If you’ve suffered serious injuries in a bicycle-auto accident in Grand Rapids, you might be dealing with overwhelming medical bills and unsure of what to do if your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits fall short. An experienced Grand Rapids bicycle accident lawyer can help.
Our personal injury law firm has spent decades helping injured cyclists secure the compensation they deserve.
How Does Michigan’s No-Fault Law for Motor Vehicles Impact Bicycle Riders?
Michigan is a no-fault state for motor vehicle accidents, but bicycles are not considered motor vehicles under no-fault law. This means injured cyclists are only eligible for benefits if their severe injury comes from a motor vehicle-involved accident. Uninsured motorist coverage is optional.
No-fault insurance won’t cover accidents caused by losing control of the bike, hitting another cyclist, or road hazards.
Will I Get PIP Coverage If a Car Hits Me on My Bicycle?
If a rider is injured in an accident with a motor vehicle, they can seek no-fault benefits from their own auto insurance policy. A cyclist is eligible to seek benefits from the insurance company in the following priority: first, their own PIP coverage; next, no-fault benefits from their spouse’s auto insurance. If neither of those exist, they can seek compensation from the policy of a family member in the same household. And finally, if there is no PIP coverage from any of those sources, an injured cyclist can seek compensation from the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan.
Do I Need a Lawyer in Michigan’s No-Fault System?
Bicycle accidents can result in serious, catastrophic injuries. In a no-fault insurance system like Michigan’s, if your injuries are severe, you may be able to pursue compensation beyond your own PIP insurance coverage and no-fault benefits.
A Michigan bicycle accident lawyer can guide you in determining whether you have a valid bicycle accident claim and which insurance companies’ policies may come into play.
Serious Injuries in Grand Rapids Bicycle Accident Cases
According to MCL – Section 257.58c, certain bicycle accident injuries that cause a serious impairment of a body function may allow you to recover compensation beyond your no-fault insurance benefits. These may include:
- Loss of (or loss of use of) limbs—hands, feet, fingers, or thumbs
- Vision or hearing loss, as well as impairments to bodily functions
- Conditions like comas that last more than 3 days or measurable brain or mental impairments
- Serious physical trauma—including visible disfigurement, head injuries like skull fractures, traumatic brain injuries, and substantial bone fractures
- Loss of organs or internal injuries—subdural hemorrhages or hematomas
Compensation for Seriously Injured Bicycle Crash Victims
In a bicycle accident case resulting in serious impairment of a body function, victims may be entitled to seek compensation beyond no-fault insurance coverage from an at-fault driver. This can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering compensation, and other damages. Accidents leading to fatal injuries are covered with Michigan’s required bodily injury liability coverage.
Common Causes of Bicycle Crashes in Grand Rapids
Cyclists involved in accidents often face severe, life-altering injuries due to negligent drivers who:
- Are on the phone or texting while driving (distracted driving)
- Fail to yield to cyclists at intersections
- Open car doors unexpectedly into bike lanes (known as “dooring”)
- Drive recklessly or exceed speed limits
How Long Do I Have to File a Bike Accident Case in Grand Rapids?
Under Michigan law, you have up to three years from the date of a bicycle accident to file a personal injury claim. It’s important to consult an experienced bicycle accident lawyer quickly to avoid missing deadlines.
How Long Will It Take to Receive My Settlement?
The time to resolve a personal injury case for cyclists in Grand Rapids varies. Some claims are settled in weeks or months, while others take longer, especially if they go to court with a third party claim.
Factors affecting your case timeline include:
- The severity of your injuries and recovery time
- Negotiations with insurance companies
- Whether your bike crash case settles or goes to trial
Our legal team understands you want fair compensation quickly. Your experienced personal injury attorney will work efficiently to get the best outcome for you.
Contact Our Michigan Bicycle Accident Attorneys Today
The Grand Rapids bike accident attorneys at our personal injury law firm provide free consultations for bicycle accident victims, connecting them with a lawyer to discuss their case, explore options, and address any questions about Michigan’s bike law. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay any legal fees unless we win your case.
(312) 223-1700