Bicyclists have the right to be on Michigan roads, just like cars and trucks. A bicycle accident between a bike rider and motor vehicle, however, is not uncommon. Motorists do not always share the road, and not all cyclists observe the law. This disregard for Michigan legalities can lead to treacherous highways and far too many crashes, often fatal.

In honor of National Bike Month, here are some things you need to know if you’re involved in a bicycle accident with a motor vehicle:

1. You can sue the driver of the car.

When the driver of a vehicle causes you to have a bike accident but denies responsibility or even leaves the scene of the accident, you are likely to have a difficult time securing compensation from their insurance company. This occurrence, however, does not mean that you can’t pursue a personal injury lawsuit. The driver was negligent, and your Michigan bike attorney will deal with insurance companies on your behalf and guide you in any lawsuit you may choose to file.

2. You can sue even if you were partially to blame for the accident.

It is still possible to receive compensation from the driver even if your behavior on the road makes you both at-fault drivers. The motorist may try to blame you as the cyclist for the accident, saying you were riding too fast, were too close to their car, were not following the rules of the road, or otherwise. Whether any of this blame is true, it is worth talking with your Michigan bike attorney to determine if it makes sense to pursue a claim.

3. You can sue even if you got a ticket.

If you were ticketed at the scene of your bicycle-car accident, you may feel like you’re completely out of luck when it comes to having any legal recourse. The reasons for the citation may be questionable, however, and they may create a legal argument. You may not feel like the ticketing officer didn’t hear you out, or was otherwise unfair. An experienced personal injury attorney will guide you when it comes to filing suit or not.

Michigan Bike Riders and Motorists Must Share the Road

Some of the most common bike-car accidents occur when a motorist cuts the cyclist off by turning, turns into the cyclist, collides with a bicyclist in a crosswalk, or opens their car door in front of a cyclist. It is every driver’s and rider’s responsibility to follow the rules of the road in Michigan, but when negligence, distraction, intoxication, or road rage leads to a bicycle accident, a personal injury lawsuit must be considered. You deserve compensation for any injuries or life-altering conditions that were caused by the accident.

Get legal support and guidance from an experienced Michigan bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible if you have been injured in a Michigan bike accident. Contact David C. Femminineo, personal injury lawyer in Macomb County to schedule your consultation.