Bicycle accidents can change your life in an instant, leaving you with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and uncertainty about your future. The experienced attorneys at Oak Law understand the challenges you face and are here to help. When you choose to hire our experienced Royal Oak bicycle accident attorneys, you can concentrate on recovering and let us handle the legal aspects of your case to secure the financial justice you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your situation.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents often occur due to factors beyond the cyclist’s control. Understanding these external causes can help improve safety measures and reduce the incidence of such accidents. When motorists fail to pay attention or follow traffic laws, they put cyclists at risk of severe injuries and even death. Some of the most common causes of Royal Oak bicycle accidents include:
- Distracted driving, including texting, checking emails, browsing social media, eating, adjusting the radio, programming a GPS, and conversing with passengers
- Reckless and aggressive driving behaviors, including speeding, running red lights or stop signs, making improper turns or lane changes, and failing to yield the right-of-way
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Drivers aren’t the only parties that can cause bicycle accidents, though. Pedestrians may move unpredictably, such as by unexpectedly crossing into a cyclist’s path, and cause an accident. Road conditions and infrastructure issues can also create hazards due to poor maintenance, obstructed bike lanes, inadequate signage, and inadequate lighting.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Bicycle accidents can lead to a variety of injuries, some of which may have severe long-term consequences. Due to the minimal protection bicyclists have compared to occupants of motor vehicles, the injuries they may sustain in an accident can be devastating. Some typical injuries resulting from bicycle accidents include:
- Concussions – Concussions may result from hitting the ground or another object, leading to temporary loss of brain function.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) – More severe than concussions, TBIs can result in long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
- Dental and Facial Injuries – Accidents may result in broken or knocked-out teeth from direct impact, as well as injuries to the nose, cheekbones, and jaw.
- Broken Collarbone and Arms – These fractures are common due to falls or collisions where cyclists extend their arms to break their fall.
- Wrist and Hand Fractures – These types of injuries frequently occur when cyclists use their hands to brace against impact.
- Contusions and Abrasions – Bruises and road rash may result from sliding on the pavement.
- Muscle Strains and Ligament Sprains – Cyclists may suffer soft tissue injuries to their neck, back, and knees due to sudden impact or awkward movements.
- Herniated Discs – The impact of a fall can cause a herniated disc injury, leading to back pain and nerve issues.
- Spinal Fractures – In severe spinal injury cases, cyclists can suffer fractures that result in long-term disability or paralysis.
- Emotional Trauma and PTSD – Cyclists hurt in accidents can experience severe psychological distress, anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances, and may require counseling or therapy to manage symptoms.
Compensation for Bicycle Accident Victims
Because Michigan has a no-fault insurance system, your first recourse after a bike accident is to file a claim against your own personal injury protection (PIP) policy. This will help cover medical expenses and a portion of your lost income. However, if you suffered serious injuries – which is very possible, given the nature of bike accidents – Michigan law entitles you to seek compensation from the driver if their negligence caused the collision.
Keep detailed records of all expenses related to your accident, as this will help your attorney build a strong case for compensation. You may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical Expenses – This includes both current and expected future medical bills, such as surgeries, hospital stays, medications, and rehabilitation. You may also be eligible to recover the costs of medical equipment, such as wheelchairs, crutches, or prosthetics.
- Lost Wages and Income – This is compensation for the time you missed work due to your injuries, as well as coverage for future lost earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or earning the same level of income.
- Property Damage – Your bike accident compensation may include funds for repairing or replacing your bicycle or other personal property damaged in the accident.
- Pain and Suffering – This is compensation for physical pain you suffered due to your injuries, which may prevent you from enjoying activities and completing everyday tasks.
- Emotional Distress – You may also be able to recover compensation for the psychological impact of the accident, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, or sleep disturbances. This might include coverage for the cost of counseling or therapy to help you cope with the emotional consequences of the accident.
- Permanent Disability or Disfigurement – Bike accidents may cause long-term or permanent physical limitations. You can recover compensation for these disabilities, as well as for the emotional impact of scarring, disfigurement, or other visible changes to your appearance.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident
In the days and weeks following a bicycle accident, you must take specific steps to protect your health and safeguard your legal rights. First, seek medical attention even if your injuries seem minor, as some issues may not be immediately apparent. Follow all medical advice and document your treatment. Keep detailed records of medical bills, lost wages, and other accident-related expenses.
Next, report the accident to your insurance company, providing the basic factual details and being careful not to admit fault or say anything that might compromise your claim.
As soon as possible after the accident, consider consulting a bicycle accident attorney to understand your legal rights and options. They can help by gathering evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and photos from the accident scene, to build a strong case. Avoid discussing the accident or settlement details on social media, as this information can be used against you.
Finally, focus on your recovery by attending all follow-up medical appointments and adhering to your treatment plan. Maintaining a comprehensive record of your physical and emotional recovery can support your case.
Why You Need a Bicycle Accident Lawyer
When it comes to protecting your rights and strengthening your likelihood of recovering compensation after a bike accident, there’s no more important step you can take than hiring an experienced bike accident attorney. They’ll be ready to manage every aspect of your case, from investigating the accident and filing insurance claims to negotiating settlements with insurers and taking your case to court if necessary. A lawyer will know how to gather the evidence necessary to build a strong case, such as medical records and witness statements.
Attorneys can also handle communication with insurance companies, as they know the tactics insurers use to minimize payouts and can effectively fight them. By representing your interests, your attorney can negotiate for the maximum compensation you deserve. Additionally, if your case goes to court, an experienced attorney can advocate on your behalf, increasing the likelihood of a favorable outcome.
All the while, because your attorney will be handling the details of your case, you’ll have the time, space, and peace of mind you need to focus on healing.
Contact Our Royal Oak Bicycle Accident Attorneys Today
Bicycle accidents can be devastating experiences. While you may face a long road to physical recovery, you don’t have to travel it alone. The Royal Oak bicycle accident attorneys at Oak Law are committed to providing the guidance and support you need during this challenging time. Take the first step toward securing your future by calling our team at (248) 716-8800 or contacting us online today for a free consultation. Let us put our experience to work in the fight for the compensation, accountability, and justice you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
People injured in bicycle accidents often have questions about what to expect from the legal process, particularly when it comes to deadlines and costs. We’re happy to answer the most common questions below, and welcome any others that occur to you.
How long do I have to file a bicycle accident lawsuit in Michigan?
Under Michigan law, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, including those involving bicycle accidents. However, it’s always best to talk to an attorney as soon as you can. Contacting a lawyer as soon as possible allows them to gather volatile evidence and prepare your claim well before any applicable deadlines.
How much does it cost to hire a bicycle accident attorney?
The cost to hire a bicycle accident attorney depends on their fee structure, but most personal injury attorneys work on contingency. This means the attorney only gets paid if you win your case, taking a percentage (usually 25 to 40 percent) of the settlement or court award. Initial consultations are often free, allowing you to discuss your case without upfront costs. Some attorneys may also charge hourly rates or flat fees for specific services, but this is less common for personal injury cases. Be sure to discuss fee arrangements upfront to understand the potential costs and ensure transparency.
