Jackson Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Jackson Bicycle Accident Attorney

When you are riding your bike around town, it is vitally important to your physical health that you act extra cautiously when near bigger, more dangerous vehicles. If you are involved in an accident, you could suffer a catastrophic injury that might require ongoing medical care and chronic pain for the remainder of your life. If that happens, you are going to want proper legal representation to help build a case. A skilled Jackson bicycle accident lawyer can help.

The legal team at Wigod & Falzon understands the kind of legal assistance you are going to need throughout a bicycle injury case. We have helped many Jackson clients in situations similar to yours. A good personal injury lawyer can make all the difference when the time comes to put together a strong case for compensatory damages. Trust us to assist you with your case as you continue your recovery.

Michigan’s Bicycle Laws

While bicycles in Michigan are expected to obey traffic signals and accept the same responsibilities as every other driver on the road, state law declares that bicycles are not technically considered vehicles in the same way that cars, trucks, vans, and buses are. Still, bicyclists are given the same rights as other drivers. When biking, you are legally expected to stick close to the right-hand curb so you don’t end up blocking traffic. You can ride on the sidewalk as long as local ordinances allow.

It is important to note that Michigan does not have any explicit helmet laws when it comes to bicycles. The state’s helmet laws only apply to electric vehicles and motorcycles. If you do not wish to wear a helmet when riding your bicycle, you are under no legal obligation to do so. Even though you don’t have to wear a helmet, it is recommended that you wear one anyway. After all, helmets have been proven to be instrumental in saving lives in the event of an accident.

In a 2023 study by the Michigan State Police, it was determined that there were nearly 1,500 crashes in the state that involved a bicycle. Among those accidents, there were 24 fatalities. If you are involved in a bicycle accident, you could suffer severe emotional and mental trauma alongside physical injuries. You may want to speak with a Jackson support group, such as Telehealth or Man Cave Support Group. Talking to someone about your issues can be helpful.

Statute of Limitations

If you choose to pursue legal action against the individual who caused you to have an 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 going to be dismissed because you ran out of time to file. In most cases, the court will give you three years to file your claim. In that time, you have to build a strong case.

If you are not able to build a substantial case before three years have passed, you may have to accept the unfortunate fact that your case may not move forward. Your chance to pursue compensatory damages may fall apart, and you won’t be able to try again. That’s why it’s important to have a good lawyer to help you build a strong case and meet the timeline deadlines.

FAQs

Is It Illegal to Go Over the Speed Limit on a Bike?

Yes, in Jackson, Michigan, it is illegal to go over the posted speed limit on a bicycle. Michigan state law requires all drivers on the road, including bicyclists, to obey traffic laws at all times. This includes paying attention and obeying speed limits. Bicyclists are afforded the same rights as every other driver on the road, and they are expected to accept all the responsibilities of a driver. Speeding is a crime, even if you’re on a bike.

Do I Really Need a Lawyer for a Bicycle Accident Case?

Yes, you should hire a lawyer to represent you in your accident case. If you decide to move forward with legal action, representing yourself may not be the most effective way to win your case. You may not know what to expect from the opposing counsel or what to do if setbacks arise. Putting your trust in a good lawyer can make all the difference, especially if this is your first time dealing with a legal issue of any kind.

What Should I Do After a Bicycle Accident?

If you are ever involved in a bicycle accident, the very first thing you should do after the accident is check yourself for injuries and call 911 if necessary. It can be a fairly traumatic and painful experience, and it’s important that you keep a cool head throughout the aftermath. Otherwise, you could do something reckless or forget an important step to secure your accident claim. Make sure to exchange contact information with everyone involved and any eyewitnesses.

Can Someone Press Charges if You Almost Hit Them?

No, someone cannot press charges if you almost hit them. If you almost hit someone, no crime was committed, and presumably, nobody was hurt. What they can do is report the dangerous driving to the police and make sure there is a legal paper trail in case the potentially dangerous driver does something else. The choice to press charges in such a case rests with law enforcement, not the individual who was nearly hit.

Contact Us Today To Discuss Your Bicycle Accident Case

With busy intersections in the heart of Jackson like West Avenue and W. Michigan Avenue, it’s no wonder getting around on a bike can be hazardous. With lots of pedestrians and frequent left turns adding to the congestion of this business area, bicyclists can face many dangers.

If you or a loved one has suffered a bicycling accident in Jackson, call us today to speak with someone on our team. At Wigod & Falzon, we can help you put together a strong case to seek compensation.