Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Michigan

Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Michigan

Bicycling is a popular activity in Michigan, offering health benefits, eco-friendly transportation, and recreational enjoyment. However, the increasing number of bicycles on Michigan’s roads has led to a growing number of accidents, often resulting in serious injuries.

For victims of bicycle accidents, navigating the legal aftermath can be daunting, but an experienced bicycle accident lawyer in Michigan can provide critical assistance. When you’re hurt in a bike crash, do not hesitate to seek legal help as soon as possible to begin working on your case.

Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Michigan

Understanding the causes of bicycle accidents is vital for legal accountability. In Michigan, several factors frequently contribute to these incidents, including:

• Distracted drivers: Drivers often become distracted behind the wheel. Whether eating, talking on the phone, or texting, a distracted driver may not notice a cyclist, making the possibility of an accident more likely.
• Dooring incidents: Cyclists often fall victim to “dooring,” where a parked car’s door suddenly opens into their path. Vehicle drivers and passengers should pay special attention when opening car doors, especially if parked adjacent to a bicycle lane.
• Drunk or impaired driving: Motorists under the influence of drugs or alcohol are a significant hazard to cyclists. Drinking and taking drugs can affect a driver’s vision, reaction time, and judgment. 
• Failure to observe traffic laws: Drivers often fail to follow Michigan’s traffic laws, such as stopping at red lights, signaling turns, or yielding the right of way. Violation of road rules often puts cyclists in harm’s way. 
• Poor road conditions: Bicycle riders must maintain their balance while riding, and doing so can be difficult, especially on poorly maintained or designed roads. Potholes, uneven pavement, and even inadequate bike lanes can lead to a loss of control and crashes. 

Establishing the cause of a bicycle accident is necessary, as this can help ensure the proper parties are held responsible.

Determining Fault in Michigan Bicycle Accidents

Identifying who is at fault in a bicycle accident is essential for pursuing a successful legal claim and recovering financially. Parties often liable in bicycle accident cases include:

• Motor vehicle drivers: Driver negligence is the most common culprit of bicycle accidents. Drivers who fail to see or respect cyclists are often held liable. 
• Employers: If a negligent driver is responsible for a bicycle crash and was working at the time of the accident, their employer can share liability. 
• Municipalities: When poor road conditions contribute to a bike accident, the city or township responsible for road maintenance, repairs, and design may be to blame. 

In some cases, multiple parties can be responsible for a bicycle crash. A bicycle accident attorney in Michigan can investigate the situation to determine who is at part, ensuring no liable party escapes liability and you can secure proper compensation.

Bicycle Accident Injuries are Often Serious and Life-Altering

Bicyclists are at high risk whenever they take to the streets. Bicycle accidents can result in catastrophic injuries due to the lack of protection for cyclists compared to motor vehicle occupants. Some of the injuries most common to bike crashes include, but are not limited to:

• Traumatic brain injuries: Despite helmet use, cyclists can sustain severe head injuries, leading to cognitive impairment, memory loss, or even permanent disability.
• Spinal cord injuries: Collisions can result in damage to the spinal cord, potentially causing partial or complete paralysis.
• Broken bones: Fractures are prevalent in bicycle accidents, often requiring extensive surgeries and lengthy recovery periods.
• Internal injuries: The impact of a collision can cause damage to vital organs, leading to life-threatening conditions, especially when not treated promptly. 
• Road rash: Severe abrasions from contact with the pavement are the equivalent of a burn and can lead to infections and permanent scarring.

These injuries are severe not only because of their physical impact but also due to the emotional and financial toll they impose on victims and their families. A Michigan bicycle accident attorney can represent your best interests and pursue full and fair compensation to help ease some of the undue financial burdens.

Lawsuits

Under certain circumstances, you may have the opportunity to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is particularly the case when the insurance company is unwilling to settle your claim fairly. Additionally, if you’ve suffered serious injuries and your damages far exceed available insurance coverage, you can also file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party.

Filing a lawsuit can seem overwhelming, especially because it does require more time and energy. However, Michigan bicycle accident lawyers are highly experienced with these lawsuits and can utilize their experience, skills, and resources to pursue adequate damages on your behalf.

If possible, your bike accident lawyer will try to settle your case outside of court. If your case proceeds to trial, you can feel confident knowing your attorney will continue representing your best interests inside the courtroom, arguing your case before a judge and doing everything necessary to get you the best possible outcome.

Types of Damages Available for Compensation

The damages you obtain compensation for can significantly help you with your bicycle accident’s injuries, expenses, and losses. The compensation available depends on the details of your crash but can include:

• Medical expenses: Compensation for past and future medical needs, such as emergency care, hospital visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, medication, and ongoing care. 
• Property damage: Reimbursement for damage to your bicycle and other personal belongings damaged in the crash. 
• Lost earnings: Compensation for income lost during recovery and potential loss of earning capacity if you are unable to return to work. 
• Pain and suffering: Non-economic compensation for physical pain and emotional trauma caused by the accident.

A bicycle accident lawyer can evaluate the most influential factors that impact your damages, including:

• The severity of your injuries
• The total cost of your medical treatment
• Whether you will continue needing medical care in the future
• Whether you have taken time off from work, and if so, the extent of your lost earnings
• Whether your injuries will impact your ability to work in the future
• How your accident and injuries have affected you mentally and emotionally

Your attorney can accurately calculate your damages and utilize helpful evidence to substantiate your losses, helping ensure you can secure adequate financial recovery.

What To Do Following a Bicycle Accident

While the immediate aftermath of a bicycle accident involves ensuring safety and obtaining medical care, the days following the incident are important for building a strong legal case and protecting your rights. Following a bicycle accident in Michigan, you should:

• Seek medical attention: Even if injuries seem minor, visit a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation as soon as possible. This helps document your injuries and ensures you receive a solid diagnosis and treatment plan to aid your recovery. 
• Document your accident: Gather and preserve all evidence concerning your crash, including photographs of the accident scene, the damaged bicycle, and injuries.
• Obtain your police report: If the police were called to the scene of your accident, you can expect officers to generate a police report. Request a copy of the accident report from the responding law enforcement agency whenever available, as these reports play a big role in bike accident cases. 
• Keep records: Maintain detailed records of all medical treatments, expenses, and time missed from work. This can help when calculating your damages. 
• Avoid speaking to insurance adjusters: Once you file an insurance claim, the insurer will assign an adjuster to investigate your accident and determine the future of your claim. It’s best to leave communications with the adjuster to your legal representative to avoid any mistakes or issues. 

Along with these steps, consulting with an attorney is one of the most important tasks you can do after a bicycle accident. A lawyer can provide clarity, support, and guidance when you need it most and represent you from beginning to end.

How a Michigan Bicycle Accident Attorney Can Help You

Hiring a skilled bicycle accident lawyer in Michigan can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. When you hire an attorney, you can expect them to take on all case-related tasks, including:

• Investigating your accident: Attorneys work to collect evidence, interview witnesses, and analyze police reports to establish liability.
• Negotiating with insurance companies: Experienced lawyers know how to handle insurers, anticipate their moves, and fight for fair compensation.
• Calculating damages: Attorneys ensure all economic and non-economic damages are accurately calculated and pursued.
• Filing a lawsuit: When filing a personal injury lawsuit is necessary, a lawyer will file the lawsuit in the appropriate court and represent you in court.
• Providing legal guidance: An attorney explains your rights, answers your questions, and ensures you make informed decisions every step of the way. 

After a bicycle accident, it is common to feel stressed and lost – but you don’t have to. Hiring a qualified attorney to handle your case can substantially impact your overall experience, case results, and mental health. When you have a Michigan bicycle accident attorney on your side, you can feel at peace knowing your case is in the right hands, which also allows you to focus your time and energy on healing and planning for the future.

After a Bicycle Accident in Michigan, Make Legal Representation a Top Priority

The aftermath of a bicycle accident can be overwhelming. Between physical recovery, mental trauma, and financial stress, the last thing you need is to worry about how to get compensated.  A skilled bicycle accident attorney in Michigan has the skill to handle the legal intricacies of your case.

Moreover, insurance companies often exploit unrepresented victims.  They often present settlements far below what victims deserve and hoping they will settle before they know the full extent of their injuries. An attorney’s involvement not only levels the playing field but often results in significantly higher compensation.

Don’t let the negligence of others disrupt your life without holding them accountable. By seeking legal representation, you take an important step toward securing the justice and compensation you deserve.

If you’ve suffered an injury in a bicycle accident in Michigan, consult with an experienced Michigan personal injury attorney to discuss your case and explore your options. They will bring their experience, negotiation skills, and knowledge of the law to your case, working tirelessly to establish fault and secure the financial recovery you deserve.