Bicycle Accidents

In 2014, more than 1,700 bicyclists were involved in motor vehicles crashes. Twenty-one cyclists were killed, and 1,378 were injured, according to the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning. Given the nature of a bicycle-auto accident, the injuries that cyclists sustain are often severe or catastrophic. Our firm has helped numerous bicycle accident victims and their families with their legal needs after serious collisions. Call today to schedule a FREE consultation with a Monroe bicycle accident attorney at Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault.

 

What are Some Common Injuries Cyclists Sustain in Traffic Accidents?

 

Typical types of injuries we see include:

• Fractured or amputated legs and arms.
• Head and brain injuries, which are very common. In fact, roughly half of all bicycle accident victims sustain some type of head injury, according to American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).
• Fractured hands and elbows.
• Fractured clavicles.
• Neck and spinal injuries.
• Eye trauma.
• Strains, sprains and dislocations.
• Road rash and “traumatic tattooing” (very deep road rash with embedded debris).
• Lacerations and contusions.
• Nerve damage and paralysis.
• Facial, dental and jaw injuries.

 

What Damages Can One Recover After a Bicycle Accident in Michigan?

 

Bicycle accidents can cause substantial damages. According to the AAFP, bicycle accident-related injuries cost our nation more than $8 billion annually. A victim may sustain tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages after a serious wreck and will be forced to look for ways to recover their losses. You will have to figure out a way to pay for your medical bills as well as make ends meet if you are unable to return to work for some time or have become disabled. The pressure of the financial strain can truly exacerbate stress and impede healing.

The first option for recovery is to file a claim with your own auto insurance company, using your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. Note: You can recover only up to your policy limits. Many people only carry the minimum required coverage, which in Michigan is $500,000 – although this will only cover your needs for up to three years.

If your injuries were permanently and seriously debilitating or disfiguring, you also have the right to sue any at-fault parties to recover your damages. The same is true if your loved one died in a bicycle accident. You’ll need to be able to show that the other party acted in a way that was somehow negligent or careless and that they caused the accident. This can be a driver of another vehicle, but it also can be other parties that were involved, such as a bicycle manufacturer (defective parts) or a government agency in charge of the roadways (defective road design or maintenance).

If you are eligible to sue, you may be able to recover damages such as:

• Medical bills – both current and future
• All accident-related treatments, medical devices, modifications to your home to accommodate your injuries and travel expenses for medical treatments
• Lost wages and loss of promotion
• Lost future income, reduced earning capacity and lost benefits
• The cost of hiring help around the house
• Emotional damages and pain and suffering
• The effect of your injuries on your relationships and sense of well-being

 

How Can Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault Help my Case?

 

If you or your loved one were involved in a serious bicycle accident, it is highly advisable to have your case reviewed by an experienced injury attorney at our firm.Once we review the preliminary details of your case, we will be able to determine your options for recovering damages and maximizing your settlement. Your initial consultation is free and you are under no obligation to hire our firm if you don’t feel we are a match. When you retain our firm, your Michigan bicycle accident attorney will take the reins and handle stressful and confusing legal matters for you. This allows you to focus on healing and getting your life back on track.

For a bicycle accident attorney in Michigan, call Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault today at 734-430-3012 to schedule a free consultation or contact us online.