Being hit by a car is a traumatic experience, especially when you’re riding a bicycle. If the crash happens while you’re biking on a sidewalk in Michigan, things can get even more confusing. You may be left wondering about your rights, whether you can recover damages, and what steps to take to protect yourself.
Michigan laws treat bicycles differently than other types of vehicles, and those laws can affect how your personal injury claim is handled. Here’s what you need to know if you’ve been struck by a car while cycling on a sidewalk.
Get to Safety and Check for Injuries
Your health comes first. If you are able, move to a safe location away from traffic. Check yourself for injuries. Even if you feel okay at the moment, keep in mind that adrenaline can mask pain. Some injuries, especially internal ones, might not be obvious right away.
Call 911. It’s important to report the accident to local police and request medical assistance, even if you believe the injuries are minor. A formal report can be a key piece of evidence if you later file a claim.
Get Medical Attention Right Away
If paramedics arrive, allow them to examine you. If they recommend going to the hospital, follow their advice. If you don’t get immediate treatment, visit a doctor as soon as possible afterward. Medical documentation is one of the most important parts of any personal injury case.
Delaying treatment could lead the driver’s insurance company to argue that your injuries were not serious or were caused by something other than the crash.
Gather Information at the Scene if Possible
If you are physically able, try to collect important information at the accident scene. This includes:
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The driver’s name, contact details, license plate number, and insurance information
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Names and phone numbers of any witnesses
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Photos of your bicycle, the vehicle, the surrounding area, and any visible injuries
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A copy of the police report once it’s available
If you’re too injured to gather this information yourself, ask someone nearby to help, or request that an officer collect the details on your behalf.
Understand Michigan’s Laws on Sidewalk Cycling
In Michigan, local ordinances govern whether cyclists can ride on sidewalks. Some cities allow it, while others do not. However, even if sidewalk cycling is prohibited in your area, that does not automatically make you responsible for a crash.
Drivers still have a duty to watch for pedestrians and cyclists when pulling out of driveways, turning into roads, or crossing sidewalks. If the driver failed to yield or wasn’t paying attention, they may still be considered at fault—even if you were riding where you shouldn’t have been.
This is one reason why the police report and witness statements can be so important in establishing liability.
File a No-Fault Insurance Claim First
Michigan is a no-fault insurance state. This means your first step after a crash is to file a claim with your own auto insurance provider—if you have one. This claim can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other basic costs.
If you don’t have car insurance, you may still qualify for no-fault benefits through the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan (MACP). This program helps uninsured cyclists and pedestrians get coverage after an accident.
No-fault insurance typically does not cover pain and suffering, which brings us to the next step.
Explore Your Right to File a Lawsuit for Additional Damages
If your injuries are serious, Michigan law allows you to pursue a claim against the driver’s insurance for non-economic damages like pain and suffering or loss of quality of life.
To file a lawsuit, your injuries must meet the state’s “threshold” for severity. This usually means you must have:
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A serious impairment of body function
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Permanent serious disfigurement
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Or death (in fatal accident cases, family members may file a wrongful death claim)
You must also be able to show that the driver was at least partially responsible for the accident. Michigan follows a comparative fault rule, which means you can still recover damages if you were partly at fault—as long as your share of the blame is not greater than the driver’s. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Be Cautious When Dealing With Insurance Companies
After the crash, the driver’s insurance company may contact you for a statement. Be careful about what you say. Insurance adjusters are trained to find reasons to limit or deny claims.
You do not have to provide a recorded statement or accept a quick settlement. It’s often better to speak with a personal injury attorney before having any detailed conversations with insurance representatives.
Track All Expenses Related to the Accident
Keep records of every cost related to the accident. This includes:
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Hospital bills
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Follow-up doctor visits
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Physical therapy or rehab
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Prescription medications
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Bike repairs or replacement
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Time missed from work
The more documentation you have, the stronger your case will be. If you don’t keep receipts or records, you might not be able to recover those costs later.
Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer With Local Experience
Every injury case is different, and sidewalk cycling cases can involve extra legal challenges. An attorney who understands Michigan’s personal injury laws—and how local ordinances affect bike crashes—can help you build a stronger case.
Your lawyer can also:
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Investigate the accident
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Handle insurance negotiations
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Evaluate the value of your claim
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Represent you in court if needed
Working with a lawyer allows you to focus on recovery while someone else handles the legal work.
Act Quickly to Protect Your Rights
Michigan has a time limit for filing personal injury lawsuits. In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to take legal action. If you miss this deadline, you could lose your right to seek compensation entirely.
There are shorter deadlines for no-fault insurance claims, so it’s best to get started right away—even if you’re unsure about filing a lawsuit.
Conclusion
Being hit by a car while riding a bike is frightening, especially if it happens on a sidewalk where you thought you were safer. The good news is that Michigan law still gives you a path to recover damages. Knowing your rights and following the right steps can make a big difference.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a bike accident, consider speaking with a personal injury lawyer who knows how to handle these types of cases in Michigan. A legal professional can help you understand your options and fight for the compensation you deserve.
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