A City on Two Wheels
Ann Arbor stands out in Michigan for its cycling culture. Between the thousands of University of Michigan students commuting to class and the dedicated protected bike lanes downtown, there are more cyclists here than almost anywhere else in the state. But sharing the road with vehicles—especially distracted drivers and delivery trucks—creates a constant risk of severe injury.
When a 3,000-pound car hits a 20-pound bicycle, the cyclist always loses. We see fractures, road rash, and concussions regularly. But what we also see is deep confusion about how to get those medical bills paid. Many cyclists in Ann Arbor assume that because they weren't driving a car, car insurance doesn't apply. They are wrong.
The "Auto No-Fault" Loophole for Cyclists
This is the most critical thing every Michigan cyclist needs to know: If a motor vehicle is involved in your accident, you are entitled to Michigan No-Fault (PIP) Benefits.
It does not matter that you were on a bike. It does not matter if you were found partially at fault. As long as a car, truck, or bus was involved, you are entitled to have your medical bills paid and your lost wages covered. The order of priority is:
- Your Own Auto Policy: Even if your car was parked at home, your own car insurance pays for your bike accident injuries.
- A Resident Relative: If you don't have a car, you claim under your spouse or parent (if you live with them).
- The Michigan Assigned Claims Plan: If you have no insurance in your household (common for students), you apply to the state plan (capped at $250,000).
At Shiraz Law Firm, we handle the paperwork to ensure your ER visit is paid for by the correct insurer, so you aren't stuck with the bill.
The "Dooring" Danger on Main Street
One of the most common accidents in downtown Ann Arbor is "dooring." This happens when a driver parked on the street swings their door open without checking the mirror, slamming it directly into the path of an oncoming cyclist. This sends the cyclist flying over the door or swerving into traffic.
Michigan law (MCL 257.676b) prohibits opening a vehicle door unless it is reasonably safe to do so. The driver is almost always 100% liable in these cases. We fight to hold them accountable, not just for the crash, but for the long-term impact on your mobility.
Fighting the "Reckless Cyclist" Bias
Despite Ann Arbor's progressive laws, insurance adjusters still carry a heavy bias against cyclists. They will try to argue that you "darted out," that you weren't wearing high-visibility clothing, or that you should have been on the sidewalk (even though riding on the sidewalk is often more dangerous and sometimes prohibited).
We counter this bias with hard data. We use video footage and witness statements to prove that you had the right of way. In Michigan, cyclists generally have the same rights and duties as drivers. If you were in the bike lane or legally taking the lane, the driver had a duty to yield to you.
Student Cyclists and Permanent Injuries
For U of M students, a serious bike accident can mean a semester of missed classes, lost tuition, and a delayed graduation. These are real economic damages. When we file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver, we don't just ask for medical bills. We calculate the cost of that delayed career start.
If you have been hit while riding in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, or anywhere in Washtenaw County, do not try to handle the insurance companies alone. They will try to tell you that you don't have coverage. Call Shiraz Law Firm, and let us fight for your right to the road.
