• Open 24/7 for a FREE Consultation (800) CALL-SAM®
New-Logo_White_421x95New-Logo_White_421x95New-Logo_White_421x95New-Logo_White_421x95
New-Logo_White_421x95
  • OUR FIRM
    • Our History
    • Our Team
    • Awards & Honors
    • The Bernstein Advantage®
    • The No Fee Guarantee®
    • Careers
    • Contact Us
  • REVIEWS & RESULTS
    • Verdicts & Settlements
    • Client Reviews
  • CASE TYPES
    • Car Accidents
    • Motorcycle Accidents
    • Commercial Truck Accident Lawyers
    • Dog Bites
    • Bicycle Accidents
    • Pedestrian Accidents
    • PFAS Contamination Lawsuit
    • Medical Malpractice
    • Slip & Fall Accidents
    • Nursing Home Accident
    • Asbestos or Mesothelioma
    • Birth Injuries & Cerebral Palsy
    • Baby Help Center
    • Defective Products
    • Job Discrimination
    • Social Security Disability
    • Workers’ Compensation
    • I Don’t See My Case Type
    • View All
  • COMMUNITY
    • Chopper Shop
    • Lions Tickets Giveaway
    • Call Sam Cares
    • Bernstein’s Best Friends
    • Call Sam Kitchen For Veterans
  • RESOURCES
    • The Bernstein Blog
    • The Bernstein Library
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Baby Help Center
    • Michigan No-Fault Law
  • 1 (800) CALL-SAM®
  • The Bernstein Advantage®®
  • No Fee Guarantee®
  • Accident Victims
  • Case Types
  • Client Reviews
  • Verdicts & Settlements
  • Awards & Honors
  • Our Team
  • Public Service
  • Call Sam Kitchen
  • Careers
  • Our History
  • Blog
  • Bernstein Briefing
  • The Bernstein Library
  • Contact Us
CALL US! CALL US! TEXT US!
Blog
  • Blog
  • Vehicle Accidents

HELMET LAW REPEAL CAUSES RISE IN MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT FATALITIES

Published by Bill Laubscher at November 21, 2023
Man riding cruiser style motorcycle without a helmet on paved road

It has been over a decade since the Michigan legislature repealed the state law requiring motorcyclists to wear helmets. Since then, motorcycle accident fatalities have risen 34 percent, despite the decline in motorcycle-related crashes during the same time span. Because bikes offer minimal impact protection, wearing a helmet is one way to reduce the risk of catastrophic injury.

However, even the most safety-conscious rider can become the victim of a careless driver. When that happens, hiring an experienced  motorcycle accident lawyer is the best way to protect your rights and receive the compensation you deserve.  

 

Recommended reading: 5 Tips to Avoid Motorcycle Accidents

 

Do You Have a Case?

  

ARE HELMETS OPTIONAL FOR ALL MICHIGAN MOTORCYCLISTS?

No. When Michigan’s mandatory helmet law was repealed in 2012, certain restrictions were established.

First, motorcycle operators and passengers under 21 must wear an approved helmet at all times.

For operators and passengers 21 and over, the following conditions apply:

Motorcycle operators

  • Those 21 and older may ride without a helmet under the following conditions:
    • They have at least $20,000 in first-party Personal Injury Protection (PIP) medical benefits
    • They have a motorcycle endorsement issued at least two years ago or have passed an approved motorcycle safety course

Motorcycle passengers

Passengers 21 and over must have least $20,000 in first-party Personal Injury Protection (PIP) medical benefits to ride without a helmet

NOTE:  All motorcycle helmets must comply with standards established by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).

In addition, anyone under 19 must wear an approved helmet to operate a moped on a public roadway.

 

Recommended reading: Is It Dangerous to Put Car Tires on Motorcycles?

 

WHY SHOULD BIKERS WEAR HELMETS IF THEY ARE NOT LEGALLY REQUIRED?

The most important reason to wear a motorcycle helmet is simple. Helmets save lives. According to the CDC, helmets reduce the risk of head injury by almost 70 percent. Last year, more than half of the motorcyclists killed last year in accidents were not wearing helmets according to state police statistics.

The consequences of repealing the mandatory helmet law are illustrated in the crash statistics over the past decade. According to Michigan State Police, the number of motorcycle-related accidents decreased from 3,600 in 2012 to 3,158 in 2022. During the same period, motorcyclist fatalities rose from 129 deaths in 2012 to 173 in 2022.

In addition, helmet use decreased by 24 – 27 percent, resulting in a 14 percent increase in serious head injuries during the first year following the repeal of the law, according to a study published by the National Institutes of Health.

This increase in motorcycle fatalities dovetails with the rise in fatal car accidents, which have increased 19 percent in the last ten years, from 936 in 2012 to 1,123 in 2022, despite the overall decrease in car accidents during that time period.

 

Recommended reading: What Every Biker Needs to Know about Michigan Motorcycle Helmet Laws

 

ARE MOTORCYCLISTS REQUIRED TO WEAR OTHER TYPES OF PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT?

Yes. While motorcyclists over 21 may forego helmets under certain conditions, they are legally required to wear proper eye protection when riding a bike without a windshield. This protection includes sufficiently-sized goggles, eyeglasses or face shields made of shatter-resistant materials.

There are several other laws motorcyclists must follow regarding registration, traffic rules, horns, lights, mirrors and other subjects. For a detailed list of Michigan motorcycle laws, click here.

 

Recommended reading: Who Is at Fault in a Lane-Splitting Accident?

 

HOW CAN BIKERS HELP PREVENT MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS?

While some accidents are unavoidable, these simple safety tips can help make your next ride safer:

  • Wear a DOT-approved, well-fitted helmet, even for short rides
  • Check helmets periodically and discard if damaged
  • Inspect your motorcycle often, including lights, brakes, tires and other components  
  • Keep your bike properly maintained
  • Learn and follow the rules of the road
  • Stay alert and ready for the unexpected
  • Ride according to the posted speed limits or slower in rainy, snowy or icy conditions
  • Check blind spots, especially around large trucks
  • Allow enough space between your bike and other vehicles

 

Recommended reading: A Guide to the Michigan Laws for Motorcycle Passengers

 

GET THE BERNSTEIN BIKER ADVANTAGE® TODAY

Because many of our lawyers and staff members ride, we know the pleasures and pitfalls of motorcycling. We also understand the complexities of Michigan motorcycle law and the challenging legal issues surrounding these claims. With our vast collective experience, legal expertise and extensive resources, we know how to build a winning case and we will fight for the compensation you deserve.

That’s the Bernstein Biker Advantage®.

Motorcycle accident laws are complicated, but finding the right motorcycle accident lawyer is simple. 

Click the button below or call 1-800-CALL-SAM today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a member of our legal team.

 

Do You Have a Case?

Share

HAVE YOU BEEN INJURED?


Get The Bernstein Advantage® today!
Free. Simple. Quick.

    Terms & Privacy Policy.
    The Sam Bernstein Law Firm

    Our Firm

    • Our Firm
    • Our History
    • Our Team
    • Awards & Honors
    • The Bernstein Advantage®
    • The No Fee Guarantee®
    • Contact Us
    • Careers

    Reviews & Results

    • Reviews & Results
    • Verdicts & Settlements
    • Client Reviews

    Case Types

    • Case Types
    • Car & Truck Accidents
    • Motorcycle Accidents
    • Social Security Disability
    • Nursing Home Accident
    • Medical Malpractice
    • Asbestos or Mesothelioma
    • Dog Bites
    • Slip & Fall Accidents
    • Bicycle Accidents
    • Defective Products
    • Job Discrimination
    • I Don’t See My Case Type
    • View All

    Public Service

    • Public Service
    • Community Service
    • Call Sam Kitchen

    Resources

    • Resources
    • Bernstein Blog
    • Bernstein Library
    • Terms & Privacy Policy
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Michigan No-Fault Law
    © 2025 The Sam Bernstein Law Firm. All Rights Reserved. Muffin group