Are More Deadly for Bikers

Potholes, loose gravel, slick pavement, or uneven road surfaces that a car might drive over with little problem can be deadly for motorcyclists. A small obstacle can cause a biker to lose control and crash.

Unfortunately, Michigan roads, particularly in and around Birmingham, are not always maintained to a high standard, increasing the danger.

Car Drivers Often Misjudge Motorcycle Speed

Car drivers frequently misjudge the distance and speed of oncoming motorcycles, especially when turning left at intersections. These miscalculations are a leading cause of serious motorcycle collisions in Michigan.

Michigan Motorcycle Laws Add Complexity

While Michigan is a no-fault insurance state for cars, motorcyclists are treated differently under the law. This makes the injury claim process more complicated. You may not be entitled to the same no-fault Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits as car drivers unless the vehicle that caused the accident was insured.

This complexity is one reason why it’s critical to speak with a motorcycle injury lawyer in Birmingham, MI, as soon as possible after an accident.

What to Do If You’ve Been in a Motorcycle Accident

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle crash, you need to act quickly. Here’s what to do:

  1. Get medical attention immediately—even if you feel okay.

  2. Document the accident scene and your injuries with photos and witness information.

  3. Avoid speaking with the other party’s insurance company without legal representation.

  4. Contact a trusted motorcycle injury lawyer in Birmingham, MI at Latham Law Group.

How Latham Law Group in Birmingham Can Help

At Latham Law Group, we specialize in representing motorcycle accident victims across Oakland County and Southeastern Michigan. We understand the unique legal, medical, and emotional challenges riders face after a crash—and we fight to recover:

  • Medical expenses (current and future)

  • Lost wages

  • Pain and suffering

  • Motorcycle repair or replacement

  • Wrongful death benefits (in fatal accidents)

You deserve compensation—and you deserve an advocate who knows how to get it.

Call a Motorcycle Injury Lawyer in Birmingham, MI Today

If you've been injured in a motorcycle accident, don’t try to navigate the legal system alone. Let the experienced team at Latham Law Group  help you hold negligent drivers accountable and get the justice you deserve.

📞 Contact us today for a consultation and learn how we can help protect your rights on and off the road.