IT’S NATIONAL BIKE MONTH: WHAT EVERY CYCLIST SHOULD KNOW ABOUT BICYCLE ACCIDENTS

May is National Bike Month, the perfect time to check those tires and start enjoying the longer days and temperate spring weather. Whether you ride your bike to work, for exercise or just for fun, following the rules of the road will make every trip safer and more enjoyable. Unfortunately, even a careful cyclist can be involved in a crash that results in suffer serious injuries or death, especially when hit by a car or truck.

If that happens, hiring an experienced bicycle accident lawyer is the best way to protect your rights and win the compensation you deserve.

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THE LATEST BICYCLE ACCIDENT STATISTICS

Here are the most recent statistics for bicycle-related accidents from Michigan State Police:

• Crashes involving bicycles increased from 1,340 in 2022 to 1,480 in 2023
• Bicyclist fatalities decreased from 36 in 2022 to 24 in 2023
• Of these 24 fatalities, 18 were male and six were female
• The highest number of bicycle-related crashes took place in August (227), followed by September (209) and July (194)
• The highest number of crashes occurred on a Wednesday (265), followed by Friday (257), Tuesday (228) and Thursday (217)
• The majority of bicycle accidents happened between the hours of 3 p.m. and 5:59 p.m. (424), followed by the time period between noon – 2:59 p.m. (299)
• Wayne County had the most bicycle-related accidents (361), followed by the counties of Oakland (161), Kent (141) and Macomb (135)

Recommended reading: New Michigan Passing Laws Make Roads Safer for Bicyclists

ARE BICYCLE HELMETS MANDATORY IN MICHIGAN?

While helmets are not required under Michigan law, they are highly recommended. Unlike automobiles, bicycles do not provide protection from the impact of a crash. Therefore, bicyclists who collide with a motor vehicle or lose control and hit the pavement are more likely to sustain severe injuries. According to numerous studies, properly fitted helmets reduce the risk of serious head trauma in the event of a bicycle accident.

Another reason to wear a helmet is that some municipalities have enacted their own ordinances. For example, in Farmington Hills, Michigan, anyone under the age of 16 must wear a helmet when rollerblading or riding a bicycle or skateboard. Helmets are also mandatory for cyclists under 18 in East Grand Rapids.

Recommended reading: Michigan E-bike laws

WHAT TO DO AFTER A BICYCLE ACCIDENT

• First, call an ambulance if you or anyone else needs emergency medical care.
• Call the police and remain at or near the scene until they arrive
• If possible, move your bicycle to a safe location such as the shoulder or side of the road
• Ask the law enforcement officer for the paperwork with the incident number and instructions for obtaining a police report
• Do not try to fix your bicycle or disturb the accident scene before police arrive
• Obtain contact information for any witnesses
• Document the scene as thoroughly as possible by taking photos of your injuries, your bicycle and the surrounding area
• If you do not need an ambulance, obtain medical care at the emergency room or doctor’s office as soon as possible
• Call an experienced bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible
• Keep records of your medical appointments and subsequent treatment
• Get the name and insurance information of the other driver if a motor vehicle was involved in the crash
• Do not discuss your injuries with the other people involved in the accident
• Never admit fault or discuss how the accident happened with anyone other than your lawyer
• Do not talk to an insurance representative or sign any papers without talking to an attorney

DOES MICHIGAN NO-FAULT COVER BICYCLE ACCIDENTS?

No-Fault coverage for injured bicyclists depends on the circumstances of the accident. Because a bicycle is not a motor vehicle, No-Fault benefits are typically available only when a car, truck or other motor vehicle is involved in the crash.

In that instance, the bicyclist may be eligible for No-Fault benefits under the policy covering the at-fault driver (or vehicle owner). In that case, reimbursement would be limited to the Personal Injury Protection (PIP) medical coverage specified in the policy.

However, if the bicyclist is less than 50 percent at fault for the accident, a claim may be filed against the responsible party for medical and related expenses exceeding the limits of the No-Fault policy as well as intangible damages such as pain and suffering.

To ensure the best financial outcome, contact an experienced bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible, before talking to an insurance agent or signing any papers.

Recommended reading: New Michigan Passing Laws Make Roads Safer for Bicyclists

HELP PREVENT BICYCLING ACCIDENTS WITH THESE SAFETY TIPS

• Always ride with a cell phone, identification, health insurance information and emergency contact number(s)
• Increase your usual stopping distance when roads are wet or visibility is poor
• Take corners slowly, avoiding sharp turns  
• Apply brakes slowly on wet pavement
• Follow the same traffic laws that apply to cars, trucks and other motor vehicles
• Wear clothing and/or accessories that are brightly-colored, high-visibility and reflective when riding before or after sunset
• Use appropriate hand signals when turning
• Equip your bicycle with lighting required by Michigan law, including a front white light visible from 500 feet and a rear red reflector visible from 100 to 600 feet. A rear red light visible from 500 feet is also recommended.
• Use above lighting when riding between half an hour after sunset until half an hour before sunrise.

Visit the League of Michigan Bicyclists website for detailed information on current Michigan bicycle laws.

PUT OUR EXPERIENCED BICYCLE ACCIDENT LAWYERS TO WORK FOR YOU TODAY

If you or a loved one is injured in a bicycle accident, we can help. Our knowledgeable legal team knows what it takes to win your case, and we have the expertise and resources to make sure you receive the compensation you and your family deserve.

Car accident law is complicated, but finding the right bicycle accident attorney is simple.

Don’t let the legal clock run out. To get your case started, fill out the brief form below or call 1-800-CALL-SAM for a free, no-obligation consultation with a member of our knowledgeable legal team. 

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