Riding a bike is an excellent form of exercise that is increasingly popular throughout Michigan. Unfortunately, bike riding is not without risks. A bicycle accident can cause serious personal injuries and even death. Unlike cars and trucks, which have safety features like seatbelts, airbags, and a reinforced passenger compartment, bikes provide comparatively little protection in the event of a crash. Unprotected riders face a high risk of injury when they are involved in a bicycle accident.

If you were injured or someone you love was killed in a bicycle accident, the bike accident injury attorneys at Muth Law, P.C., can help. With over 40 years of experience representing people in personal injury claims throughout Michigan, our lawyers know what it takes to get results and we have the track record to prove it. We will learn about your circumstances, explain and help you evaluate your options, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Contact Muth Law today to schedule a free, confidential, no-obligation appointment to discuss your situation and how we can help.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Bike Accidents in Michigan?

Automobile-bicycle collisions usually occur because of driver negligence. Every driver has a duty to be aware of their surroundings and to drive in a way that does not endanger others. When drivers are not alert to their surroundings, they needlessly endanger the safety of bike riders and others. Here, we identify some of the most common causes of bike accidents in Michigan.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving occurs when a driver is not fully focused on the road. They may be looking at their phone, adjusting the radio, eating while driving, or otherwise not paying attention. This inattention can cause them to miss important changes in the driving environment, such as overtaking a cyclist or a bike rider entering the roadway.

Drunk Driving / Impaired Driving

Drunk driving or driving while under the influence of drugs puts other people on the road at risk. Drugs and alcohol impair a driver’s judgment and reaction time and make it harder for the driver to react to sudden changes. Impaired driving can involve any substance that limits a person’s ability to make safe decisions and respond to changing road conditions.

Fatigued Driving

Driver fatigue can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. A tired driver may have difficulty focusing and might not be able to process sensory inputs quickly enough to avoid a collision. Vision-related issues caused by fatigue, such as blurred vision or increased light sensitivity, can make it difficult to identify road hazards and avoid collisions with bike riders on the road.

Speeding

Driving too fast for the road conditions reduces the time a driver has to identify and respond to a hazardous condition. Additionally, excessive speed can increase the severity of any injuries suffered in the event of a bicycle accident. To remain safe, drivers must be aware of bicycles and other motorists and adjust their speed as appropriate, sometimes even below the posted speed limit.

Failure to Yield the Right of Way

One of the most common causes of bike accidents is a driver’s failure to yield the right of way. This could occur at a traffic light or stop sign, or any intersection where a bicycle is turning, changing lanes, or entering or exiting the roadway. Bicycle accidents caused by failure to yield commonly occur when the driver is not paying attention or does not see the cyclist.

Failure to Maintain a Safe Passing Distance

According to State of Michigan Bicycle Laws, drivers must maintain a distance of at least three feet when passing a bicycle. Failure to maintain a safe passing distance makes it difficult for riders to avoid hazardous road conditions and is a common cause of bicycle accidents.

What Should You Do After a Bike Accident?

If you were hurt in a Michigan bicycle accident, you must act quickly to protect yourself and your rights.

• Call the police. When the police arrive at the scene of the crash, they can document the accident and ensure you receive appropriate medical attention. Having a police report will help establish driver liability when you submit a claim to the driver’s insurance company.
• Gather as much information as possible. If possible, note the vehicle’s license plate number and request the driver’s name, address, phone number, and insurance information. You should also ask any witnesses for the names and contact information.
• Seek medical treatment. Prompt medical attention is important, even for seemingly minor accidents. Adrenaline the body releases after the crash can mask pain and injuries. Symptoms may not appear until hours or days later.

Contact the Michigan Bicycle Accident Attorneys at Muth Law Today

Muth Law is located in Ann Arbor and represents people who were injured and the families of people who were killed in bicycle accidents throughout Michigan.

Please call us at 734-481-8800 or fill out our form to schedule a free, confidential consultation. We will fight to protect your family as if it were our own.