Warren Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Warren Bicycle Accident Attorney

While enjoying a leisurely bicycle ride can be enjoyable and kicking it into high gear on a mountain bike can be a great source of exercise, it’s important to recognize the potential danger of riding a bike in heavily trafficked areas. There’s always the risk of getting into an accident with a larger vehicle. A car, truck, bus, or some other large vehicle could cause you to suffer a serious injury. If you want to pursue legal action, you should contact an experienced Warren bicycle accident lawyer.

Building a strong injury case against a negligent driver can be a real hassle to deal with on your own. An experienced bicycle accident lawyer doesn’t just help you build a strong case. They can give you consistent legal advice and make sure you aren’t taken advantage of by any insurance companies or opposing lawyers. At Wigod & Falzon, our personal injury lawyer team can take care of your case while you recover from your injuries.

Dealing with Michigan’s Bicycle Laws

Under Michigan state law, bicycles are not considered vehicles, even if they are driving on the road alongside larger vehicles that pose potential dangers to them. Despite this non-consideration, bicyclists are still afforded the same rights as every other driver on the road, and they are expected to assume the same responsibilities as those drivers.

While biking in Michigan, you are expected to ride your bike as close to the right-hand curb as you can. You are generally welcome to ride on the sidewalk as well, depending on local ordinances.

Michigan does not have any official bicycle helmet laws enforced statewide. If you have no desire to wear a helmet while riding your bicycle, you can do so without legal repercussions, so long as you obey all the other established traffic laws in place. Even though it is not legally required in Michigan, it is still highly recommended that you wear a helmet when riding your bicycle. After all, if you get in an accident, a helmet could prevent you from suffering a serious head or brain injury.

In 2023, a study by the Michigan State Police determined that there were nearly 1,500 accidents in the state that involved a bicyclist. Within that same number of accidents, there were 24 fatalities. Going through a bicycle accident can be a traumatizing and unforgettable experience. If you or a loved one is struggling with the aftermath of a bicycle accident, you may want to reach out to a Warren support group such as Healing Hearts or Thriveworks. Talking to someone about your accident can help.

Statute of Limitations

If you decide to move forward with legal action against the driver responsible for causing your accident, it is vital to your case’s success that you make sure it adheres to the state of Michigan’s statute of limitations on personal injury cases, which include bicycle accident cases. You don’t want to find out your case is no longer valid because it’s surpassed the statute of limitations. You will generally have three years to establish grounds for your case and seek compensatory damages.

If you are not able to build a strong enough case before three years have passed, there is a likely chance that your case is going to be dismissed by the court. You won’t be able to seek compensation for your accident, and your chance to do so will pass without any legal action taken. Building a substantial injury case can take time, so you should consider getting started as soon as you can.

If you are concerned that your case may not be strong enough to succeed, you should consider reaching out to an injury lawyer for a consultation. The lawyer can go through everything you have already gathered and help you determine whether or not your case could be successful. It might be worth exploring just so you can know what to expect when you file your case.

FAQs

Do Speed Limits Apply to Bicycles?

Yes, speed limits do generally apply to bicycles in Warren, Michigan. Bicyclists are considered a part of the general flow of traffic if they are riding among other vehicles. They are required to obey all the traffic laws, pay attention to road signs, respect the right of way, and follow speed limits. Most bicyclists are not going to be able to reach significant speeds on their bikes, but they still have to obey the speed limit.

Do You Get Charged if You Accidentally Hit Someone?

Yes, you can get charged if you accidentally hit someone with your bicycle. Any time you accidentally hurt someone, regardless of whether or not you are driving a vehicle, you run the risk of incurring legal action or criminal charges. It depends largely on the situation. The specific charges you may face can also depend on the severity of the victim’s injuries and whether the incident was the result of negligence or an honest accident.

What Happens When You Fall Off a Bike and Hit Your Head?

If you fall off your bike and hit your head, you may suffer a serious injury, especially if you aren’t wearing a helmet. If your fall was the result of someone else’s negligent actions, you may be able to hold them accountable legally and pursue a case with the help of a personal injury lawyer. You may have to pay for medical care, rehabilitation, and lost wages because of your injury, and those may be covered through a claim.

What Happens if You Cause an Accident While on Your Bicycle?

If you happen to cause an accident while riding on your bicycle, you may be held liable for damages caused by that accident. That liability could extend to medical costs, rehabilitation, lost wages, property damages, and more, depending on the situation. An investigation can determine exactly how liable you could be for what’s happened.

Contact a Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today to Discuss Your Case

It can be infuriating to have to deal with the fallout of a bicycle accident on your own. It’s important to take the proper actions to protect yourself. Hiring the right lawyer can make all the difference.

At Wigod & Falzon, we can help you put together a solid case to seek compensation for what happened to you. Contact us to speak to a member of our team about what we can do for you.