Michigan Bicycle Accident Law
Protecting Cyclists’ Rights Across Grand Rapids and West Michigan
Bicyclists share Michigan’s roads every day—often surrounded by much larger, faster, and less careful vehicles. When a careless driver causes a crash, the injuries can be devastating. Jonathon Homa represents injured cyclists in cases involving negligent drivers, intersection collisions, hit-and-runs, and PIP priority issues. He assists riders in securing No-Fault benefits and pursuing compensation for pain and suffering consistent with Michigan’s threshold-injury requirements.
Understanding Michigan Bicycle Law
Michigan law gives bicyclists the same rights and responsibilities as motorists on public roadways (MCL 257.657). That means drivers must respect cyclists’ lane position, speed, and safety space just as they would another car. However, because bicycles are smaller and slower, many crashes occur when drivers fail to yield, pass too closely, or turn across a cyclist’s path.
Under MCL 257.636, drivers must leave a minimum of three feet of clearance when passing a bicycle, and cyclists may ride two abreast as long as they do not impede normal traffic flow.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Bicycle crashes frequently cause serious or permanent injuries, including:
Even with a helmet, cyclists are almost completely unprotected in a collision. Many victims face extended rehabilitation, missed work, and lasting pain.
When No-Fault Insurance Applies
If a motor vehicle is involved, Michigan’s No-Fault Insurance Act (MCL 500.3101 et seq.) may provide Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits—covering medical expenses, wage loss, and attendant-care services. Priority for payment generally follows this order:
These claims must be filed within one year of the accident (MCL 500.3145).
If another driver was negligent, the cyclist may also bring a tort claim for non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, or loss of enjoyment of life.
Proving Driver Negligence
To recover outside of No-Fault benefits, the injured cyclist must show that the driver was negligent and that the injuries meet Michigan’s “serious impairment of body function” threshold (MCL 500.3135). Common forms of negligence include:
Police reports, witness statements, dash-cam footage, and scene measurements can all support a successful claim.
Deadlines and Notice Requirements
Most bicycle injury claims in Michigan have a three-year statute of limitations for negligence lawsuits and one year for No-Fault benefit claims. Failing to submit written notice or proof of loss in time can completely bar recovery—making early legal guidance essential.
How JKH Law Can Help
At JKH Law, we investigate bicycle crashes thoroughly—working with accident-reconstruction experts, medical specialists, and insurers to secure full compensation. We handle:
We represent cyclists across Grand Rapids, Kent County, Ottawa County, and the entire West Michigan region.
Contact a Michigan Bicycle Accident Attorney
If you were injured while riding a bicycle in Michigan, you don’t have to face insurers or medical bills alone. Contact JKH Law today for a free consultation and case evaluation.
We only get paid if you recover compensation.
Serving all of West Michigan.
(616) 226-3762 | info@jkhlawfirm.com
JKH Law, PLC
312 Fulton Street East
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 226-3762 (office)
(616) 988-6504 (fax)
info@jkhlawfirm.com
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