Cycling may be one of the most enjoyable and beneficial activities a person can pursue. Riding through the countryside or city streets is an incredibly fun form of exercise, a great way to save money on fuel and other vehicle costs, and does wonders for our environment. It's no surprise we see so many out on the roads!
Unfortunately, cycling can also be dangerous, particularly when riding near motor vehicles. Bicycles are much smaller than passenger vehicles and generally slower, too. This can make them hard to see by drivers and, therefore, at risk of being hit. These accidents can have devastating consequences for cyclists.
The skilled Flint bicycle accident lawyers at Christopher Trainor & Associates have years of experience in personal injury, including all sorts of accident cases, and we are here to help if you suddenly find yourself trying to heal from a bicycle accident. We offer free consultations, so don’t hesitate to call.
Bicycle Accident Statistics
According to Michigan Traffic Crash Facts, there were 1,351 bicycle accidents involving a motor vehicle in the year 2022. There were more than 1,000 bicyclists injured and 36 killed. 35 of those fatalities were men. Three of these fatal accidents included children.
Half of bicycle accidents occurred while the bicyclists were simply moving forward, with no deviation from their set path. These statistics can be alarming to see. Knowing that you could just be out of a leisurely ride and end up injured involved in a bicycle crash involving a much larger and faster mode of transportation due to no fault of your own means that all bicyclists must ride while taking ample safety measures and caution.
What to do Following a Bicycle Accident
If you've just experienced a bicycle accident involving a car or other motor vehicle in Flint, you may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. The steps taken following a bicycle accident are extremely important to protect your rights and safety:
If you are able to do so safely, contact the police immediately so that they can investigate the scene and generate a report.
Take pictures and videos of the accident scene and any visible injuries. This could prove very helpful should you need to file a personal injury claim.
Obtain the name, address, driver's license number, and license plate information of any parties involved. Also, note the make and model of the car.
Gather contact information from any witnesses to the accident.
While this is listed as step five, you should always seek medical treatment immediately for any injuries you sustained during the accident. Even if your injuries are minor, or if you believe you aren't injured at all, it is a good idea to get checked out anyway. Adrenaline often masks serious injuries, especially internal ones. And having documentation from a doctor or hospital will help your claim later.
Do not give a statement to any involved party's insurance company. If you say anything that can be misconstrued as you being at fault, they will use your statement against you. Always talk to a bicycle accident lawyer before giving a statement or signing anything.
Contact one of the Flint personal injury lawyers at Christopher Trainor & Associates as soon as possible. We will handle your legal battle for compensation from beginning to end so you can focus on healing.
Flint Michigan Bicycle Law
Bicyclists in the state of Michigan must adhere to the same laws required of motor vehicles while out on the road. They must comply with any posted speed limits, traffic signs, or traffic lights. They also have the same duty of care to follow safe driving practices to ensure everyone gets to their intended destination.
While it is generally discouraged, bicyclists are allowed to ride on sidewalks as long as they yield the right of way to any pedestrians and give audible signals before passing a pedestrian. Some municipalities restrict the use of bicycles on sidewalks, so it is a good idea to check local laws to better understand what is allowed.
Flint does not currently have a law requiring helmets, but a properly fitting helmet is the single most effective way to reduce head injuries and death in bike accidents.
Following these laws and regulations will help you and your bicycle accident lawyer during the claims process, especially if your case needs to be escalated to court. Contact Christopher Trainor & Associates to learn more.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents can occur due to various factors, including:
Motorist Errors: Collisions with cars are a significant cause of bicycle accidents. This includes drivers not seeing cyclists, failing to yield, making sudden turns or lane changes without checking for cyclists, or opening car doors into the path of cyclists (known as "dooring").
Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, uneven pavement, debris, and slippery surfaces can lead to accidents, especially if cyclists lose control or are forced into the path of vehicles.
Unsafe Infrastructure: Lack of designated bike lanes, poorly designed intersections, inadequate signage, and lack of cycling infrastructure can increase the risk of accidents.
Cyclist Errors: Cyclists may contribute to accidents by disobeying traffic laws, riding against traffic, not using hand signals, or riding while distracted or impaired.
Visibility Issues: Low visibility due to weather conditions (such as fog, rain, or darkness) or inadequate lighting on roads increases the risk of accidents, as motorists and cyclists may have difficulty seeing each other.
Door Zone Collisions: Cyclists riding too close to parked cars are at risk of colliding with car doors as they are opened, especially in urban areas.
Distracted Driving and Riding: Both drivers and cyclists can cause accidents by using electronic devices, such as smartphones, while on the road, which distracts them from their surroundings and reduces their ability to react to potential hazards.
Speeding: Excessive speed, whether by motorists or cyclists, reduces reaction time and increases the severity of collisions.
Alcohol and Drug Use: Driving or riding a bike while under the influence of drugs and alcohol has many risks, increasing the likelihood of an easily avoidable accident.
Inexperience: Inexperienced cyclists or drivers alike may lack the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate traffic safely, increasing their likelihood of being involved in accidents.
Mechanical Failures: Equipment malfunctions, such as brake failure or tire blowouts, can lead to loss of control and accidents.
Aggressive Driving or Riding: Aggressive behavior, such as tailgating, cutting off other vehicles, or weaving in and out of traffic, can escalate the risk of accidents for all road users.
Preventing bicycle accidents involves a combination of education, enforcement of traffic laws, improving infrastructure, promoting mutual respect and awareness among road users, and adopting safe riding practices. Unfortunately, negligence continues to cause accidents, and if you’ve been hit by a car while riding your bike, you need Christopher Trainor & Associates on your side. You can call us right now to schedule your free consultation.
Types of Bicycle Accidents
There are many different ways a bicycle can get involved in an accident with a motor vehicle, but there are some types of accidents that are most commonly seen in Flint. They are as follows:
T-Bone Crashes: This happens frequently at intersections when a vehicle attempts to turn or when traffic signs and signals are ignored and one party strikes the side of a vehicle head-on.
Dooring: A cyclist collides with a car door that is opened suddenly without checking for oncoming cyclists. This usually happens when cyclists are riding too close to parked cars.
Rear-end Collisions: A vehicle crashes into the back of a cyclist, often due to the driver's inattention or misjudgment of distance.
Side Swipe: A vehicle passes too closely to a cyclist, causing a collision or forcing the cyclist off the road.
Intersection Collisions: Accidents occurring at intersections can involve vehicles turning into the path of cyclists, running red lights or stop signs, or failing to yield the right of way.
Crossing Collisions: Accidents involving cyclists crossing streets or intersections can occur due to misjudgment of traffic flow, failure to yield, or sudden movements by either cyclists or drivers.
Railroad Track Accidents: Cyclists may get their tires caught in railroad tracks, leading to falls or collisions, especially if the tracks are wet or if the cyclist approaches them at an unsafe angle.
Common Injuries
Common bicycle accident injuries range from minor cuts and bruises to severe, life-threatening conditions and death. Some of the most frequent injuries seen in Flint bicycle accident claims include:
Road Rash: This happens when a bicyclist slides along asphalt, gravel, or dirt alongside the road, causing cuts and lacerations along the body. These injuries can vary in severity depending on the speed of the accident and whether protective clothing was worn.
Fractures: Broken bones are common in bicycle accidents, particularly in the wrists, arms, collarbones, and legs. Fractures may range from minor hairline fractures to more severe compound fractures.
Head Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), including concussions, brain injuries, and skull fractures, are a significant concern in bicycle accidents, especially if the cyclist did not wear a helmet. While some are relatively minor, these injuries can be very serious and may result in long-term cognitive impairment or even death.
Facial Injuries: Cyclists may suffer facial trauma, including cuts, bruises, fractures, and dental injuries, particularly if they are thrown from their bikes and impact the ground or another object.
Spinal Injuries: Accidents can cause spinal cord injuries, ranging from minor strains to severe fractures or damage to the spinal cord itself. These injuries can lead to paralysis or permanent disability.
Soft Tissue Injuries: Damage to muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues can result in strains, sprains, and tears. These injuries can cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma from a bicycle accident can cause internal injuries to organs such as the lungs, liver, spleen, or kidneys. Internal bleeding and organ damage may not be immediately apparent and require prompt medical attention.
Nerve Damage: Trauma from a bicycle accident can damage nerves, leading to numbness, weakness, or loss of function in affected areas of the body.
Psychological Trauma: Bicycle accidents can also cause emotional distress, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health issues, especially if the accident is severe or results in the loss of a loved one.
Crush Injuries: These might happen if a bicyclist is trapped beneath a vehicle and can lead to severe tissue damage, fractures, and internal injuries.
If you or a loved one was injured in a bicycle crash in Flint, you deserve justice for the damage done. Contact Christopher Trainor & Associates to discuss your options for seeking compensation.
Establishing Liability in a Flint Bicycle Accident
Many factors go into determining who is liable for damages in a bicycle accident, especially if the crash involved another party or motor vehicle. Determining who is at fault depends on the specific circumstances surrounding the accident, what laws are in place, and what evidence is available. Some parties that may be found liable for a bicycle accident include:
The Vehicle Owner or Driver: If the driver of a motor vehicle was operating negligently or recklessly, they may be held liable for any injuries or damages caused by the accident.
The Cyclist (or other cyclists): In cases where a cyclist violated traffic laws or engaged in dangerous behaviors, the cyclist may share liability for the accident (see comparative negligence below).
Government Entities: If the accident occurred due to poorly maintained roads or in public areas, the government agency responsible for ensuring the maintenance and safety of travelers may be held liable.
Employers: If the driver that caused the accident was operating a vehicle used for their employment (for example, a truck used for deliveries) then the employer may be held responsible for the accident.
Pedestrians: Generally pedestrians have the right-of-way, but there are times when pedestrians cause accidents due to jaywalking, stepping into the path of a cyclist without looking, or otherwise acting negligently. In these cases, you may be able to hold the pedestrian accountable for their actions.
Manufacturers: If a bicycle or motor vehicle has a defective part that contributed to the accident, they may be held liable for damages.
Determining liability often requires a thorough investigation, including gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and assessing the actions of all parties involved. In some cases, liability may be shared among multiple parties, depending on their respective contributions to the accident. Consulting with a legal professional experienced in personal injury law can help individuals understand their rights and options for seeking compensation after a bicycle accident in Flint.
Comparative Negligence
There are times when an insurance company or jury may find a bicyclist partially at fault for the accident. However, Michigan recognizes comparative negligence, which means that your compensation will only be reduced to reflect your percentage of liability. For example, if you are rewarded $100,000 but are found to be 20% responsible for the accident, you may receive 20% less, which would be $80,000 in damages.
Michigan Statue of Limitations
The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in the state of Michigan, including claims involving a bicycle accident, is three years from the time of the crash. This time may be extended if your claim involves a minor.
Since these claims often take months to resolve, it is advised to speak with a Flint bicycle accident lawyer as soon as you can so that this matter can be resolved quickly and you can focus on recovery.
Compensation
If you were injured in a bicycle accident in Flint, Michigan, you may be entitled to compensation for the damages. This comes in the form of monetary retribution and may cover things like:
Lost wages: Recovering from severe injuries may keep you from working. It is possible to receive compensation for wages that were lost during this time.
Medical bills: Medical bills can quickly grow to thousands of dollars. You may be compensated for any emergency room, hospital, doctor visits, or other medical expenses.
Loss of enjoyment of life: If your quality of life is greatly affected due to your injuries, you could be compensated.
Pain and suffering: This, like loss of enjoyment of life, are considered non-economic damages and are sometimes more difficult to prove, as there is no bill or receipt received for the pain you experience. If you pursue this category of damages, you will need the help of one of our bicycle accident attorneys.
Decreased earning capacity: Sometimes injuries are so severe that a victim is unable to return to work, or it decreases their ability to "climb the corporate ladder." It's possible to be compensated for increased wages you would have been otherwise capable of earning.
Scars and disfigurement: This is another difficult injury to prove, but it isn't unheard of. You will have to prove that the scars or disfigurement affects your everyday life or impacts your mental health in a tangible way.
To learn more about what compensation you are entitled to, contact Christopher Trainor & Associates today for a free consultation.
How Hiring an Experienced Flint Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
Following Flint bicycle accidents, a personal injury lawyer can help injury victims in many ways. We will:
Provide legal guidance and help you understand your legal rights: Most people don't have a deep understanding of laws and rights, and that's okay! It's why lawyers spend years studying them. We can help you seek the justice you deserve for things you may not have even known existed.
Investigate the accident: If you're recovering from a serious injury, you won't be able to investigate the accident thoroughly. This leaves you vulnerable to those who might take advantage and attempt to shirk responsibility. We help ensure this doesn't happen.
Collect evidence on your behalf: This includes gathering any necessary evidence, including speaking with eyewitnesses and other victims, and collecting any documentation you may need for your case.
Negotiate with the insurance companies: If your accident involved a negligent motorist, you will have to deal with the driver's insurance company. This is never a fun task, as it is their job to watch their bottom line. They are notorious for offering ridiculously low payouts to victims, or attempting to shift the blame off their own clients. An attorney can ensure you aren't being taken advantage of.
Provide legal representation in case your claim must be escalated to court: Most accident claims are settled out of court, but in some cases, they must be escalated if a fair settlement cannot be reached. Christopher Trainor & Associates will be right by your side to represent you if this happens.
Maximize compensation for your injuries: It has been shown that claims that utilize a personal injury lawyer receive more compensation, even after court and lawyer fees.
Advocate for your rights: We will not stand down and allow your rights to be diminished or disregarded altogether. We are here to fight for you.
A bike accident attorney from Christopher Trainor & Associates can play a crucial role in helping you through the complicated legal process after your accident. We will work to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
Contact us Today
If you or someone you love has been injured in a Flint, Michigan bicycle accident, you and your family members may be wondering what you need to do next. Our skilled attorneys will be with you every step of the way as you navigate the aftermath of your crash. We know our way around personal injury cases and are here to help you receive justice for your injuries and will fight for maximum compensation. Call 248-886-8650 to contact our Michigan personal injury attorneys for a free consultation.
Areas We Serve
Christopher Trainor & Associates serves many cities in southern lower Michigan, including all of the following:
