Detroit Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Detroit Bicycle Accident Attorney

If you have been in a bicycle accident in Michigan, it’s crucial to understand your rights as an accident victim so you can potentially receive compensation to recover from your losses. A skilled Detroit bicycle accident lawyer can review your case and guide you down the path to recovery, depending on the unique circumstances surrounding your case.

Our skilled personal injury attorneys at Wigod & Falzon have been handling bicycle accidents in Michigan for years, so we can help you receive the no-fault insurance benefits you’re entitled to through your insurer and secure the maximum settlement for you, depending on your economic losses and pain and suffering.

Bicycle Accidents in Detroit

With the number of bicyclists in Michigan on the rise, it’s more important than ever for motorists and bicyclists alike to understand how to share the road and what to do if an incident occurs. Bicycle accidents refer to any incident where a bicyclist gets injured due to driver negligence, poor road conditions, or rider error.

Under Michigan law, motorists must give bicyclists three feet of space when passing them on the roadway and yield to bicyclists as they would to other motorists. In return, cyclists are required to follow the rules of the road, use hand signals when turning or stopping, and have the required lighting when riding after dark.

When accidents occur outside the realm of rider error, it’s possible for the victim to seek compensation by filing a personal injury claim. A Detroit bicycle accident lawyer can facilitate this process by ensuring you have a case backed by evidence and navigating the Michigan court process on your behalf.

Common Damages Won in Bicycle Accident Cases in Detroit

You can recover both economic and non-economic damages when you file a bicycle accident case in Detroit. This means you can receive compensation both directly related to money you’ve spent due to the injury, as well as more ambiguous concepts such as pain and suffering or loss of enjoyment of life.

Most commonly, people recover medical expenses related to the accident, including ambulances, emergency room bills, medications, physical therapy appointments, rehabilitation costs, and more. Other monetary damages can include lost wages or loss of future income, as well as other household costs.

When it comes to calculating pain and suffering, the court looks at factors like the victim’s mental anguish and overall well-being. Pain and suffering losses are harder to measure, which is why it can be beneficial to work with a Detroit bicycle accident lawyer who understands how to prove these losses.

The Difference With Our Firm

At Wigod & Falzon, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means we collect our costs from the total settlement you win from your case. If we don’t help you recover your losses, you won’t have to pay us a dime. That said, we plan to build a strong case that helps you get the compensation you deserve.

Personal Injury Protection Benefits in Detroit

Michigan’s no-fault law gives bicyclists who were injured in accidents with motor vehicles benefits to compensate them for their injuries. No-fault insurance is required by law for all vehicle owners to pay for damage to property, medical expenses, replacement services, and wage loss benefits. For up to three years, this part of your auto policy can pay for medical expenses and up to 85 percent of lost income and household expenses.

When it comes to claims that fall under no-fault law, the injured bicyclist can file for their personal injury protection (PIP) benefits from their own insurance company. In fact, Michigan law sets forth a specific order of priority for finding insurance. Only after they’ve exhausted all other options for insurance coverage may they file with the at-fault driver’s insurance.

Generally speaking, you have three years to file a personal injury case, but you must file an application for no-fault benefits within one year of the accident with the applicable insurance company.

FAQs

How Much Compensation Can I Get for a Bike Accident in Detroit?

The total amount of compensation you can receive for a bicycle accident in Detroit depends entirely on the unique circumstances surrounding your case. Two of the biggest factors that can impact your settlement amount include the severity of the victim’s injuries and the at-fault driver’s liability. Michigan’s no-fault auto insurance system allows your insurance to cover initial costs and the at-fault driver’s insurance to cover further damages.

What Happens If Someone Hits You on a Bike in Detroit?

If you’re struck by a vehicle while riding your bike in Detroit, it’s important to get yourself out of immediate danger and understand your rights as a victim. It’s wise to seek medical attention regardless of your level of injuries and be sure to file a report with the Detroit Police Department. Also, be sure to collect all relevant information from the driver who hit you, and be prepared for their insurance to reach out to you.

What Happens If You Accidentally Hit a Cyclist in Detroit?

If you accidentally hit a cyclist in Detroit, stay calm and remain at the scene. If able, pull over to a safe spot and approach the cyclist to see if they need help. Unless they are in immediate danger, it’s wise to avoid moving them until the police arrive. After you contact the police to file a report, be sure to exchange information with the victim, document the accident scene, and get in touch with your insurance for the next steps.

Who Is Usually at Fault If a Bicycle Is Involved in an Accident in Detroit?

Driver negligence is one of the most common reasons bicycle accidents occur in Michigan. This is typically due to drivers being distracted, impatient, or simply not noticing cyclists near their vehicles. That said, there are scenarios where the cyclist is at fault, which is why it’s important to gather evidence and work with a Detroit bicycle accident lawyer to cover your bases and establish fault right away.

Call a Detroit Bicycle Accident Lawyer to Discuss Your Case in Further Detail Today

Experiencing a bicycle accident can be painful and traumatic, which is why it’s important to understand how to protect yourself from further damage by holding the responsible party accountable for their involvement in the incident.

Wigod & Falzon has years of experience representing bicycle accident victims and helping them recover the damages they’re owed. If you’re ready to discuss your case in more detail, call our office to set up a consultation with a Detroit bicycle accident lawyer today.