Bicycle Accidents

Michigan Bicycle Accident Claims

Cycling is a growing mode of transportation across Michigan — from Detroit's Dequindre Cut and the Iron Belle Trail to campus routes in Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids' bike lane network. But Michigan roads remain dangerous for cyclists, and when a collision happens between a 4,000-pound vehicle and a rider with no protection beyond a helmet, the injuries are almost always severe. Koussan Law represents bicycle accident victims across Michigan and brings the same intensity that produced a $14,950,000 jury verdict to every cycling injury case.

Michigan No-Fault Coverage for Cyclists

When a cyclist is struck by a motor vehicle in Michigan, the no-fault system kicks in — but the coverage rules are different than for vehicle occupants. Under MCL § 500.3115, a cyclist hit by a car is entitled to PIP benefits through the motor vehicle's insurer if the cyclist does not have their own auto insurance policy. If the cyclist does carry auto insurance, their own policy covers PIP benefits under the priority rules of MCL § 500.3114. PIP benefits under MCL § 500.3107 cover allowable medical expenses, wage loss benefits (up to three years post-accident), and household services replacement. The coverage tier — $50,000, $250,000, $500,000, or unlimited — depends on which policy applies and what level was selected under the 2019 no-fault reform enacted through MCL § 500.3107c.

Third-Party Negligence Claims Against Drivers

Beyond PIP, cyclists can pursue third-party pain-and-suffering claims against at-fault drivers. Michigan's auto threshold under MCL § 500.3135 requires proof that the cyclist suffered a "serious impairment of body function" or "permanent serious disfigurement" — a standard that most bicycle-versus-vehicle collisions meet given the severity of injuries involved. Michigan's modified comparative fault rule under MCL § 600.2959 reduces damages by the cyclist's percentage of fault but does not bar recovery unless fault exceeds 50%. Drivers who door cyclists, fail to yield at intersections, pass too closely (Michigan law requires at least three feet of clearance), or turn across bike lanes are among the most common defendants.

Road Defect and Government Liability

Potholes, cracked pavement, uneven road surfaces, missing storm drain covers, and debris in bike lanes cause a significant percentage of Michigan cycling accidents. When a road defect on a public road causes a bicycle crash, the governmental entity responsible for maintaining that road can be held liable under the highway exception to governmental immunity, MCL § 691.1402. Detroit's roads are particularly hazardous for cyclists, and claims against the City of Detroit, Wayne County Road Commission, and MDOT are common. The critical deadline is the 120-day written notice requirement under MCL § 691.1404 — miss it and the government claim is gone regardless of how dangerous the road was.

Dooring Accidents and Intersection Collisions

"Dooring" — when a parked driver opens their door into the path of an oncoming cyclist — is one of the most common and preventable bicycle accidents. Under MCL § 257.625a and general negligence principles, the person opening the door bears responsibility for checking for approaching traffic. Intersection collisions, where drivers turn left across a cyclist's path or run red lights, are equally devastating. We subpoena intersection camera footage, pull cell phone records to establish distracted driving, and work with accident reconstruction experts to prove fault in contested cases.

Statute of Limitations

The standard three-year statute of limitations under MCL § 600.5805(2) applies to bicycle accident claims, but the one-year-back rule for PIP benefits under MCL § 500.3145 means you must file for PIP within one year of each expense being incurred — not one year from the accident date. And government road-defect claims require that 120-day notice. These overlapping deadlines make early legal consultation critical.

If you were injured in a bicycle accident in Michigan, call Koussan Law at (313) 800-0000 for a free consultation. You can also use our free case calculator to estimate what your cycling injury claim may be worth.