A collision between a bicycle and a motor vehicle can cause life-altering injuries and confusion in the moments that follow. Knowing what to do after a car bike accident can protect your health, your rights, and your ability to recover damages.
In Michigan, cyclists and drivers both have legal duties. Your actions after a crash can affect the outcome of your insurance and injury claim.
If you were injured in a bicycle auto crash, it’s important to know what steps to take, how Michigan’s No-Fault system applies, and how an attorney can help you seek fair compensation while you focus on healing.
Ensure Immediate Safety and Call for Help
Your first priority after any crash is safety. Move yourself and your bike out of traffic if you can do so without making your injuries worse. Call 911 right away to report the collision and request medical and police help. Even if you feel fine, you may still have injuries you cannot see.
Emergency responders will create an official crash report. This report is important for insurance and fault decisions. Give accurate information, but do not guess about the cause of the crash or who was at fault.
Seek Prompt Medical Evaluation
Many bicycle-auto crashes cause head, neck, or joint injuries that may not appear right away. Always get checked by a doctor, even if you feel okay at the scene. Early treatment helps your recovery and supports your claim by showing your injuries came from the crash.
Keep records of all medical visits, diagnoses, imaging, and prescriptions. Follow all treatment instructions. Missing appointments can give insurers a reason to claim your injuries are minor or unrelated.
Document Everything
After you are safe and have medical care, gather as much information as possible. Strong documentation supports your claim.Here’s what you need to do:
- Take photos or videos of the scene, vehicle positions, skid marks, traffic lights, and weather conditions.
- Photograph your injuries and damaged bike or gear.
- Ask for the driver’s license, registration, and insurance information.
- Collect contact information from any witnesses.
- Request the responding officer’s name and badge number for future reference.
Accurate documentation can later help prove negligence and defend against disputes about how the collision occurred.
Preserve Your Bicycle and Gear as Evidence
Do not repair or throw away your bicycle or damaged gear until an attorney or insurance adjuster inspects them. These items show the force of impact and may be reviewed by crash experts.
Keep receipts for your bicycle, helmet, clothing, and accessories to support property damage claims.
Report the Crash to Your Insurance Company
Tell your insurance company about the crash as soon as possible, even if you were not at fault. Most policies require quick notice. Give basic facts, but do not give recorded statements or sign anything before speaking with a lawyer. Insurers often try to reduce payouts.
If you do not have car insurance, your attorney can help you file a claim through Michigan’s Assigned Claims Plan or another available insurer.
Avoid Common Mistakes After a Bicycle-Auto Crash
It’s important to avoid these common pitfalls after a bicycle-auto crash:
- Do not negotiate directly with the driver or their insurer without legal advice.
- Do not post about the crash or your injuries on social media. Those posts can be used against you.
- Do not delay medical treatment as gaps in care can undermine your claim.
- Do not admit fault or guess what happened. Even small statements can be taken out of context.
Protecting your rights starts with being careful about what you say and do from day one.
Understanding Pain-and-Suffering Claims
While No-Fault insurance covers medical and wage losses, compensation for pain and suffering requires proof that the driver was at fault and that the cyclist suffered a “serious impairment of body function” as defined by Michigan law (MCL 257.58c).
Examples include fractures, surgeries, head injuries, spinal injuries, or lasting limits on movement or daily activity. These damages compensate you for physical pain, emotional distress, and changes to your normal life.
If you can prove the driver was negligent, you may file a separate claim for these additional damages. An experienced attorney can help with this process.
The Importance of Legal Representation
After a serious bicycle-auto crash, you may face pressure from insurers and growing medical bills while trying to recover. An attorney can reduce this stress and protect your financial future.
A seasoned lawyer will:
- Investigate the crash and gather evidence, including camera footage and witness statements
- Find all possible insurance coverage
- Calculate the full value of your losses
- Handle all communication with insurers
- File a lawsuit if needed to pursue fair compensation
What Damages Can Be Recovered?
Cyclists injured in an auto collision may recover:
- Medical expenses – Hospital bills, surgery, rehabilitation, medications.
- Lost wages and earning capacity – Compensation for time off work or reduced future income.
- Replacement services – For help with household chores or childcare during recovery.
- Pain and suffering – Compensation for emotional and physical distress.
- Property damage – Repair or replacement of the bicycle and gear.
If the crash causes long-term disability or permanent impairment, the compensation can be significant.
Steps to Take Right Now
If you were hurt in a bicycle-auto crash, take the following steps:
- Get medical care and follow all instructions
- Request a copy of the police crash report
- Save all bills, receipts, and letters
- Contact an attorney before speaking with any insurer
- Focus on healing while your legal team manages your claim
A knowledgeable attorney familiar with Michigan’s bicycle laws will preserve evidence, meet deadlines, and hold insurers accountable.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?
Michigan generally allows three years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit, but some No-Fault benefits claims must be filed within one year. Missing these deadlines can bar recovery completely.
Consult an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and allow time for investigation.
Hurt in a Bike-Auto Crash? Call an Experienced Auto Lawyer Right Away!
Knowing what to do after a bicycle-auto crash can help you protect your health and financial future. Michigan’s No-Fault system offers strong benefits, but it is complex, and insurers may not offer full compensation.
A dedicated bicycle accident lawyer can guide you through every step, from obtaining medical coverage to pursuing pain-and-suffering damages against a negligent driver. Acting quickly with your bicycle car accident insurance claim helps you get the care, compensation, and justice you deserve.