Flint Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Flint Bicycle Accident Attorney

People all across the world ride bicycles for fun, for exercise, and for transportation. It can be exhilarating and enjoyable, but it’s also important to be careful. When riding your bicycle on a busy road, you are risking an accident with a much larger vehicle. If you get hit, you could suffer serious injuries or even die. If you survive such an accident, it’s understandable to want to seek damages. You should consider reaching out to a skilled Flint bicycle accident lawyer who can help with your case.

Pursuing legal action against a negligent driver who hit you on your bicycle can be a stressful situation on your own. That’s why it’s important to hire an experienced injury lawyer who can assist you in building a strong case, identifying the negligent party, and providing you with consistent legal advice throughout your case. At Wigod & Falzon, our personal injury lawyer team can help you with everything you need to make sure the right people are held accountable.

Bicycle Laws in Michigan

It’s important to note that while bicycles are not legally considered vehicles under Michigan state law, they are still afforded the same rights as other drivers on the road. Bicyclists are far more susceptible to serious injuries than drivers of cars, trucks, buses, or even motorcycles.

When riding your bicycle on a busy road in Michigan, you are legally bound to stay as close to the right-hand curb as you possibly can. You are also allowed to ride on the sidewalk depending on local ordinances, but you still have to obey traffic laws.

Michigan does not have any bicycle helmet laws. There is no official state law that requires bicyclists of any age to wear a helmet while riding their bike. Still, it is recommended that you do so anyway for your own protection.

In a 2023 study by the Michigan State Police, it was determined that there were 1,480 accidents in the state that year that involved a bicycle in some capacity. Of those 1,480, there were 24 fatalities. Surviving a bicycle accident, particularly a bad one, can result in severe emotional and mental trauma alongside physical injuries. If you are struggling with your mental health because of a bike accident, you should consider a Flint support group, such as Breakthrough or Make It Mean Something.

Statute of Limitations

Moving forward with legal action is a big decision to make. Before you do, you should be sure that your case adheres to the state of Michigan’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases, which include bicycle accident claims. The last thing you want is to have your case immediately turned down because you waited too long to file. In most cases, you will have three years to consult with an injury lawyer, put together a case, and file a claim for compensatory damages.

If, for whatever reason, you are not able to file your claim before three years have passed, there is a strong chance that your claim will simply be dismissed outright, although there are a few exceptions. Contacting a knowledgeable attorney can help you with the details of any possible deadlines.

Dangerous Roads in the Flint Area

Intersections like Dort Highway (M-54) and Lapeer Road, as well as Dort and East Court Street in Flint, can be dangerous due to heavy traffic and high speeds, especially during the morning and evening rush hours. Saginaw Street and Corunna Road (M-21) can also be challenging due to spotty bike lane infrastructure. Bike riders should be mindful of construction zones, weather conditions, and distracted drivers, and consider alternative routes.

FAQs

What Should You Check After a Bike Accident?

After you are involved in a bike accident, the very first thing you should check is yourself. Look over your own body for any injuries you may have sustained. You could be in shock, which means you might not notice any serious injuries at first. Check your bike for damage as well. It would be helpful if you could take photos of the scene of the accident, your injuries, and any property damage. Exchange contact and insurance information with everyone involved.

What Happens When a Car Hits a Bicycle?

A lot can happen when a car hits a bicycle. Depending on how fast the car was going, the damage to the bicyclist can be catastrophic. If you survive the accident, you could be dealing with chronic pain, lifelong trauma, and ongoing medical care for the rest of your life. If the car was going slowly, you could just be bruised, and your bicycle could be damaged. Either way, you should consider seeking legal action for damages.

Does Michigan Have a Bicycle Helmet Law?

No, Michigan does not have a bicycle helmet law. Some cities may have a specific ordinance in place, but there is no statewide law regarding bicycle helmets. If you want to forego a helmet, that is your decision to make. However, it is still highly recommended that you wear a helmet simply for safety’s sake. Helmets have been proven to reduce head injuries in bike accidents by 63 to 88%.

Who Has the Right of Way in Michigan?

In Michigan, the driver who first enters the intersection is the one who has the right of way. This same law applies to bicycles that are driven on the road alongside cars and other vehicles. Whoever arrived first has the right of way. If a bicycle is driving on the sidewalk, this law does not apply.

Reach Out to a Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today

If you are involved in a bicycle accident, it’s reasonable to want to hold the driver accountable and seek compensatory damages. A good injury lawyer can help you accomplish this.

At Wigod & Falzon, we can help you determine the extent of the damage you deserve to be compensated for. From there, we can help you fight for that compensation. Contact us to speak to someone on our team about how we can help.

Contact us to speak with a valued team member about your case.