Lansing Bicycle Accident Attorney

Reliable and Ethical Lansing Bicycle Accident Attorneys

We Help Injured Bicycle Accident Victims Get Justice

Bicycles are good for getting around to places like schools, malls, playgrounds, restaurants, etc. Due to the design of bicycles and the exposure riders have, motor vehicle drivers are advised to pay close attention to them and yield the way to bicyclists. However, bicycle accidents still happen despite the safety warnings, with bicyclists sustaining minor to severe to catastrophic injuries.

You might be eligible for financial compensation if a car driver’s negligence caused your accident. But sadly, many bicycle accident victims do not know their legal rights and whether they are entitled to compensation or not. This is where our Lansing bicycle accident attorney at Goodman Acker, P.C., comes in.

We advise injured cyclists on their legal rights, examine their claim eligibility, assess their case’s value, and help them commence compensation. So, we are the firm to contact if you need reliable and ethical bicycle accident lawyers in Lansing, Michigan. Call us at 248-286-8100 to speak to our dedicated and seasoned legal team.

Why Choose Our Lansing Bicycle Accident Attorney at Goodman Acker, P.C.?

Hiring attorneys with experience in bicycle accident claims is crucial when dealing with a bicycle accident case. Not every personal injury lawyer can handle a bicycle accident claim. But our attorneys at Goodman Acker, P.C., can. We have decades of experience representing injured cyclists and understand the applicable Michigan laws and the legal system.

We will fight tirelessly for justice and fair compensation, and you don’t have to worry about paying our fees immediately. Since we work on a contingency fee basis, we do not get paid until we have a successful outcome in the form of a settlement or verdict. We are available 24/7 to talk to you, so don’t hesitate to contact us at 248-286-8100.

Michigan Bicycle Accident Laws

In Michigan, bicycle safety is crucial, and motorists are advised to operate their vehicles safely to avoid endangering cyclists or causing accidents. Michigan law expects motorists to give bicyclists at least three feet of space when passing. Also, bicycle riders and drivers must follow the rules of the road.

Motor vehicle drivers are to yield to bicyclists as they would to motorists and not underestimate their speed. This will help avoid turning in front of a bicyclist traveling on the road or sidewalk, often at an intersection or driveway. If a driver fails to do this and strikes a bicycle rider, you can sue them for damages and receive compensation for your injuries and other losses.

What Causes Bicycle Accidents in Lansing, Michigan

Several negligent behaviors can lead to a bicycle accident, and they include the following:

• Failing to yield the right-of-way to traffic from a different highway at intersections
• Failing to yield the right-of-way when turning left in an intersection
• Failing to stop/yield the right-of-way when leaving a private drive
• Disobeying a stop, yield, or merge sign
• Disregarding traffic control signals – including flashing red and yellow signals
• Speeding in violation of the posted speed limit
• Driving too fast for conditions or to be able to stop safely
• Overtaking or passing a bicyclist at an unsafe distance
• Opening a vehicle door into a bicyclist’s path.

Driving while distracted or under the influence of drugs and alcohol, or parking in a designated or marked bike lane can also cause an accident. A driver who engages in any preceding behaviors is at fault and liable to compensate the injured bicyclist.

What Should You Do after a Bicycle Accident?

The success or failure of your bicycle accident case begins immediately after the crash and is significantly impacted by the steps you take. The following are what you should do after a bicycle accident:

Get Help

You might be unconscious after a bicycle accident or conscious but unable to move. However, if you are conscious and can move, get to a safe part of the road and call for help. Call 911 to alert the police and emergency medical services. If you can, give your statement to the police while it is still fresh in your mind or do so after receiving treatment.

Gather Evidence

If you are conscious and able to, you need to photograph the accident scene. Ensure you capture the vehicle that hit you, your damaged bicycle, and outward injuries. Also, talk to witnesses and get their statements and contact information. Ask the driver for their name, contact information, insurance details, and vehicle registration details.

Get Medical Treatment

If your injuries are severe, the EMS personnel have no choice but to take you to the hospital, where you will receive comprehensive treatment. Ensure you follow all your doctor’s advice so the at-fault driver’s insurance company does not accuse you of aggravating your injuries. If your wounds are minor, still get checked in a hospital to rule out delayed injuries.

Get Legal Representation

Once you start undergoing treatment, the at-fault driver’s insurance company will approach you to offer compensation and do all they can to get you to settle. Don’t accept the settlement and obtain legal representation instead. Your lawyer will review the terms of any offer the insurance company makes and ensure it favors you. This way, insurance adjusters cannot exploit you by coercing you to accept a lowball offer.

Are No-Fault Benefits Available in Bicycle Accident Cases?

Bicycles and motorcycles are not considered motor vehicles in Michigan. As such, riders are not mandated to have a no-fault insurance policy. This often leads to the question of whether injured cyclists can receive no-fault benefits.

An injured bicycle rider can receive no-fault personal injury protection (PIP) benefits. The benefits pay for medical bills, lost wages, transportation costs for traveling to and from doctor appointments, and household replacement and attendant care services.

You must file an application for no-fault benefits or a written notice of injury to receive no-fault benefits within one year. If you file out of time, you will be forever barred from receiving any no-fault benefits you might have been entitled to.

Recoverable Compensation Under a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit

You can file a lawsuit if your injuries are catastrophic and you want a higher compensation than what insurance covers, including noneconomic damages. The recoverable damages cover the following:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish/emotional distress
• Loss of earning capacity
• Therapy
• Disfigurement, etc.

If you lose a loved one to a bicycle accident, the compensation will also cover their funeral and burial expenses. Our bicycle accident lawyers in Lansing can help you determine the amount you can receive.

Lansing Bicycle Accident Attorney FAQs

You might not know what to expect if you’ve never pursued a bicycle accident claim. To help you understand what to expect, we answered some questions frequently asked by our clients.

How much can I receive as compensation if I file a bicycle accident lawsuit?

The amount depends on several factors like the severity of your injuries, lost wages, need for future medical care, etc. Our lawyers can help you determine your claim’s worth.

How long will it take before I receive a settlement?

If you prefer to receive no-fault benefits, you can get them within weeks to months of filing the claim. However, if you file a court case, it could take months to years to conclude as it involves several processes and is subject to the court’s calendar.

Should I hire a Lawyer for my bicycle accident case?

You can handle your case alone, but hiring an attorney is always more beneficial. Legal representation means your rights will be protected, increasing the chances of getting fair compensation.

How long do I have to file a bicycle accident lawsuit?

Under Michigan law, you have three years starting from the accident date. Once the three years pass, you can no longer receive compensation.

These may not be your only questions; our attorneys will discuss your specific concerns in your initial consult.

How Our Bicycle Accident Lawyers Can Help You

Our attorneys provide valuable assistance to injured cyclists, including rendering legal advice and guidance. We will thoroughly investigate the circumstances leading to your bicycle accident and identify the at-fault party or parties. Also, we will assist you with filing a claim and negotiating with the insurance company, taking into account medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

If we cannot reach a fair settlement agreement, we will file a lawsuit and represent you in court. We will provide you with emotional support as dealing with the aftermath of bicycle accidents can be challenging. We will passionately advocate for your rights and update you about your case.

Get the Help You Need from Goodman Acker, P.C.

If you suffered injuries or lost a loved one in a bicycle accident, it’s essential to consult with a qualified attorney as soon as possible. Doing this protects your rights and maximizes your chances of obtaining fair compensation. Our Goodman Acker, P.C. team is skilled and knowledgeable, offers free initial consultations, and will be with you from the beginning to the end of your case. Call us at 248-286-8100 for 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 ]