What to Do If You're Hit by a Car While Riding a Bicycle in Michigan

Cycling is a common way to get around in Michigan. Riders use bicycles for recreation, commuting, and exercise throughout the state. While cycling has many benefits, it also brings risks, especially when riders share the road with cars and trucks. A collision between a motor vehicle and a bicycle often results in serious injuries because cyclists have almost no protection. The moments after a crash can be confusing, and many riders feel overwhelmed by the sudden impact, the injuries, and the uncertainty of what comes next.

Knowing what to do after being struck by a vehicle can help protect your health, your legal rights, and your ability to seek compensation. Smith & Johnson handles bicycle accident claims across Michigan, and many of the same steps come up repeatedly when dealing with collisions involving cars. Acting quickly can make a meaningful difference in your recovery and future claim.

Get Yourself to a Safe Location

Immediately after the crash, your first concern should be safety. If you can move, try to get out of the roadway or away from oncoming traffic. Many collisions happen in busy areas, and remaining in the travel lane exposes you to further danger. If you cannot move due to your injuries, signal for help if possible or ask someone nearby to assist.

Do not attempt to walk or stand if you feel dizzy, disoriented, or seriously hurt. Even injuries that seem minor can worsen if you move too quickly. Stay calm and focus on assessing whether you need immediate medical attention.

Call 911 Right Away

A police report is a critical piece of evidence in bicycle accident cases. Contact 911 as soon as possible so law enforcement can respond. Officers document the scene, take statements from those involved, and record basic information about the collision. They may also issue citations depending on what they observe. Without a formal crash report, it becomes more difficult to prove what happened later.

Request emergency medical services if you are injured. Some injuries, such as concussions or internal damage, are not always obvious at first. Receiving medical attention early ensures that your condition is assessed by professionals who can treat injuries you may not recognize.

Obtain Information from the Driver

If your injuries allow you to move around safely, gather information from the driver who hit you. This includes:

• Full name
• Phone number
• Driver’s license information
• Insurance company and policy number
• Vehicle make, model, and registration

Many riders forget to document this information because they are shaken after the crash. If police respond, they will usually collect this for the report, but it is still helpful to gather it yourself.

Avoid arguing with the driver or accepting blame. People sometimes apologize or make statements in the heat of the moment that can later be used against them. Keep the conversation focused on exchanging information.

Document the Scene and Your Bicycle

The details surrounding a bicycle accident change quickly. Cars are moved. Debris gets cleared away. Skid marks fade. If you can, take photos or videos of the area before anything is altered. Capture:

• The position of your bicycle
• The vehicle that hit you
• Traffic signals or signs
• Road conditions
• Your injuries
• Any damaged equipment or personal items

These images help preserve the scene and provide context later. Even a few photos taken on your phone can offer significant value to your case.

If you are unable to take photos yourself, ask a bystander you trust to help. You can also request that officers document certain elements, although their priority is safety and completing their report.

Seek Medical Evaluation Even If You Feel Fine

Cyclists often decline medical attention because they believe the injuries are minor. Adrenaline masks pain, so symptoms may not appear until hours later. Getting examined helps identify issues early and creates a record of your injury timeline.

Medical documentation plays a major role in Michigan bicycle accident claims. Insurance companies may try to argue that your injuries were not caused by the crash or were not serious. Visiting a doctor counters those arguments and protects your ability to pursue compensation. Follow all medical instructions, attend follow-up appointments, and keep copies of records, receipts, and test results.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Michigan is a no-fault state, which means your own auto insurance policy may provide coverage for certain losses, even if you were riding a bicycle at the time of the crash. This can include medical expenses and other economic losses depending on your policy.

If you do not have auto insurance, coverage may come from a family member’s policy or through other priority rules under Michigan’s no-fault system. The insurance landscape can be confusing, so reporting the accident promptly helps initiate the claims process. Be careful with your statements, though. Provide basic information, but avoid speculation or detailed descriptions until you have spoken with an attorney.

Keep Your Damaged Bicycle and Equipment

It may be tempting to repair or replace your bike right away, especially if it is your main form of transportation. However, the bicycle is evidence. Keeping it in its damaged state helps show the severity of the impact and the nature of the collision. Store it safely, along with damaged helmets, clothing, lights, or other equipment.

These items can help demonstrate how the crash occurred and how much force was involved. Attorneys and accident reconstruction experts often rely on physical evidence to support a claim.

Write Down What You Remember

Memories fade quickly after traumatic events. Details that seem clear right after the crash may become fuzzy in a few days. Taking a moment to write down what you recall can help preserve important information. Include:

• The direction you were traveling
• The location of the collision
• Weather and traffic conditions
• The behavior of the driver
• What you saw immediately before the impact

These notes can support your statement to insurance companies and your attorney. They also help ensure you do not forget critical facts as time passes.

Understand Your Rights Under Michigan Law

Michigan law provides protections for cyclists, but determining fault is not always straightforward. Drivers often claim they did not see the cyclist or believe the rider was in the wrong place at the wrong time. In reality, many collisions occur because drivers fail to yield, misjudge distance, or become distracted.

Cyclists have the right to operate on most Michigan roadways. They must follow traffic laws, but drivers must also give them space and operate safely. When a driver violates these duties and causes a collision, they can be held liable for the injuries and losses that result.

Michigan’s no-fault system covers certain expenses regardless of fault, but claims for pain and suffering, long-term disabilities, and other non-economic damages require proving the driver was responsible for the crash. This is where legal assistance becomes essential.

Why Speaking with an Attorney Helps Protect Your Claim

Bicycle accidents often involve severe injuries, from fractures to spinal damage. Medical bills can appear quickly, and riders may need time away from work to heal. Insurance companies sometimes minimize these injuries or attempt to settle claims before the full impact is known. Having legal representation helps ensure that you understand the value of your case and the long-term effects of your injuries.

An attorney can handle communication with insurers, gather evidence, review the police report, interview witnesses, and work with experts if needed. They can also identify all sources of potential compensation, including the at-fault driver, your own insurance coverage, and other policies that may apply.

When injuries are serious, early legal guidance can prevent mistakes that might weaken your claim later. It also allows you to focus on recovery rather than the stress of navigating insurance procedures.

Taking the Next Step After a Michigan Bicycle Collision

Being struck by a car while riding a bicycle is an experience no one expects, and the aftermath can feel overwhelming. The path forward involves protecting your health, documenting the crash, and understanding your legal rights. Each step helps strengthen your position and provides clarity during a difficult time. Michigan cyclists face unique challenges, but they also have significant legal protections.

Smith & Johnson assists riders across Michigan who are recovering from bicycle collisions. The firm works to ensure that injured cyclists have the support and advocacy they need as they move through the claims process. With the right guidance, you can protect your well-being, assert your rights, and take steps toward recovery with confidence.