Experienced and Reliable Bicycle Accident Lawyers
We Protect the Rights and Interests of Injured Bicycle Riders
Bicycles are a helpful means of transportation for Flint, Michigan, residents, as they help them get around without resorting to buses, taxes, or trains. The downside is that bicycle riders are prone to accidents, as careless drivers might hit them even when using designated bicycle lanes. When this happens, the affected bicyclist can sustain severe injuries requiring medical attention.
The wounds might also keep the injured bicyclist away from work, and they might need years of physical therapy. All these cost money and your insurance might not be able to cover all your damage. You can file a compensation claim against the person who caused the accident and recover compensation for your monetary and nonmonetary losses.
However, seeking compensation is easier said than done and requires an experienced and knowledgeable Flint bicycle accident lawyer. Our Goodman Acker, P.C. team is experienced in bicycle accident claims and has successfully represented several victims. We understand how insurance companies work and are not afraid to go against them.
We are the people to call if you want a fearless legal team that will fight for you and not abandon your case halfway. Contact us today at 248-286-8100 to learn more about our services and how we can help you.
Why Choose Our Flint Bicycle Accident Lawyers?
At Goodman Acker, P.C., we have decades of experience helping injured bicycle accident victims, and our track record speaks for itself. In the years we have fought for and protected the rights and interests of victims, we have secured millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts and have received positive testimonials from our clients. Our goal is not just to help you get justice but to help you get your life back on track.
We understand the devastating impacts of bicycle accident injuries and are here to provide legal and emotional support throughout the claims process.
Our attorneys understand Michigan bicycle laws, no-fault law, and how the legal system works. This, combined with our experience, has equipped us with the skills to fight for our clients and secure favorable outcomes. Our initial consultations are free, and during this time, we will listen to you about how the accident happened and advise you on the next steps.
We also offer our services on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t have to worry about not having the money to pay us upfront. We are available 24/7 to attend to you, so call us at 248-286-8100 to book a free consultation.
What Causes Bicycle Accidents in Flint, Michigan?
Bicycle accidents happen for different reasons, and the negligence of the bicycle rider or car driver does not always cause them. Road conditions and adverse weather can also lead to a bicycle accident. Below are some of the common causes of this type of traffic collision:
- Distracted driving: Distracted driving remains one of the leading causes of road accidents. When drivers text and call, use social media, and change GPS and radio stations when driving, they are likely to cause a crash.
- Speeding: Driving over the speed limit makes it hard to slow down when needed and increases the chances of drivers hitting bicyclists who are always slower.
- Tailgating: Drivers who tailgate or follow bicyclists too closely may hit them. Also, following too closely leaves the cyclist with limited chances of avoiding collisions with other vehicles.
- Weaving through traffic: Although Flint has a dedicated bike lane, cyclists sometimes share the roadway with cars and other vehicles. Drivers who weave in and out of traffic are less likely to watch for bicycle riders, increasing the chances of a collision.
- Failure to yield: Under Michigan law, “vehicular traffic shall yield the right of way to pedestrians and bicyclists lawfully within an adjacent crosswalk and to other traffic lawfully using the intersection.” When drivers fail to do this, there is a high likelihood they will hit a bicyclist.
- Impaired driving: Drunk drivers are always a danger to road users as they have reduced cognitive abilities. Therefore, an impaired driver will find it hard to make intelligent decisions on the road and avoid collisions.
Common Injuries Associated with Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle riders have less protection than motorcyclists and car occupants. As a result, most bicycle accidents result in severe or catastrophic injuries, and in some cases, the injured party dies. Common wounds associated with bicycle accidents include the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Back injuries
- Dental fractures
- Facial injuries
- Neck injuries
- Skull fracture
- Spinal cord injuries
- Leg fractures, etc.
After a cycling accident, ensure you get medical treatment and follow all your doctor’s instructions. Failing to do so will affect your claim, as the insurance company can allege you aggravated your injury. Also, it helps your claim to gather evidence at the crash scene, paying attention to your injuries, damaged bike, where the accident happened, the vehicle involved, etc.
However, your injuries might prevent you from acting at the accident scene, especially if you are unconscious. In that case, our bicycle accident lawyers in Flint can help you investigate the crash by liaising with the police and gathering the evidence to show the person at fault’s liability.
At Goodman Acker, P.C., we care about our clients and their well-being and do everything we can within the law to provide excellent service.
Does Michigan’s No-Fault Law Apply to Bicycle Accident Claims?
Yes. Under Michigan law, an injured bicyclist can receive no-fault benefits if the accident involves a car. If the accident was caused by road conditions, without the involvement of a vehicle, you may be unable to recover benefits. The no-fault benefits pay for medical bills, lost wages, and replacement services but do not cover noneconomic damages like pain and suffering.
If you want to receive compensation for pain and suffering, you must show the bicycle accident led to “serious impairment of body function.” Also, the payment is made through the liability coverage of the at-fault driver’s third-party car insurance or your uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage if you have one.
Recoverable Compensation in a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit in Flint
If your injuries from the bicycle accident are severe and lead to a disability or disfigurement, you can file a lawsuit and receive the following compensation:
- Past, current, and future medical expenses
- Cost of physical therapy
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish/mental distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life, etc.
If the driver involved was grossly negligent, you can ask the court to award exemplary damages, significantly increasing the amount you’ll receive.
At Goodman Acker, P.C., we do not consider any client more important than the other, but we prioritize every case and do not pass our clients around.
Flint Bicycle Accident Lawyer FAQs
When you survive a bicycle accident or lose a loved one and want to take legal action, you will have several questions. The following are some of the questions we get frequently:
The amount varies depending on the injury sustained, the severity, and other circumstances. However, if you were partly to blame for the accident, it will affect how much you can receive as compensation.
If your loved one dies and you are a legal beneficiary, you can file a wrongful death lawsuit with the help of your attorneys. The compensation will cover your losses and the deceased’s funeral and burial expenses.
The time varies depending on the willingness of both parties to settle, the court’s schedule, and the case’s complexity. So, it could take from a few months to years.
No. You can handle your claim alone, but we always advise victims to work with an attorney. With a lawyer, your rights will be protected, and you will not get bullied into accepting a lowball settlement from an insurance company.
These may not be your only questions; our attorneys will discuss your specific concerns in your initial consult.
How Our Flint Bicycle Accident Attorneys Can Help
At Goodman Acker, P.C., we specialize in handling legal matters related to bicycle accidents. While our primary goal is to protect the rights and interests of our clients, we do more than that. We advise you on your rights and options after an accident and evaluate the potential merits of your case.
Also, we will conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident, assess the negligence of the at-fault party or parties, and negotiate with insurance adjusters to secure fair compensation. If we cannot settle, we will file a lawsuit on your behalf and represent you during court proceedings. We will keep you informed about your case’s progress, answer all your questions, and provide all the support you need.
You Can Trust Us with Your Bicycle Accident Case
At Goodman Acker, P.C., we understand that every case varies and clients’ needs differ. So, we serve you based on your unique needs, providing compassionate support and aggressively pursuing compensation. Contact us at 248-286-8100 to schedule a free case evaluation.
LEGALLY REVIEWED BY BARRY J. GOODMAN
Barry J. Goodman has devoted his professional life to keeping courthouse doors open for victims seeking justice. Always a tireless advocate for his own clients, Goodman sees his responsibility as a Detroit personal injury attorney in a broader sense as well. [ Attorney Bio ]
GOODMAN ACKER
Meet our Personal Injury Attorneys