Okemos Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Representing Injured Bike Riders Throughout Michigan

Bicyclists are often in serious danger whenever they are near motor vehicles. Even if the cyclist is as cautious, safe, and knowledgeable as possible, they are still often at the mercy of the drivers around them. These circumstances leave bicyclists at a high risk of suffering severe or even fatal injuries due to a collision with a car, truck, bus, or another motor vehicle.

At Grewal Law, we understand the challenges that come with being involved in a bicycle accident. Our experienced Okemos bicycle accident attorneys are dedicated to helping victims secure the compensation they deserve.

To schedule a free case review, call (888) 211-5798 or contact us online today.

Michigan Bicycle Laws

Understanding Michigan's bicycle laws is crucial for both cyclists and drivers. Bicyclists in Michigan have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle operators. Here are some key points to be aware of:

• Helmet Use: While Michigan does not mandate helmet use for all cyclists, it is strongly recommended for safety, particularly for children.
• Road Positioning: Cyclists must ride as close to the right side of the road as practicable, except when passing, preparing for a left turn, or avoiding hazards.
• Lighting Requirements: Bicycles must be equipped with a white front light and a red rear reflector or light when riding at night.
• Hand Signals: Cyclists are required to use hand signals to indicate turns and stops.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident

If you are involved in a bicycle accident, taking the following steps can help protect your rights:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Get a medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor.
2. Call the Police: Filing a police report provides an official record of the accident.
3. Collect Evidence: Take photos of the scene, your bike, and any visible injuries. Gather contact information from witnesses.
4. Avoid Speaking to Insurance Companies: Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your claim. It's best to consult with an attorney before giving any statements.
5. Contact an Attorney: An experienced bicycle accident attorney can guide you through the legal process and help maximize your compensation.

When Is A Driver Liable for A Bicycle Accident?

The first necessary component in a bicycle accident claim is that you must be able to prove that someone else’s negligence led to the collision which clearly caused you to suffer harm.

Bicycle accidents often occur in the following ways, all of which can be acts of negligence on behalf of a motorist:

• Speeding: Motor vehicles are generally faster than bikes, which means that if the drivers are traveling reasonably and following traffic laws, then they should never collide with a bicyclist. Instead, many drivers do not want to wait behind a slower cyclist, or they miscalculate how much room they need to safely pass. In other circumstances, the drivers become angry and frustrated, and they drive recklessly to get away from the slower traffic.
• Negligent maneuvering: It can be difficult for drivers to determine how fast they are coming up behind a cyclist, or how much space a bike requires. This means that drivers should always carefully watch cyclists and their surroundings so they can move over and go around them. However, many drivers simply do not see a cyclist or they are not paying close enough attention until they are about to collide with a cyclist. This can cause a motor vehicle to run into the back end of a bike, which can also result in a serious impact.
• Failure to yield: At intersections, cars should yield to bikes as they would any other motor vehicle. Too many drivers either fail to see a cyclist approaching an intersection or they do not know the proper right-of-way rules for bikes. Of course, not yielding when a cyclist has the right to pass can easily result in a collision, as well.
• Dooring: Often referred to as “dooring” incidents, bicycle accidents can occur when a driver or passenger in a car opens their door into traffic, which can hit a cyclist and.
• Drunk drivers: Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs is extremely dangerous and illegal in every state. This includes driving under the influence of any controlled substances, or drugs, such as illegal drugs, prescription medications or over-the-counter medicines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that alcohol plays a role in nearly one-third of all vehicle fatalities in the United States. Anyone who gets behind the wheel of a vehicle while they are under the influence of alcohol could potentially be held liable for any bike accidents and injuries they cause.

Whenever someone is negligent and causes a bicycle crash, it could be possible to file an insurance claim with their motorist insurance to recover for your injuries and losses. If the driver does not have sufficient liability insurance and you have insurance with uninsured/underinsured motorist benefits, then you can file a claim with your own insurance.

Serious Legal Help You Can Trust

If you were seriously injured in a bicycle accident, you may be facing a long path toward rehabilitation and recovery. You can entrust this situation to the knowledgeable and compassionate legal team at Grewal Law. We will fully evaluate your circumstances and help you hold any and all responsible parties liable for their actions.

Our bicycle accident attorneys in Okemos, Northville, and Grand Rapids, Michigan have many resources to investigate and build strong cases for our clients, and we will always advocate for your full, rightful compensation amount. If a settlement with the insurance company or the at-fault motorist is not possible, we will not hesitate to represent you in court in a personal injury lawsuit.

Contact our offices online or by calling (888) 211-5798 for a free consultation.