Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Grand Rapids, MI

Bicycles enjoy tremendous popularity even in colder climates like Michigan. Cycling is a great form of exercise, and it’s an accessible, affordable form of transportation for people of all ages. Unfortunately, bicycle riders are vulnerable to accidents. The risk only increases when cyclists are sharing the road with cars, trucks, and SUVs.

The rising popularity of e-bikes and battery-powered personal mobility devices means that drivers are interacting with different types of vehicles, which has led to a surge in deadly accidents. Here are a few statistics from NHTSA and the Michigan State Police that highlight the risk of cycling in Kent County and other communities in West Michigan.

• Kent County reports over 100 bicycle-involved crashes annually, making it the 4th most dangerous county in the state for cyclists.
• Fatal bike accidents in Michigan have increased dramatically in recent years, with 20-30 fatalities occurring annually.
• Michigan reports over 1,400 bicycle-involved traffic crashes statewide, a rate that’s also rising.
• Unsurprisingly, the warmer months between May and October have higher rates of bicycle-involved traffic accidents.
• August is the most dangerous month for bicycle-involved crashes.
• The majority of bicycle crashes take place in the early evening between 3 and 6 p.m.
• Male cyclists account for over 80% of injury accidents and 86% of fatalities.

How Michigan’s No-Fault Insurance Works After a Bike Accident

The first step after any motor vehicle collision, including a bike accident or pedestrian accident, is to file a first-party claim through your own auto insurance policy. Since Michigan has a no-fault insurance system, coverage for injuries is provided by your personal injury protection (PIP) policy regardless of who was at fault. If you don’t have an auto insurance policy, you may be able to access benefits through a relative in your household or through the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan, which is a safety-net program for individuals who don’t have other insurance coverage.

PIP provides the following benefits after a car or bike accident up to your policy limits.

If your bicycle accident resulted in severe injuries, your PIP insurance may not be enough to reimburse you for ongoing medical care. Fortunately, Michigan allows individuals to file third-party liability claims against the at-fault driver if the accident resulted in a wrongful death, permanent disfigurement, or serious impairment of body function.

Filing a third-party liability claim gives you access to additional compensation for non-economic damages that isn’t available through PIP. Here’s what can be included.

As a local personal injury law firm, our goal is to ensure that each client is treated fairly and receives full compensation for their injuries. We will work one-on-one with you to assess your losses and fight for compensation from your insurance company or the other driver.

Being involved in a bike accident can throw your world upside down. Although accidents are chaotic and emotional, following several basic steps can protect your health and your legal rights.

1. Move to Safety: If possible, move your bicycle away from traffic. Ask nearby vehicles to turn on their hazard lights to alert oncoming traffic.
2. Notify Police: Call 911 to report an injury accident. Michigan requires an official accident report for any motor vehicle collision causing death, injuries, or property damage over $1,000.
3. Seek Medical Care: Visit a hospital or urgent care provider to diagnose your injuries. Internal bleeding and head injuries may have few symptoms, and soft tissue injuries typically worsen over several days.
4. Document the Scene: If you’re able, document the scene of the accident as well as your injuries. Take photos of relevant details, such as vehicles, road conditions, and property damage.
5. Identify Witnesses: If anyone else saw the accident, ask for their contact information, including their name, address, phone number, and what they saw.
6. Collect Evidence: Keep records of everything, including accident reports, insurance notices, and medical bills. You may need these records to prove your case.
7. Notify Insurance: Alert your auto insurance carrier of the accident as soon as possible. Since Michigan is a no-fault state, PIP benefits are often the first source of funding for injuries sustained in a bike accident.
8. Ask a Lawyer: Don’t hesitate to seek legal advice, even if you don’t plan on filing an at-fault claim. A Grand Rapids bicycle accident attorney can explain your options, deal with the insurance company, and review any settlement offers that you receive.

Michigan Bicycle Laws

One issue behind the rise of bicycle-involved traffic crashes is that drivers aren’t accustomed to sharing the road with bicycles or e-bikes. Even when bike lanes are present, drivers may be unsure of what rules apply and when they need to yield.

According to the Michigan Vehicle Code, which is detailed in MCL Section 257.657, cyclists, e-bikers, and electronic skateboarders have the same rights and duties as other drivers. Here are a few of the state’s bicycle laws that are designed to protect cyclists and drivers.

Bicycle crashes in Grand Rapids and West Michigan often occur due to driver error, dangerous road conditions, and poor visibility. While bicycle accidents can happen on a perfect day, drivers are often responsible for failing to safely share the road. Here are a few of the most common causes of bicycle-involved auto accidents.

Never underestimate the severity of your injuries. Even a minor bike accident can have lasting consequences. To protect your rights and determine the best course of action, it’s wise to be proactive and consult a qualified bicycle accident lawyer in Grand Rapids early in the process. With over 30 years of legal experience, we’re familiar with the ins and outs of Michigan’s legal system, and we can anticipate the tactics that insurance companies may use to minimize your injuries or even blame you for the accident.

Here’s how our team at Barrix Law Firm can support you during your bicycle accident case.

1. Evaluating Your Case: During your initial case review, we’ll evaluate your case to determine if you can file a third-party claim or need to seek compensation through your own insurance.
2. Gathering Evidence: Our legal team can help you gather important evidence, such as police reports, medical records, and witness statements. Surveillance footage may even be available.
3. Valuing Your Damages: To ensure that you’re fully compensated, we will prepare a detailed summary of your losses, including medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, property damage, and more.
4. Negotiating With Insurance: We can handle all communications with the insurance company to protect your rights. Our goal is to negotiate a fair settlement and prevent unnecessary delays.
5. Navigating the Claims Process: Strict deadlines apply to no-fault insurance claims and third-party personal injury cases. We’re here to help you meet all applicable filing deadlines, and we’re happy to answer any questions that you have along the way.
6. Taking Your Case to Court: If we cannot reach a favorable insurance settlement, we can take your case to court and aggressively pursue all legal options. Our goal is to ensure that you’re fairly compensated for your injuries.

Having a dedicated Grand Rapids bike accident lawyer by your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim. Contact our local office today for a free case review.