Sterling Heights, Michigan, has grown more bike-friendly in recent years, but sharing the road with motor vehicles still carries risks. Sideswipe collisions are one of the most common and dangerous types of bicycle accidents in the area. These incidents happen when a driver veers too close and strikes a cyclist riding alongside them, often without even stopping.
If you were injured in a sideswipe accident while biking, Michigan law may allow you to file a claim against the at-fault driver. However, the legal and insurance processes can be complex. Speaking with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney from Khamo Law can help you understand your rights and take the right steps after the crash to protect your claim.
If you or a loved one was injured in a sideswipe bicycle accident, contact our Sterling Heights bicycle accident lawyers today at (248) 466-0606 to schedule a complimentary consultation.
What Causes Sideswipe Bike Accidents?
Drivers are legally required to share the road with cyclists, but not all of them do. Sideswipe collisions often happen because of simple negligence. Common causes of sideswipe accidents in Sterling Heights include:
- Failing to check blind spots when changing lanes
- Drifting outside the lane
- Passing too closely
- Distracted or impaired driving
- Driving aggressively or speeding
Under Michigan’s Vehicle Code, drivers must allow at least three feet of clearance when passing a bicycle. If a driver fails to follow this law and causes a crash, they can be held financially responsible for the resulting injuries. Additionally, if the vehicle involved in the collision was a commercial vehicle or large truck, consulting a Sterling Heights truck accident lawyer can help determine whether additional violations or liability issues apply.
What Should I Do After a Sideswipe Bicycle Accident in Sterling Heights?
After a sideswipe accident, the steps you take next can protect both your health and your legal rights. If you’re able, try to do the following:
- Call 911: Report the crash so police can file a report. This will be useful later if you file a claim.
- Get medical help: Even if you don’t think you’re badly hurt, get checked out. Some injuries may not appear right away.
- Document the scene: Take photos of your bike, the car, your injuries, and anything else relevant.
- Exchange info: Get the driver’s name, contact details, and insurance information.
- Talk to witnesses: If someone saw the crash, ask for their contact info as well.
- Avoid admitting fault: Do not apologize or say anything that might sound like you’re accepting blame.
Once you’ve received medical care, consider setting up a free consultation with a bicycle accident attorney in Sterling Heights. Our team of attorneys can help you understand your options and begin building a strong case.
How Michigan’s No-Fault Insurance System Applies to Sideswipe Bicycle Accidents
Michigan’s no-fault insurance laws mean that your own insurance policy may provide some benefits even if another driver hits you. If you own a car and have no-fault insurance, your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage can help pay for your medical bills and make up for some of your lost wages, regardless of who was at fault.
However, if your injuries are serious or in other specific circumstances, you may also have the right to file a third-party claim against the driver who hit you. This kind of claim allows you to seek damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and more.
Contact Our Bicycle Accident Lawyers in Sterling Heights for a Free Case Evaluation
Sideswipe bike crashes are not just minor incidents. They can cause severe injuries, including broken bones, head trauma, and spinal cord damage. If someone’s careless driving caused your crash, you deserve accountability.
A Sterling Heights bicycle accident attorney with our team at Khamo Law can help you understand your legal rights and work to maximize the value of your claim. Contact us today for a free consultation today.