Michigan Bicycle Safety and Crash Evidence

A bicycle safety article should distinguish practical precautions from the evidence needed after a collision. An undated percentage increase in fatalities does not explain the current trend or determine fault in an individual case.

Use current safety and local resources

The NHTSA bicycle safety resource provides prevention guidance. For a particular route, review the actual roadway, traffic controls, equipment requirements, and applicable state and local rules.

Do not assume a cyclist must always hug the curb regardless of conditions. Roadway position, turns, hazards, passing space, and other circumstances can affect the legal analysis. Our Ann Arbor bicycle-rights guide addresses the local context.

Plan for visibility and predictable movement

Review lights, reflectors, and other equipment before riding, follow applicable signals and rules, and avoid distraction. Safety recommendations should not be confused with a statement that the absence of one precaution automatically makes a cyclist legally responsible for a crash.

After a collision, preserve

• The bicycle, lights, helmet, clothing, and other potentially relevant equipment before repair or disposal.
• Roadway markings, intersection approaches, visibility, and vehicle movements.
• Original recordings, witness contacts, police information, and available photographs.
• Treatment records, work restrictions, expenses, and insurer communications.

Keep the insurance inquiry separate

A motor-vehicle-involved bicycle collision may raise benefit and liability questions requiring individual review. The cyclist’s actions and driver’s conduct should both be evaluated against evidence rather than stereotypes about road users.

Our bicycle accident practice covers representation. See comparative fault for the relevant motor-vehicle noneconomic-damages distinction.

Talk with Logeman & Iafrate

Request a free consultation or call (734) 994-0200 to discuss your situation with our Ann Arbor office. Bring the relevant records and any insurer correspondence. Advice about your claim depends on the facts, coverage, and applicable deadlines.

General information only; this article is not legal advice for an individual case.

Does a cyclist’s roadway position alone determine fault?

No. The rules, hazards, vehicle movements, and complete evidence must be evaluated.

Should I repair the bicycle before preserving its condition?

Document and obtain advice first if it may be evidence.