- June 30, 2020
- Bicycle Accidents
- Personal Injury
Generally, under Michigan’s old no-fault law, bicyclists who have been injured have relied on their insurance policies to provide them with benefits, or, if they lack coverage, were able to receive benefits from the vehicle that struck them.
Under the new law, bicyclists that don’t have insurance or live with a resident relative whose insurance they can use will have to claim benefits from the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan (MACP). Many new claims will fall under the program, which also provides no-fault benefits to pedestrians who have been injured in car accidents and lack insurance coverage.
Established in 1973 by the state, the MACP provides injured individuals with compensation to cover lost wages, hospital and doctor bills, reimbursement for prescriptions, payment for services the victim can no longer perform due to injuries, and other benefits.
What If I Need Additional Coverage?
It’s common knowledge that bicyclists tend to suffer more serious injuries in car accidents than car drivers or passengers do. Bicyclists lack outer protection and can easily be thrown from their bikes when struck by cars, especially if the car is speeding. Many bicyclists may worry that the amount of benefits they receive from the MACP isn’t enough to cover the full extent of their injuries.
There are, fortunately, still options. Under the new law, injured parties can still sue at-fault drivers for excess medical expenses that aren’t covered by the program. Our personal injury attorneys can help you determine how much coverage you’re entitled to and file the paperwork you need to be approved. All individuals who wish to file for coverage under the Assigned Claims Plan have one year from the date of injury.
Protecting the Rights of Bicyclists
Many bicycle accidents occur when drivers violate the rights of bicyclists. Generally, bicyclists are allowed to be on the road with cars as long as they abide by certain regulations, but drivers frequently forget or ignore the fact that bicyclists have the right of way in most situations, such as if they have the ability to cross the street at the same time as a car is making a turn. Though Michigan has fewer bicycle accidents than car accidents, most bicycle accidents that do occur involve injuries and sometimes death. Michigan has 26.5 bicycle accident fatalities each year on average.
The experienced team at Goodman Acker P.C. has recovered millions for injured clients and has protected the rights of countless bicyclists through dedicated advocacy. Common bicycle accident injuries include limb injuries, broken bones, spinal cord and neck injuries, and head and brain trauma injuries – injuries that are more serious and expensive to treat. We can hold at-fault drivers responsible for accidents and secure the full and fair amount of compensation you need to pay medical bills, property damage, and more.
Contact Goodman Acker P.C. online or at (248) 286-8100 after a bicycle accident has left you with injuries. Our attorneys can hold negligent drivers financially responsible for your medical bills, property damage, and more.