The physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial burden following a bicycle accident in Grand Rapids can be overwhelming. If someone caused a bike crash that hurt you or a family member, a Grand Rapids bicycle accident lawyer from Goodman Acker PC can assess your claim, explain your rights and options, and work diligently to help you recover compensation from the at-fault party.
Our compassionate legal team has helped many cyclists in the Grand Rapids area navigate the complex legal landscape of bicycle accident claims. We know that every case is unique, and we’re committed to providing personalized attention to each client we serve.
Contact us today for a free consultation about your case. We’ll guide you through the process and fight hard to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Contact us online or call us at (616) 333-8302 to schedule a free consultation today with our dedicated, seasoned Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids Bicycle Accidents Guide
- Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
- Bicycle Accident Statistics for Grand Rapids and Michigan
- How an Experienced Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help You Obtain Compensation
- Why Goodman Acker PC is the Right Choice for Your Grand Rapids Bicycle Crash Claim
- Grand Rapids Bicycle Accident FAQs
- Contact a Grand Rapids Bicycle Accident Attorney Today
What Causes Bicycle Accidents in Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids is a beautiful city for cycling, but it’s not without its dangers. Understanding the common causes of bicycle accidents can help you stay safe on the road and know when you might need legal representation. Here are some of the most frequent causes of bicycle accidents in our city:
- Distracted driving: With the prevalence of smartphones and in-car entertainment systems, drivers are more distracted than ever. A moment of inattention can have devastating consequences for cyclists.
- Failure to yield: Many drivers fail to give cyclists the right of way, especially at intersections or when making turns.
- Dooring incidents: When parked drivers open their car doors without checking for oncoming cyclists, it can lead to serious collisions.
- Impaired driving: Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs pose a significant threat to cyclists.
- Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to react to cyclists and increases the severity of accidents.
- Aggressive driving: Road rage and impatient drivers can lead to dangerous situations for cyclists.
Along with negligent drivers, other causes of bicycle accidents in Grand Rapids include poor road conditions, like potholes, uneven pavement, and debris can cause cyclists to lose control and crash. Also, many areas of the city lack dedicated bike lanes or are not designed properly for cycling.
As an injured cyclist, you shouldn’t have to pay for the negligence of others. If you sustained injuries or lost a loved one because of a preventable accident that was not your fault, a Grand Rapids personal injury lawyer can help you pursue justice.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Bicycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor scrapes to life-altering trauma. Some of the most common injuries we see in bicycle accident cases include:
- Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries (TBI), even when wearing a helmet
- Spinal cord injuries
- Fractures and broken bones
- Road rash
- Soft tissue injuries
- Internal injuries
- Facial injuries
- Psychological trauma
Many other types of injuries result from bicycle accidents as well. Contact a bicycle accident lawyer to discuss your case at no cost to see if you qualify to seek damages.
Bicycle Accident Statistics for Grand Rapids and Michigan
Unfortunately, bicycle accidents are far too common in Grand Rapids and throughout Michigan. Consider these crash statistics:
- The Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning reported 1,235 bicyclist-involved crashes across the state in a recent year.
- Of those crashes, 38 resulted in fatalities, and 969 caused injuries.
- Bicycle fatalities have increased by 81% over the past 10 years.
- Kent County and the Grand Rapids area reported 88 bicycle-involved crashes recently.
- Statewide, about 80% of bicycle accidents occur during daylight hours, but nighttime accidents are more likely to be fatal.
What You Should Do After a Bicycle Accident in Grand Rapids
Although the time following an accident is chaotic, there are important steps you should take to protect yourself and your ability to recover compensation:
- If possible, move to a safe area away from traffic to prevent further injury.
- Report the accident to the police and request medical attention if needed.
- Seek medical care promptly, even if you feel fine
- Get the contact and insurance information from the driver involved
- Get contact details from any witnesses.
- Take photos of the accident scene, your bicycle, the vehicle involved, and your injuries.
- Keep your damaged bicycle and gear in their post-accident condition. Don’t repair or clean them, as they may be important evidence.
- Report the accident to your insurance company
- Be cautious about giving detailed statements to anyone, especially the insurance company.
- Avoid admitting fault or apologizing, as these statements could be used against you later.
- Don’t provide a recorded statement to the insurer.
- Don’t accept any quick settlement offers.
- Save all medical bills, repair estimates, and any other documents related to the accident.
Contact an Attorney
Before speaking with insurance adjusters or accepting any settlements, consult an experienced personal injury attorney. The insurance company’s goal is to minimize their payout. Having a skilled Grand Rapids bicycle accident lawyer on your side can help ensure the insurance company doesn’t take advantage of you and increases your chances of getting maximum compensation.
How an Experienced Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help You Obtain Compensation
Personal injury claims are complex legal processes that require the knowledge, skills, and resources of an attorney. An experienced bicycle accident lawyer from Goodman Acker PC can help you obtain compensation by:
- Gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and working with accident reconstruction experts if necessary to build a strong case.
- Identifying all potentially responsible parties, which may include drivers, vehicle manufacturers, or even government entities responsible for road maintenance.
- Assessing the full extent of your losses, including current and future medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
- Handling all communication with insurers to protect you from tactics designed to minimize your claim.
- Negotiating with the insurer to get a settlement that covers your injuries and losses.
- Filing a lawsuit for you and taking the insurance company to court if they won’t offer a fair settlement or act in bad faith regarding your claim.
We’ll file all necessary documents on time, preserving your right to compensation. We also have access to medical experts, economists, and other professionals who can testify about the impact of your injuries. Our experience allows us to identify all potential sources of compensation and fight for the full amount you deserve.
More than just vital legal services, the attorneys at Goodman Acker PC understand the trauma you’ve experienced and are here to provide emotional support throughout the process. We can hopefully offer you some peace of mind knowing that we’re handling your case. You can focus on your recovery without the stress of legal proceedings and rest easier knowing a dedicated legal professional is looking out for your best interests.
Why Goodman Acker PC is the Right Choice for Your Grand Rapids Bicycle Crash Claim
Choosing Goodman Acker PC for your bicycle accident claim means partnering with a team dedicated to your success. Here’s why we stand out:
- We’ve secured millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients. While past results don’t guarantee future outcomes, they demonstrate our commitment to maximizing compensation for our clients.
- We have an unprecedented 99% success rate in handling personal injury cases.
- We’ve received numerous testimonials from our satisfied clients that speak to our dedication and effectiveness.
- We ensure each client receives the individual attention they deserve. You’re not just a case number to us – you’re a person who needs our help.
- We keep you informed at every step of the process and are always available to answer your questions.
- We work on a “no win, no fee” basis. You don’t pay attorney fees unless we secure compensation for you.
Our core principles at Goodman Acker PC are that we care, we’re attentive, and we’re knowledgeable. We’re also aggressive in helping to ensure our clients recover the compensation they need to realize as full of a physical recovery as possible. Reach out to us to discuss your case at no cost and see how we can help.
Grand Rapids Bicycle Accident FAQs
A: In Michigan, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including bicycle accidents, is generally three years from the date of the accident. However, there can be exceptions to this rule, and it’s always best to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after your accident.
A: If an uninsured driver hits you, your attorney can explore other options for compensation. This could include filing a claim under your own uninsured motorist coverage (if you have it) or pursuing a lawsuit directly against the at-fault driver.
A: While wearing a helmet is always recommended for safety, not wearing one doesn’t automatically disqualify you from seeking compensation. However, it may affect the amount of compensation you can recover if it’s determined that your injuries would have been less severe had you been wearing a helmet.
A: Michigan follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover damages as long as you’re not more at fault “than the aggregate fault of the other person or persons” involved. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found to be 20% at fault, you could still recover 80% of your damages.
A: The value of your case depends on many factors, including the severity of your injuries, your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and the impact on your quality of life. An experienced bicycle accident lawyer can provide a more accurate estimate after reviewing the details of your case.
A: Many bicycle accident claims are settled out of court through negotiations with the insurance company. However, if a fair settlement can’t be reached, your case may need to go to trial. At Goodman Acker PC, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial, ensuring we’re ready for any outcome.
A: Yes, emotional distress is considered a form of non-economic damage in personal injury cases. This can include anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other psychological impacts resulting from the accident and your injuries.
A: If poor road conditions contributed to your accident, you might have a claim against the government entity responsible for maintaining the road. However, claims against government entities have special requirements and shorter deadlines, so it’s crucial to consult with an attorney promptly.
A: The timeline for resolving a bicycle accident case can vary widely depending on the complexity of the case, the severity of injuries, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Some cases may be resolved in a few months, while others could take a year or more.
Contact a Grand Rapids Bicycle Accident Attorney Today
If someone caused a bicycle accident in Grand Rapids that hurt you or a close family member, you need to act quickly to hold them accountable and seek compensation. The longer you wait, the more difficult it will be for your attorney to build a solid case. Plus, you don’t want any deadlines to slip by that will prevent you from any compensation at all.
Contact Goodman Acker PC today at (616) 333-8302 to request your free, no-obligation consultation with one of our experienced Grand Rapids bicycle accident lawyers.
We’ve seen firsthand how proper legal representation can make a world of difference for injured cyclists and their families. Our team is committed to fighting for your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you need to move forward.
Contact us online or call us at (616) 333-8302 to schedule a free consultation today with our dedicated, seasoned Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Grand Rapids
Goodman Acker P.C. – Grand Rapids Office
1500 E Beltline Ave SE #235
Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Phone: (616) 333-8302
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 ]
ABOUT GOODMAN ACKER
Why Choose Us