If you’ve been seriously injured in a bicycle-auto accident in Lansing, you may be facing mounting medical expenses and wondering what to do if your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits aren’t enough. That’s where an experienced Lansing bicycle accident lawyer can make a difference. Our personal injury law firm can help Michigan cyclists get the compensation they need.
Does My No-Fault Policy Cover a Lansing Bicycle Accident?
How Does Michigan’s No-Fault Law for Motor Vehicles Impact Bicycle Riders?
In Michigan, no-fault insurance applies to motor vehicle accidents, but bicycles are not classified as motor vehicles under this law. As a result, bike accident victims can only receive benefits if their severe injuries are caused by an accident involving a motor vehicle. Uninsured motorist coverage is optional.
No-fault insurance does not cover incidents like losing control of the bike, collisions with other cyclists, or serious accidents caused by 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 auto insurance policy. Cyclists can claim benefits first from their own PIP coverage then no-fault insurance benefits from their spouse’s auto insurance.
If neither exists, they can seek compensation from a family member’s policy in the same household. If no PIP coverage is available, an injured cyclist can turn to the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan.
Do I Need a Lawyer in Michigan’s No-Fault System?
Bicycle accidents can cause serious injuries if drivers fail to follow the rules of the road. In Michigan’s no-fault insurance system, you may be able to seek compensation beyond your PIP coverage if your injuries are severe.
A Michigan bicycle accident lawyer can help determine if you have a valid claim and which insurance policies apply.
Serious Injuries in Lansing Bicycle Accident Cases
According to MCL – Section 257.58c, some bicycle accident injuries causing serious body function impairments may qualify you for compensation beyond no-fault insurance. These include:
- Loss or loss of use of limbs (hands, feet, fingers, thumbs)
- Vision or hearing loss (or impaired bodily functions)
- Comas lasting over 3 days or measurable brain/mental impairments
- Serious trauma like visible disfigurement and serious head injuries like skull fractures, brain injuries, or other major bone fractures
- Organ loss or internal injuries like subdural hemorrhages or hematomas
Compensation for Seriously Injured Bicycle Crash Victims
In bicycle accidents causing serious impairment, victims may seek compensation beyond no-fault insurance from an at-fault driver’s insurance company. This includes hospital bills, medical treatment, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Fatal accidents are covered under Michigan’s required bodily injury liability coverage.
Common Causes of Bicycle Crashes in Lansing
Bicycle accidents happen for a variety of reasons, including when vehicle owners:
- Use their phones while driving
- Fail to yield at intersections or don’t follow traffic laws
- Open car doors into bike lanes (dooring)
- Drive recklessly or speed
How Long Do I Have to File a Bike Accident Case in Lansing?
Michigan law allows you up to three years from the date of a bicycle accident to file a personal injury claim.
How Long Will It Take to Receive My Settlement?
The timeline for resolving a Michigan bicyclist personal injury case in Lansing can vary. Some cases are settled in weeks, while others take longer (especially if they go to court).
Factors affecting your timeline include:
- Severity of injuries and recovery time
- Negotiations with insurance companies
- Whether the case settles or goes to trial
Our legal team works to secure fair compensation as quickly as possible while also pursuing the best outcome for you.
Contact Our Michigan Bicycle Accident Attorneys Today
The Lansing bike accident attorneys at our law offices offer free consultations to help victims discuss their bike crash case, explore their legal options, and answer questions about Michigan’s bicycle law. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win.
(312) 223-1700