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Detroit Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Riding your bike is good for the environment and good for your health – until the unexpected happens and you become the victim of a crash. If you were in a bicycle accident, it’s important to be informed about your options.

Bicycle accidents are more common than you might think. According to the Michigan State Police’s Criminal Justice Information Center, in 2019 there were 1,129 bicycle crashes involving either a fatal crash, a crash with an injury, or property damage. Of those crashes, 365 were in Wayne County, meaning there was one bicycle crash a day in the county in 2019.

If you are ever in a bicycle accident in Detroit, Michigan, you may need to seek compensation for your medical treatment and other costs caused by the injury. Contact us at Ratton Law Group PC to learn about what you should do after an accident and what your options are for filing a personal injury claim. We will fight vigorously to get you the compensation you deserve.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident

If you are in a bicycle accident, the first thing you should do is call 911. A medical professional needs to examine you so that if you need further treatment, you receive it right away.

Then, you need to record the information of the driver who hit your bike. Write down (or type in your phone) their name, phone number, address, insurance information, and license plate number. If you can, take photos of their documents and vehicle. Additionally, if there are any witnesses who saw the accident happen, collect their information as well.

Your next step will be to document the details of the accident. Document the road conditions, traffic patterns, signals, and weather conditions. Take photos if you can.

Injured in a Bicycle Accident?

After this, obtain medical assistance. Whether it’s from a paramedic arriving at the scene or your own doctor, you need a qualified medical professional to examine you.

Keep in mind that your injuries might not appear right away. It’s also critical that your medical status is documented because those records will be extremely important should you decide to file a claim in court.

Finally, hire an experienced personal injury attorney. The legal process of filing a personal injury claim is complex and lengthy. A personal injury attorney can help you navigate the process and seek fair financial compensation.

Michigan Laws Affecting
Bicycle Riders

Michigan’s laws for bicyclists help ensure safety for all those using the road. While there are no rules yet governing cell phone use while bicycling, there are other laws that Michigan bicyclists must follow.

Pertaining to the Bicycle Rider

Michigan bicyclists must ride as close to the right curb as possible, yield to pedestrians when riding on the sidewalk, use hand signals, and of course, obey all traffic signs. It’s important to abide by all the rules and safety precautions when you’re on the road.

Pertaining to the Vehicle

Drivers must keep at least three feet of distance between their vehicle and a bicyclist. This is the Safe Passing Law that applies to drivers in Detroit, Michigan, and throughout the state.

Filing a Claim

If you were in an accident while riding your bicycle, you can file an insurance claim. It’s important to know these three facts about the law in Michigan.

Michigan Is a No-Fault State

In Michigan, all drivers are required to carry no-fault personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. If you are in a bicycle accident, no matter who is at fault, your auto insurance will reimburse your covered medical bills and other out-of-pocket losses. If you do not have automobile coverage there are other avenues to investigate to pay your medical bills and other accident-related claims. You need to consult with an experienced attorney.

Statute of Limitations

In Michigan, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is three years meaning that you must file your claim within three years of the date of the accident. There are exceptions that apply to bicyclists under the age of 18.

woman on bike

Bicycle Accident Attorneys
in Detroit, Michigan

An accident can change your life forever. Our team at Ratton Law Group PC in Detroit, Michigan will work to aggressively argue the facts of your case. Two of our attorneys also have degrees in nursing, so we understand the medical field and how it can impact your case. We know just how much an accident can affect your life, and we want to help victims seek fair compensation. Contact Ratton Law Group PC today for your free consultation.

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