What Happens If Another Cyclist Hits Me in Michigan? | Lee Steinberg Law Firm

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What Happens If Another Cyclist Hits Me in Michigan?

Cycling is a great way to get around, whether you’re commuting, exercising, or just enjoying the outdoors. But accidents happen, even between cyclists. Even if you’re a careful rider, you can still literally run into others who ignore red lights, speed on shared bike paths or wear headphones that reduce awareness and reaction time.

If you’ve been hit by another cyclist in Michigan, you might be wondering: Who is responsible? Can you file an insurance claim? What compensation is available? Most people think about car accidents when discussing liability and insurance claims, but cycling crashes can be just as serious. Injuries, medical bills, and property damage can add up quickly. By understanding your rights, you can protect yourself and get the financial compensation you need.  

Can You File an Insurance Claim Against an At-Fault Cyclist?  

In Michigan, bicycle accidents fall under personal injury law, just like motor vehicle crashes. This means that if another cyclist caused the accident, they can be held responsible for your injuries and damages. However, unlike drivers, injured bicyclists don’t carry mandatory insurance. This makes the process of recovering compensation more complicated. Instead of filing a traditional auto insurance claim, you may need to:  

  • File a claim against the at-fault cyclist’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance (if they have it).  
  • Pursue a personal injury lawsuit if insurance isn’t an option.  
  • Check if your own auto or health insurance covers your bicycle accident injuries.  

Since Michigan follows a comparative fault system, determining liability is extremely important. If the other cyclist was 100% at fault, they may be held financially responsible. But if you share some of the blame, your compensation could be reduced based on your percentage of fault.  

Cyclist At-Fault Scenarios  

Just like motorists, bike riders are expected to follow basic road rules and ride responsibly. When they act carelessly, they can be held liable, especially if they cause a crash with another cyclist. These accidents can lead to serious injuries, expensive medical bills, and damaged property, just like a motor vehicle accident. Here are some common scenarios where a cyclist may be at fault in a crash involving another rider.

Cyclist Runs a Stop Sign or Red Light  

When a cyclist blows through a stop sign or runs a red light, they put themselves and others at risk. Imagine riding through an intersection when another cyclist suddenly speeds through without stopping: you have no time to react, and both of you go crashing to the ground.  

In these cases, the cyclist who failed to yield is usually at fault. Traffic signals exist for everyone’s safety, and ignoring them is a clear violation of cycling laws. If the injured rider can prove the other cyclist failed to stop, they may be able to hold them liable for medical bills, lost wages, and bike repairs.  

Unsafe Passing or Weaving Between Cyclists  

On busy bike lanes and trails, some cyclists pass aggressively, darting between slower riders without warning. If a cyclist tries to squeeze through a tight gap, cuts someone off, or swerves unpredictably, they can cause another cyclist to crash.  

Let’s say you’re riding in a designated bike lane when another cyclist suddenly passes too close, clipping your handlebars. You lose balance and hit the pavement, injuring your shoulder and damaging your bike. In this scenario, the reckless rider could be held responsible for not allowing enough space while passing.  

Even if they didn’t make direct contact, forcing another cyclist to swerve or brake suddenly, leading to a crash, can still be considered negligence. Just like drivers must maintain a safe distance, cyclists must also pass with care to avoid putting others in danger.  

Speeding on a Shared Bike Path  

Some bike paths are designed for commuters, casual riders, and even pedestrians to share the space. But when cyclists ride too fast in a crowded area, they increase the risk of collisions, especially when other riders or pedestrians aren’t expecting them to come barreling through.  

Imagine you’re riding at a reasonable pace on a multi-use trail when another cyclist speeds past without warning. A few seconds later, they misjudge a curve, lose control, and crash directly into you. In this situation, the speeding cyclist would likely be at fault, as they were riding too fast for the conditions and failed to maintain control of their bike.  Riding at high speeds isn’t illegal, but reckless riding in crowded areas can be considered negligence, especially if it results in a bike accident.  

Sudden or Erratic Lane Changes  

Cyclists rely on predictability to stay safe, especially when riding in groups or sharing the road with others. When a cyclist makes a sudden lane change without checking behind them or signaling, they can cut off another rider, leading to a crash.  

Imagine riding side by side with a friend when another cyclist unexpectedly swerves into your lane. You don’t have time to react, and you both go down. If the cyclist who cut you off didn’t check their surroundings, they would likely be held responsible for the crash.  

Reckless or Distracted Riding  

Cycling requires constant awareness of your surroundings, but some riders take unnecessary risks by riding distracted or engaging in reckless behavior. Common causes of distracted cycling crashes include:  

  • Using a phone while riding  
  • Wearing headphones, blocking out surrounding sounds  
  • Riding with no hands, making it harder to react quickly  

If a cyclist is distracted and crashes into another rider, they can be held liable for negligence. Just like drivers shouldn’t text behind the wheel, cyclists must stay focused and maintain control of their bike at all times.  

Who Is Liable in a Cyclist-on-Cyclist Accident?  

Determining fault in a bike-on-bike crash isn’t always simple. If one cyclist clearly violated traffic laws (such as running a stop sign or failing to yield), they will likely be held responsible. However, fault can be shared if both bicycle riders made mistakes leading up to the crash.  

Michigan follows a comparative fault system, meaning that if you are partially at fault, your compensation may be reduced. For example, if you’re found 20% responsible for the bike accident, your total compensation would be reduced by 20%. This is why evidence matters. If you’ve been hit by another cyclist, witness statements, video footage, and accident reports can help prove fault, ensuring you get the compensation you deserve.

Determining Fault in a Bicycle Accident  

When a cyclist-on-cyclist collision happens, figuring out who is at fault isn’t always straightforward. Unlike auto accidents (where police reports, insurance adjusters, and crash scene investigations play a key role) bicycle crashes often lack formal documentation unless law enforcement is involved. So, how do you prove who is responsible for the accident and who should pay for injuries and damages?  

Bicycle accident attorneys and insurance companies examine several factors to determine liability. Let’s take a closer look at them below.

Did the Cyclist Break Any Traffic Laws?  

Michigan cyclists must follow the same traffic laws as motorists, meaning they are expected to stop at red lights, yield when required, and follow right-of-way rules. If a cyclist ignored traffic signals, ran a stop sign, or made an illegal turn, they are likely at fault for the crash.  

For example, if one cyclist blew through a stop sign and crashed into another rider who had the right of way, the first cyclist would likely be held liable. Similarly, if a cyclist was riding against oncoming traffic in a bike lane and caused a head-on collision, fault would almost certainly fall on them.  

What Do Witnesses Say?  

Eyewitness statements can be critical in proving fault, especially if one cyclist denies responsibility. A pedestrian, driver, or nearby cyclist may have seen the accident unfold and can offer an unbiased account of what happened.  

For example, if two cyclists collide at an intersection and one claims they had the right of way, a witness’s statement can confirm whether:  

  • One cyclist failed to stop or yield  
  • Someone was riding recklessly or weaving unpredictably  
  • A cyclist made an unsafe turn or lane change  

Since bicycle collisions often lack official police reports, witness testimony can serve as powerful evidence in determining who was at fault. A bicycle accident lawyer can use these details to create a compelling case. 

Is There Video Footage?  

In today’s world, many traffic intersections, businesses, and even cyclists themselves record footage that could help determine who caused the accident. Many cyclists use cameras for safety or legal protection, and some intersections have cameras that record crashes. If video footage clearly shows one cyclist failing to stop, swerving unpredictably, or breaking a traffic law, determining fault becomes much easier.  

What Does the Police Report Say?  

Police reports carry a lot of weight in fault determination. However, not all bicycle crashes result in a police response, especially if no cars were involved. If law enforcement does arrive at the scene, they will:  

  • Document what happened based on statements from both cyclists and witnesses  
  • Note any traffic law violations that may indicate fault  
  • Record physical injuries or damages  
  • Possibly issue a citation to the cyclist who was at fault  

If one cyclist received a ticket for running a red light or failing to yield, this serves as strong evidence they were responsible for the crash.  

Insurance and Compensation: How Do You Recover Damages?  

If a cyclist was at fault for your accident, getting compensation can be tricky. Since cyclists aren’t required to have insurance, you may need to explore alternative options.  

Homeowner’s or Renter’s Insurance 

If the at-fault cyclist has a homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy, their personal liability insurance coverage may cover your injuries and property damage, even if the accident happened outside their home.  

For example, most homeowner’s insurance policies include personal liability protection, which covers injuries caused by the policyholder’s negligence. If the cyclist was careless, they could file a claim with their insurance company to cover your medical expenses and repair costs. However, not all policies cover cycling accidents, and some exclude liability for incidents occurring on public roads. If the cyclist’s insurance denies your claim, you may need to pursue other options.  

Auto Insurance: Can Your Policy Help?  

Even though a car wasn’t involved, your auto insurance might still cover some of your damages. Michigan requires Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which applies to any accident involving a motor vehicle, but what if you’re injured in a bike-on-bike collision?  

Here’s when your auto insurance might help:  

  • If a car was indirectly involved. For example, if another cyclist swerved to avoid a car and crashed into you, PIP coverage may still apply.  
  • If you have Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage. Some auto policies offer MedPay, which covers medical expenses regardless of fault.  

While PIP coverage typically doesn’t apply to bike-on-bike crashes, it’s still worth checking your policy details. If auto insurance isn’t an option, health insurance may be your next line of defense.  

Health Insurance

If no other insurance policies cover your injuries, your health insurance will likely be your primary source of medical coverage. Whether you have private health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid, your plan should cover hospital bills, doctor visits, and rehabilitation costs.  However, health insurance won’t cover everything. You may still face:  

  • Deductibles
  • Co-pays
  • Limited coverage for therapy or long-term rehabilitation. Some policies restrict physical therapy, chiropractic care, or mental health treatment after an accident.  

Additionally, health insurance won’t cover lost wages, pain and suffering, or bike repairs. For that, you may need to file a personal injury claim.  

Personal Injury Lawsuit

If the at-fault cyclist doesn’t have insurance, or if their insurer denies your claim, your best option may be to file a personal injury lawsuit. This legal action allows you to seek fair compensation for all your actual damages, including:  

  • Medical Expenses: This includes hospital bills, surgeries, physical therapy, and future medical care.  
  • Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can seek compensation for lost income as well as loss of earning ability.  
  • Pain and Suffering: This is compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.  
  • Property Damage: This covers repair or replacement costs for your bicycle and any damaged personal items.  

To win a personal injury case, you must prove that the other cyclist was negligent. This means demonstrating that:  

  • They had a duty to ride safely and follow traffic laws.  
  • They breached that duty by acting carelessly.  
  • Their negligence caused your injuries.  
  • You suffered financial losses as a result.  

If your injuries are serious and your medical bills are adding up, filing a lawsuit may be the best way to recover full compensation. A Michigan personal injury attorney can evaluate your case, gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, and fight for a fair settlement.  

Hit by a Cyclist? Speak to an Experienced Bicycle Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been hit by another cyclist in Michigan, the medical bills -and the financial pressure- can add up. At Lee Steinberg Law Firm, we help bicycle accident victims get the maximum compensation they deserve. Whether it’s negotiating with insurance companies or fighting for you in court, our bike accident attorneys are here to fight for you and get you the best possible outcome. For more information or to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer, contact us today.