From the West Park paths to the Border-to-Border Trail and the Gallup Park route, Ann Arbor’s cycling routes draw dozens of commuters, students, and recreational riders every day. But even the most cautious cyclist faces danger when riding near traffic. A single moment of driver inattention can lead to a catastrophic and even fatal accident, and these incidents are on the rise: in 2023, Ann Arbor witnessed an increase in traffic violence despite being named a gold-level bicycle-friendly community in 2021 by the League of American Bicyclists.
If you were hit while riding on Main Street, along Fuller Road Trail, or near the Argo Cascades, you may have a legal right to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. At the Lee Steinberg Law Firm, our Ann Arbor bicycle accident lawyers can help you hold the negligent driver and their insurance provider accountable.
Why Hire Us for Your Bicycle Accident Claim in Ann Arbor?
If you were struck by a vehicle while riding in Ann Arbor, the attorney you hire can affect how your case unfolds and how much compensation you recover. Our firm has represented injured cyclists throughout Washtenaw County, including those hit near the University of Michigan campus, along the Huron River Greenway, and in high-traffic areas like State Street and Packard Road.
Here’s what sets us apart in bike accident claims:
- Established Experience With Michigan Injury Law: For decades, we’ve represented injured people throughout Michigan, including many cyclists. We’re familiar with the challenges these cases present, including the need to secure no-fault insurance benefits for a bicycle rider.
- We Challenge Findings of Fault: Cyclists are often blamed unfairly after a crash. Our bicycle accident lawyers obtain police reports, traffic camera footage, medical records, and witness statements to establish liability and counter inaccurate assumptions made by insurers or defense attorneys. When necessary, we use accident reconstruction specialists to provide expert opinions.
- We Handle Insurance Negotiations: You won’t be left dealing with insurance adjusters, filing forms, or tracking deadlines. We handle every aspect of the claim, including PIP benefits, third-party liability claims, and underinsured motorist coverage, so nothing gets missed.
- No Fee Unless We Recover Compensation: Our work is based on a contingency fee. You won’t pay anything up front, and we only collect a fee if we secure compensation on your behalf. This lets you pursue your claim without taking on any more financial risk.
We know how disruptive a bicycle accident can be, especially when you’re dealing with catastrophic injuries and an insurance company that refuses to take responsibility. If you were hit while biking in Ann Arbor, our personal injury lawyers can take over the filing and negotiation of your insurance claim so that you can rest and heal.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Ann Arbor
Bike accidents in Ann Arbor usually happen because motor vehicle operators either fail to pay attention or make careless decisions behind the wheel. Even with marked lanes and posted signs, many drivers overlook cyclists when turning, passing, or opening their car doors. These incidents can lead to severe injuries, especially when a rider has no time to react.
Many of these bicycle accidents happen at intersections, near the University of Michigan campus, or on popular routes like the Washtenaw Avenue corridor. A driver might cut across a bike lane without checking, fail to yield while turning left, or pull out from a side street without stopping. Others may swerve too close while speeding or drift while distracted by a phone.
Some of the most common causes we see include:
- Drivers making left turns across bike lanes without checking for oncoming cyclists
- Opening car doors into traffic on streets like State Street and Liberty Street
- Failing to yield at crosswalks or roundabouts
- Running red lights or stop signs at high-traffic intersections
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Texting or using a phone while driving (distracted driving)
- Passing too closely or crowding a cyclist out of the lane
In many cases, cyclists are initially blamed for their own injuries. Police reports may reflect only the driver’s version of events, and insurers may assume the rider was weaving through traffic or ignoring signs. Our personal injury law firm thoroughly investigates these allegations and will present all evidence showing that the cyclist was compliant and the driver was responsible for the bike accident.
What To Do After a Bicycle Accident in Ann Arbor
After a bicycle crash in Ann Arbor, you’re likely breathless, injured, and in serious pain. If you have visible injuries, don’t move – instead, ask a bystander for help with the steps below.
- Call 911 and Request Emergency Assistance: Ask for both law enforcement and medical personnel to respond. The police report can help establish the location, time, and cause of the bicycle collision, while paramedics can evaluate your condition and provide treatment or transport to the emergency room.
- Undergo a Full Medical Evaluation: Visit a hospital or urgent care provider as soon as possible after the accident. Certain injuries, such as concussions, soft tissue damage, or internal trauma, may not present clear symptoms right away. Medical records from this visit will also help connect your injuries to the crash, which is important for any insurance claim or future personal injury lawsuit.
- Document the Accident Scene Thoroughly: If you’re physically able, take clear photographs of the scene, including your bicycle, the vehicle involved, debris, skid marks, traffic signals and signs, and any visible injuries. These images can provide important context when determining how the bike accident happened and who was responsible.
- Gather Contact Information From Witnesses: Speak with anyone who saw the crash and ask for their full name, phone number, and a brief summary of what they observed. Third-party witnesses can support your version of events and help challenge inaccurate assumptions made by insurers.
- Identify Potential Camera Footage: Look for surveillance cameras on nearby homes, businesses, or traffic poles. Make a note of their location and notify your Michigan bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible, since footage is often deleted within days unless a formal request is made.
- Avoid Discussing the Accident With the Driver’s Insurance Company: You’re under no obligation to speak with the at-fault party’s insurer without legal representation. Their goal is to limit the amount they pay out, and they may use your statements to question fault or downplay your injuries. Allow an Ann Arbor bicycle accident lawyer to handle those conversations and negotiate a fair settlement for you.
Michigan No-Fault Auto Insurance Law and Bicycle Accidents
Michigan’s no-fault insurance system applies to bike accidents involving a motor vehicle. If you were hit by a car while riding, you may be eligible for personal injury protection (PIP) benefits, even if you don’t own a vehicle yourself. These benefits can cover medical expenses, lost wages, transportation to medical appointments, and help with household tasks while you recover.
If you have auto insurance in your household, your own policy is usually the first source of coverage. If you don’t, you may qualify for benefits through the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan. These claims have strict filing requirements and short deadlines, so it’s important to act quickly.
In addition to PIP benefits, you may also have the right to file a claim against the driver who hit you. This type of claim, known as a third-party claim, allows you to seek compensation for pain and suffering, future medical needs, and any permanent impact the crash had on your life. To bring this kind of claim, your injuries must meet Michigan’s legal threshold for serious impairment, which is defined as an injury that’s:
- Objectively manifested
- Involves an important body function, and;
- Affects your ability to lead a normal life
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage may also apply. If the driver fled the scene or lacked adequate insurance, your own policy (or a family member’s) may provide another path to recovery. These cases can become more complicated, especially when multiple insurance companies are involved, but our team is familiar with the steps required to preserve and pursue each claim.
How Much Is a Bicycle Accident Claim Worth in Ann Arbor?
The value of a bicycle accident claim depends on factors that include the severity of your injuries, how long you’re out of work, and how the crash affects your daily life. Some riders recover fully in a matter of weeks. Others struggle with chronic pain, permanent disability, or the inability to return to their job. Depending on the extent of your injuries and financial losses, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical Bills: These economic damages include hospital bills, surgery, physical therapy, prescription medication, follow-up visits, and any future medical care you may need. If your health or auto insurance pays only part of your medical expenses, you can include the remaining balance in your claim for compensation.
- Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Capacity: If your injuries kept you from working, you can recover lost income. If you’re unable to return to the same job or work the same hours, you may also seek damages for lost earning potential.
- Pain and Suffering: This non-economic damage includes both physical pain and emotional distress tied to the accident. It accounts for issues like chronic pain, anxiety, depression, or loss of enjoyment in everyday activities.
- Property Damage: You may also recover the cost of replacing your bicycle, helmet, gear, or any personal items damaged in the motor vehicle collision.
- Out-of-Pocket Costs: Expenses like medical transportation, assistive devices, or home modifications related to your injuries may be included in the total value of your claim.
- Wrongful Death Damages: If a loved one was killed in a bicycle accident, surviving family members may have the right to bring a wrongful death lawsuit. Compensation may include funeral costs, loss of companionship, and income the deceased would have provided.
Every case is different. The value of your claim depends on what happened, the insurance coverage involved, and how your injuries affect your life going forward. There’s no flat rate or standard payout, but an experienced lawyer can assess the evidence and help you understand what a fair result looks like in your case.
Statutes of Limitations for Filing a Personal Injury Claim
Michigan law sets strict deadlines for filing bicycle accident claims. If you miss one of these deadlines, you could lose your right to collect benefits or take legal action.
- To receive no-fault insurance benefits such as medical expenses or lost wages, you must apply for benefits within one year of the crash. This applies whether the claim is made through your own policy or the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan. If you miss that deadline, you won’t be able to collect any no-fault compensation.
- If you’re bringing a third-party claim against the driver who hit you, you must file a lawsuit within three years of the date of the accident. Waiting too long could mean losing the chance to hold the driver accountable, even if your injuries were severe.
There are also shorter deadlines for certain types of claims, including those involving hit-and-run drivers or uninsured motorist coverage. These deadlines are set by your insurance policy and can expire within weeks. That’s why it’s important to act quickly, gather documentation early, and speak with a lawyer before time runs out.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bicycle Accidents
Do You Need a Lawyer for a Bike Accident If the Driver Admits Fault?
Yes. Even if the driver admits they caused the accident, their insurance company may still dispute the severity of your injuries or the amount you’re owed. An Ann Arbor bicycle accident lawyer can handle negotiations, gather supporting evidence, and make sure you aren’t pressured into accepting less than your claim is worth.
Can You Still Recover Damages If You Weren’t Wearing a Bicycle Helmet?
Yes. Michigan law doesn’t require adults to wear helmets while biking, so not wearing one doesn’t prevent you from bringing a claim. However, if you suffer a traumatic brain injury, the insurance company may try to argue that your injuries would’ve been less severe if you had worn one. We address that argument directly and present medical evidence to show how the crash, not the lack of a bicycle helmet, caused your injuries.
What If You Were Struck by a Hit-and-Run Driver?
If the motor vehicle driver left without stopping, you may still be able to recover compensation. Uninsured motorist coverage on your auto policy or a family member’s policy may apply. We’ll review your coverage and help you file a claim through the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan if no policy is available.
Can You Get Compensation If You Were Partly at Fault for the Bicycle Collision?
Yes. Michigan uses a comparative fault system. If you were partially responsible (for example, by entering an intersection too quickly), you can still recover damages. However, your compensation may be reduced based on your share of fault. If you’re found to be more than 50% at fault, you won’t be able to recover pain and suffering damages.
Get a Free Consultation From an Ann Arbor Bicycle Accident Lawyer
;If you were hit while biking in Ann Arbor, the physical and financial fallout can last long after the crash. At the Lee Steinberg Law Firm, we know how these cases work and how to hold drivers and insurers accountable when traffic violations cause injuries. There’s no charge to speak with us, and no legal fees payable unless we recover compensation for you. To schedule a free confidential consultation, call our personal injury law firm today at 1-800-LEE-FREE (1-800-533-3733) or fill out our online contact form.