--- title: "Leaves, Rain and Roads: Avoiding Autumn Car Accidents" url: https://callsam.com/blog/michigan-autumn-car-accident/ description: "Wet leaves, early dark, deer and frost raise fall crash risk. See how Michigan No-Fault and motorcycle PIP apply after a seasonal wreck." lastModified: 2026-09-18 --- # Leaves, Rain and Roads: Avoiding Autumn Car Accidents Published: October 27, 2023 Autumn is a wonderful time of year for Michiganders, with fall color, cool evenings and cider-mill weekends. Seasonal hazards still make the roads harder for drivers, motorcyclists and bicyclists. Here is what raises crash risk in the months before winter, and how a Michigan [car accident lawyer](https://callsam.com/case-types/car-accidents/) can help if you are hurt. ## WHAT MAKES AUTUMN A DANGEROUS SEASON FOR DRIVERS? ### Falling leaves Piles of leaves hide lane lines and bike lanes. They also clog drains, so rain sits on the pavement. ### Rain Fall rain plus wet leaves can make asphalt as slick as a light freeze. ### High winds Wind drops branches and debris into travel lanes. ### Fewer daylight hours Earlier sunsets mean more driving in the dark, when pedestrians and signs are harder to see. ### Sun glare A lower sun can blind drivers at commute hours. ### Time change The fall time change can leave people groggy. Give yourself extra following distance that week. ### Morning fog Cool, wet mornings cut visibility. ### Frost and ice on bridges When overnight temperatures drop below freezing, bridges and overpasses ice first. ### Reduced tire pressure Cold air lowers tire pressure and can hurt handling. Check PSI as the season turns. ### School is back Watch school zones, buses and neighborhoods where children walk. ### Deer Rut season puts more deer on roads at dusk and dawn. Michigan Traffic Crash Facts counted **58,324** deer-involved crashes and **14** deaths in 2024. ## DOES MICHIGAN NO-FAULT INSURANCE COVER CAR ACCIDENTS CAUSED BY SLIPPERY ROADS? [Michigan No-Fault](https://callsam.com/michigan-no-fault-law/) still pays allowed PIP benefits after most auto accidents, including weather-related crashes, without proving who was at fault. Medical reimbursement follows the PIP **medical** level on the policy that covers the injured occupant. Unlimited PIP can include reasonable care, rehab, medication, attendant care and medical transportation. Work-loss and replacement-services benefits are separate from the medical cap and generally last up to three years, subject to the statute. Occupants of an insured vehicle usually claim PIP through **that vehicle’s** policy first. People with no applicable auto coverage may look to the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan (MACP). If you are **less than 50%** at fault and meet the serious-impairment threshold, you may also sue for noneconomic damages and economic losses above PIP. ## ARE MOTORCYCLISTS ELIGIBLE FOR NO-FAULT BENEFITS WHEN A CRASH IS CAUSED BY WET LEAVES OR OTHER ROAD HAZARDS? Motorcycles are not “motor vehicles” for many No-Fault purposes ([MCL 257.33](https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-257-33) / related definitions). A standard motorcycle policy often has **no PIP**. Many riders buy optional PIP or rely on a household auto policy. **Motorcycle-only crashes** (for example, a solo slide on wet leaves) generally do not trigger another driver’s PIP. Medical bills then go to health insurance or optional motorcycle PIP. **Crashes involving a car or truck:** A motorcyclist may claim PIP from an involved motor vehicle under the priority rules in [MCL 500.3114](https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-500-3114), not automatically from the “at-fault” policy. You may still have a third-party claim for threshold injuries and excess economic loss. Talk to a [car accident lawyer](https://callsam.com/case-types/car-accidents/) before you give a recorded statement or sign forms. ## CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED MICHIGAN CAR ACCIDENT LAWYERS TODAY If you or a loved one is injured in a Michigan car accident, we can help. Our lawyers have the skills and resources to pursue the compensation you deserve. Michigan car accident law is complicated, but finding the right [car accident lawyer](https://callsam.com/case-types/car-accidents/) is simple. Don’t let the legal clock run out. Fill out the brief form below or contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation. ## Related Posts ### [How Are Michigan Car Accident Lawyer Fees Determined?](https://callsam.com/blog/car-accident-lawyer-fees/) ### [Taking a Memorial Day Road Trip? How to Avoid a Car Accident on This Dangerous Driving Weekend](https://callsam.com/blog/memorial-day-car-accident/) ### [Michigan Car Seat Laws: What Every Parent Should Know](https://callsam.com/blog/michigan-car-seat-laws-what-every-parent-should-know/) ### [Michigan Has a New Flex Route Aimed at Lowering Car Accidents and Injuries](https://callsam.com/blog/flex-lane-reduces-michigan-car-accidents/) ### [Be Ghoulish… Not Foolish: Safety Tips for a Hazard-Free Halloween](https://callsam.com/blog/halloween-safety/) ### [Labor Day Safety Tips: How to Survive One of the Year's Most Dangerous Weekends](https://callsam.com/blog/labor-day-safety-tips/) ### [Are Golf Carts “Street Legal” on Michigan Roads?](https://callsam.com/blog/golf-carts-legal-michigan/) ### [Does Michigan No-Fault Insurance Cover Non-Resident Drivers Involved in a Car Accident?](https://callsam.com/blog/michigan-no-fault-cover-non-resident-car-accidents/) ### [The Darker Side of Daylight Saving Time: What Every Driver Should Know](https://callsam.com/blog/daylight-saving-time-car-accident/) ### [Michigan Supreme Court Allows Full Medical Benefits for Victims Injured Before No-Fault Reforms](https://callsam.com/blog/michigan-supreme-court-full-medical-benefits/)