Bike Crash Lawyer in Southfield, Michigan

When bicyclists share the road with cars and other vehicles, they are often at risk of serious injury and even death, leaving them or their families burdened with medical debt and physical and emotional pain. If you have been injured while riding a bike as a result of negligence, call the Southfield accident attorneys at Lipton Law. A Michigan bike crash lawyer with our firm will provide aggressive representation to ensure you receive the maximum compensation for your accident. Call us at (248) 557-1688 to schedule a free consultation with one of our bike accident attorneys today.

Bicycle Accident Statistics

Due to their lack of protection, bicyclists can suffer from serious physical harm if they are hit by a motor vehicle. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 961 bike riders were killed in bike accidents involving motor vehicles in 2021.

Bicycle Laws in Michigan

Bicycles are not actually classified as vehicles under Michigan law, but, in general, they are expected to follow the same traffic laws as other drivers. There are, however, a few Michigan Compiled Laws that apply solely to bicycle riders, which they must also follow. These include the use of reflectors and hand signals, as well as compliance with other safety regulations.

Michigan’s bike law states that bicycles are entitled to have one full lane of traffic when riding on the road, and they must not ride more than 2 abreast. Cars and other motor vehicles should only follow cyclists at a safe distance and should drive in a way that allows the cyclists to have a full lane of space.

Additionally, cyclists riding on a highway or street moving in the direction of traffic must ride their bike as close to the right-hand curb as possible, except when:

• Overtaking a bike or other vehicle
• Preparing to turn left
• Conditions on the right side of the road are unsafe
• The rightmost lane is turning right at an intersection, and the cyclist is going straight
• Riding on a one-way road with 2 or more traffic lanes
• Being close to the right side of the road would impede a streetcar on streetcar tracks

Cyclists are not allowed to ride their bikes while carrying a package or other object that does not allow them to use both hands to steer their bikes. Also, while some roads have designated bike paths, bicycle riders are not required to use them. Michigan’s bike law helps promote bicycle safety, and failing to abide by this law can lead to civil infractions and serious injury.

What Should I Do After a Bicycle Accident in Michigan?

If you have been in a bicycle accident, there are a couple of things you should do to ensure you can recover from the accident physically, as well as financially.

1. Seek medical treatment as soon as you can. Many bike accidents result in serious injuries, but those injuries may not be fully apparent, especially in the moments after the accident when adrenaline is high. Victims of head trauma can suffer from a traumatic brain injury, which may not immediately show symptoms but can lead to serious brain damage or other health complications if left untreated.
2. Call the authorities and request the services you need. You should contact the police about the accident, but you should also request an ambulance if you need medical assistance.
3. Gather contact information from the parties involved. This can include the driver and witnesses who saw the accident play out. Jot down their names and phone numbers in case you need to contact them in the event of a personal injury case. Also, record information about the vehicle that hit you, such as the make, model, year, and license plate number.
4. Take pictures of the injuries and the accident. Be sure to include the area surrounding the crash site, as well as any property damage that resulted from the accident. Additionally, if you sustain injuries, document the treatment and recovery process with pictures or notes.
5. Contact a bicycle lawyer who can help you understand your legal rights. They can help you file an accident claim with your insurance company to receive coverage for the accident. Additionally, if you are hit by a car while riding your bike, you may be able to recover additional financial compensation from the driver responsible for the accident. Personal injury law firms, especially those specializing in vehicle accidents, can help you file a claim against the driver for causing your injuries.

Do Victims Have to File Police Reports After Bicycle Accidents?

Yes, under Michigan law, if you are in an accident that results in over $1,000 worth of damage, you have to report the accident to authorities. Even if you don’t believe that the accident caused any significant damage, having a police report of the accident can help you if your claim is disputed or denied.

Do I Have to Notify My Insurance Company?

Yes, you should file a claim with your insurance company as soon as you are able to and inform them of the accident. Michigan is a no-fault state, meaning that if you are in an accident and you have personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, you will be able to file a claim with your insurer to receive compensation.

If your injury is the result of a driver’s negligence, you may be able to file a personal injury claim for additional compensation. This can help you cover expenses like medical bills and receive fair compensation for non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Michigan Bicycle Crashes?

A bicycle accident can happen for a lot of reasons. Whether a bicycle rider or another driver causes the accident, the aftermath can be devastating. Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents include:

• DUI accidents, which can include drunk car drivers and drunk bike riders who drive/ride under the influence and cause an accident
• Car door accidents, where a car driver opens their door in front of a bicyclist, causing them to crash into the door
• Road rage accidents, in which a car driver gets angry at a bicyclist and intentionally hits them
• Distracted driving accidents, where negligent drivers hit cyclists because they weren’t paying attention to the road
• Lane-changing accidents, where a driver fails to check their blind spot when changing lanes, and hits a cyclist
• Hit-and-run accidents, in which a car hits a bike rider and drives away from the scene of the bicycle accident

What Are the Most Common Bike Crash Injuries?

A bicycle rider can suffer from various injuries after being hit by a car, ranging from mild to catastrophic injuries. Some of the most common bike accident injuries include:

• Lacerations
• Contusions
• Facial bone fractures
• Bone fractures
• Spinal cord injuries
• Brain injuries
• Amputation injuries
• Death

What Compensation Can I Get After a Bicycle Accident?

If you are hit by a car or other motor vehicle while riding a bike and abiding by Michigan laws, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries. If your injuries are severe, you may even be able to file a lawsuit against the negligent driver who caused the accident. A bike accident lawyer can help you receive compensation for things like:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Lost earning potential
• Funeral expenses, in the event of a wrongful death

Medical Bills and Lost Wages

A bicycle accident victim can suffer from severe injuries, so it’s important that they seek medical attention. Unfortunately, healthcare in America is incredibly expensive, making it difficult for people to receive the care that they need. That’s why it’s so important that victims pursue compensation in cases of negligence.

Personal injury claims allow victims to recover compensation for past medical bills, as well as future medical bills. This allows them to receive comprehensive medical care for their injuries without the stress of bills and expenses. Victims may also be able to recover compensation for any lost wages or loss of earning ability that they suffer from as a result of the accident.

Do I Need a Bike Accident Lawyer?

Yes, if you have been hit by a car or other vehicle while riding a bike, and you suffered injuries due to the accident, you should call a bicycle accident lawyer. Your attorney can help you file a claim with your insurance company. They can even help you seek compensation from the other party’s insurance company if your coverage doesn’t provide the help you need and can negotiate a favorable settlement offer on your behalf.

If your injury claim makes it to court, your lawyer can help you seek compensation by preparing witness statements, reviewing accident reports, and gathering your medical records. These things will help prove that the negligent driver was the cause of your injuries, as well as show just how much compensation you deserve for their negligence.

How Long Do I Have to File a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit?

Like all personal injury cases, bicycle accident cases must be filed within a certain time frame to be considered valid. In Michigan, injured cyclists have three years from the date of their accident to file a personal injury claim. If you were injured in a bike crash, a bicycle accident lawyer can help ensure that your claim is filed in a timely manner.

Contact a Michigan Bicycle Accident Lawyer with Lipton Law Today

When facing the aftermath of a bicycle accident, you need legal advocates who understand the intricacies of personal injury law and car accident claims. At Lipton Law, we are dedicated to providing accident victims with the legal representation they deserve. Our bike crash attorneys can take you through the legal process and help you recover damages in the wake of your accident. Take the first step toward a brighter future by contacting a Michigan bicycle accident lawyer with Lipton Law Today. Call (248) 557-1688 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.