Adults Involved in an Motorcycle Crash

A motorcycle crash is not covered under Michigan No Fault Auto Insurance unless there is a automobile implicated (e.g. motorcycle struck the car, turned in front of the motorcycle and contributed to the cycle crashing to avoid striking the car, etc.), and the motorcycle is insured.

Motorcycle insurance is usually for damage to the cycle itself. Motorcycle drivers can obtain Medical liability coverage but they have to pay extra for it and it is usually a dollar limited amount.

See attached information sheet (which can be given as a handout) for "Common questions about Motorcycle Accident Law"

If an auto was involved, educate the patient and family about how motorcycle vs car is handled under the law

Motorcycle Order of Priority

• the insurer of the owner of the motor vehicle(auto) involved in the accident, if none then
• the insurer of the operator of the motor vehicle(auto) involved in the accident, if none then
• the motor vehicle (auto)insurer of the operator of the motorcycle involved in the accident, if none then
• motor vehicle insurer of the owner of the motorcycle involved in the accident, if none then... the Assigned Claims Facility.

If not insured and no insured source but entitled to coverage then provide information about the uninsured pool and an application.

If everyone involved is uninsured, then explore possibility of Medicaid application, Charity application or any other resources that might assist patient.

If patient noted to be driving impaired (.07 - .1) or under the influence (> .1)

• Provide “brief intervention” talk to mild to moderate drinkers. For information on Brief interventions for substance abuse go to Social Work Competency - Brief Intervention
• Offer referral or assistance
• Provide pamphlet on Michigan Laws for drunk driving and information on the BAL and explore with them any implications of the law. e.g. loss of driver's license or mandated jail time.
• If another person severely injured or killed as result of their actions encourage them to seek legal advice as well as discussing their reactions.

If patient had seizure, syncope or blackout that contributed to the accident, s/he may need to be cautioned not to drive. Explore with patient and/or family the implications that this might have and identify any barriers with compliance.

If individual was injured by drunk driver provide with information on crime victims. Information and application on line at Michigan.gov in Department of Community Health. You might consider providing them with the brochure Civil Justice for Victims of Crime which outlines civil suit information.

As a large percentage of individuals who have been involved in motor vehicle crashed develop Acute Stress Symptoms, consider providing an educational intervention on Responses to Traumatic Events. See section on Acute Stress for specifics of that intervention. (still under construction)

If individual is injured and will be unable to drive for a period of time, explore their need for referral to elderly and handicap transportation resources.

If individual is older consider a discussion with them about driving safety for the elderly. Consider a brief intervention to explore where they are in their decision. If sufficient evidence exists that their cognitive or physical condition puts them and others at risk, it must be discussed with patient and family

If family members or doctors wish to report older or unsafe drivers to the Secretary of State this can be done by completing and submitting a “Request for Driver Evaluation”

Process to obtain a copy of the police report.

If patient/family has questions about legal options to sue in situations of automobile crash, you can provide them with information available on Michigan-E-Law. They can review this before determining if they want to seek legal advice.

For suggestions of ways to document the auto injury process see the attached document.