Bicycle Accident Lawyer Ann Arbor MI

Residents and students in the City of Ann Arbor frequently use bicycles and electric scooters for convenient and economical transportation. In 2010, Ann Arbor was named the 14th most bike-friendly city in America. The City of Ann Arbor recently invested more than $700,000.00 toward improving bicycle safety in dangerous intersections in the city.

The Ann Arbor City Council's goal is to decrease the number of fatal and serious traffic-related car crashes involving bicycles.

However, when careless drivers threaten your safety as a responsible cyclist, tragedy can strike at any moment. Even with the abundance of designated bike lanes and strict cycling laws, you are at risk when you are on the streets with drivers who are distracted.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Despite increased safety efforts and added new bicycle lanes and safety devices, 2021 was one of the deadliest years in recent history for everyone on the road, including both pedestrians and cyclists in Ann Arbor. Common examples of motorist negligence include:

• Distracted driving because of cell phone use including texting
• Making an unsafe or illegal turn
• Not obeying traffic signals
• Opening a vehicle door while a bicycle passes
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Although a bicycle rider may share fault by not obeying traffic signals or by engaging in unsafe behavior, frequently the car driver is solely at fault.

Injuries Associated with Bike Accidents

When a 3,000-pound car strikes a bicycle, the bike rider is at an obvious risk to suffer serious injuries. Even with a helmet and safety gear, you could be at risk for such injuries as:

• Brain injury
• Skull fracture
• Broken bones
• Spinal cord injury
• Herniated disc
• Severe bruising
• Abrasions and cuts
• Internal injuries

What Are Ann Arbor Bike Laws

Bicyclists must comply with the traffic laws. There are numerous bike lanes around the city, which a Department of Transportation (DOT) study shows have reduced serious accidents. The law provides you should ride in usable bike lanes, though it allows some exceptions.

You have the right to move out of bike lanes when you prepare to turn or to avoid unsafe conditions, such as:

• Fixed or moving objects
• Motor vehicles
• Other bicycles
• Pedestrians
• Pushcarts
• Animals
• Dangerous surfaces

However, abruptly moving out of an unsafe lane and into traffic can put you at great risk and even expose you to liability for a crash. It is critically important to know the rules of the road.

Responsibilities of Cyclists Sharing Ann Arbor Roads & Safety Tips

Just as motorists have certain responsibilities to act reasonably and avoid engaging in conduct that could cause injury or harm to others, including cyclists, people who ride bikes on roadways also have a responsibility to others.

Some of these responsibilities include:

• Cyclists approaching intersections must observe the rules of the road
• When making right turns, cyclists must use the closest lane to the curb
• Yield to pedestrians. If you must ride on sidewalks, announce your presence to pedestrians.
• Ride with traffic.
• Always wear a helmet.
• Before making a left turn, cyclists must merge to the center of the road.
• Ride at least 3 feet away from parked cars to avoid a crash if a car door opens in front of you.
• Yield to pedestrians on the sidewalk – they have the right-of-way. Cyclists are often safer on the road than on the sidewalk because they are more visible to drivers; however, if you choose to ride in the pedestrian space, ride slowly, walk your bike on crowded sidewalks, and announce your presence with a proper audible warning, bell, horn, etc.
• Be visible. Wear bright clothes and use reflectors/reflective tape on your bike or clothing. The City of Ann Arbor requires all cyclists to use headlights and rear reflectors after sunset.
• Never hitch on cars. A sudden stop or turn could send you flying into the path of another vehicle.

Failure to obey the law can make a bicycle operator partly liable for an accident. When a collision occurs, liability may be shared between the parties involved. Under the state's comparative negligence laws, you can still file a personal injury claim and recover damages if you were partially at fault for an accident.

However, your total recovery award will be reduced by the same percentage of fault you are found to have in the crash. For example, if a court decides that you were 25% to blame, you would only be able to recover up to 75% of the total amount you could have otherwise received. If you are more than 50% at fault, you will be barred from recovering non-economic damages.

Can You Sue in a Michigan Bike Accident?

Recoveries do include compensation for non-economic damages like pain and suffering. However, your injuries must meet the Michigan Insurance Law threshold for a serious injury before you are permitted to sue for such damages. You may recover economic damages in some circumstances. In that case, you would be wise to seek professional legal help to manage the complicated legal issues.

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Our attorneys have been fighting for the rights of victims throughout the State of Michigan. We offer experience and an in-depth knowledge of the law, along with significant resources, to every case. This allows us to develop personalized legal strategies and advocate for maximum recovery for each individual client.

If you or a family member is injured in a personal injury accident, you should contact the Logeman, Iafrate & Logeman, PC law firm for a free consultation.

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For decades, Logeman & Iafrate has represented injured clients across Michigan with unwavering commitment. We take cases others won't, and we win cases others can't. Our founders built this firm on a simple principle: injured people deserve fierce advocacy and real results.

This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney at Logeman & Iafrate, P.C. for advice regarding your individual situation.