Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Michigan

Our Michigan bicycle accident attorneys represent those injured in bicycle related accidents involving motor vehicles in Michigan. Injured victims hit during a bicycle-car accident do have legal rights even if the vehicle that struck them was not insured.

Bicycle Accident Statistics

Bicycle accidents can frequently result in severe injuries and, in some cases, even death. Here are a few facts and statistics related to bicycle-car accidents from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

• 630 bicyclists died on US roads in 2009 (718 in 2008, 1,003 in 1975)
• 74 were 14 or younger, a reduction of 58 per cent from the 178 killed in 2000.
• Bicyclist deaths represented 2 per cent of all 2009 traffic fatalities.
• 51,000 bicyclists were injured in traffic in 2009 (Up sharply from 43,000 in 2007)
• Average age of a bicyclist killed on US roads: 41
• Average age of a bicyclist injured on US roads: 31
• Alcohol involvement was reported in 37% of 2008 deaths.
• Nearly one fourth (23%) of the cyclists killed were drunk. (BAC over .08)
• Fatal crashes typically were urban (69%) and not at intersections (64%).
• 69 percent of all bicycle accident fatalities occur in urban areas
• 64 percent of all fatal bike accidents occur at non-intersection locations
• 28 percent of all fatal bike accidents occur between the evening hours of 5 and 9 pm.
• 13 percent of all fatal bicycle accidents affect children under the age of 16 (they comprise 25% of those who are injured)

Ways to Avoid a Bicycle Accident in Michigan

Here a few safety tips for bicyclists to help avoid accidents with motorists:

1. Wear a helmet- wearing a helmet can decrease the chances for serious brain and head injury in the event of an accident
2. Wear bright colors- bicyclists should wear bright colored clothing and reflective gear even during the day to increase your visibility to motorists
3. Check for traffic- before entering or crossing any intersection, street, or driveway, make sure traffic is clear
4. Avoid wearing headphones- in some cities this is illegal but may not be strictly enforced, even so, wearing headphones while biking can be dangerous because of your inability to hear your surroundings.
5. Be aware of parked cars- people can open their doors at the most inopportune times. Make sure you allow yourself enough room to react.

Michigan No-Fault Insurance Claims after a Michigan Bicycle-Car Accident

Bicyclists injured in a Michigan car accident often can file a claim for Michigan no-fault insurance benefits. This will cover your damages for lost wages, medical expenses and household chores. Even if the other driver did not have insurance, but you owned your own automobile which had car insurance, or you were living with a relative had car insurance, you are able to make a claim for no-fault benefits through your automobile insurance company or your relative's automobile insurance company. Even if you did not have automobile insurance or you were not living with a relative who did not have automobile insurance, you are able to make a claim for no-fault benefits through the Michigan Assigned Claims Facility.

Depending on if the bicyclist had their own automobile insurance as well, which had uninsured motorist coverage, or lived with a relative who had uninsured motorist coverage, you may be able to make claim against the insurance company for uninsured motorist coverage. This will cover all your non-economic damages for pain and suffering and disfigurement.

If the bicyclist was killed due to the car accident, the family of the deceased victim may also have means for a Michigan wrongful death lawsuit.

Statute of Limitations for Filing a Lawsuit after a Bicycle Accident in Michigan

There are very strict time limits when dealing with this type of claim. If you were hit on a bike by a car in Michigan, we strongly advise you to contact one of our expert Michigan bicycle accident injury lawyers immediately.

Our No Fee Promise For Michigan Bicycle Accidents

We will represent you in your Michigan car accident case under our NO FEE PROMISE. This means that you will not be charged any legal fees whatsoever unless we obtain a settlement or recovery for you. You have absolutely no obligation for legal fees unless we win your case. If we do not obtain a settlement for you, you owe us nothing!

Contact a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Michigan

For more information regarding your rights after a Michigan Bicycle Accident, call us now at (800) 606-1717 to speak with one of our Michigan Personal Injury Attorneys about your case, or simply submit the contact form on our website and we will get back to you quickly.