Bicycle & Pedestrian Accidents
Injured while walking or biking? Muawad PC helps pedestrians and cyclists across Metro Detroit recover compensation under Michigan law.
Protecting the Most Vulnerable on Michigan's roads
Pedestrians and cyclists have the same right to the road as any driver — yet they’re the ones who suffer the most when motorists fail to pay attention. A split-second of distraction can cause devastating injuries, from fractures and spinal trauma to life-changing brain injuries. Too often, the driver walks away unharmed while the victim faces a long road to recovery and overwhelming expenses.
At Muawad PC, we fight to make things right. Our firm represents injured pedestrians and bicyclists across Metro Detroit and throughout Michigan, pursuing full compensation for medical costs, lost income, and the pain these crashes cause. Whether you were hit in a crosswalk, along the shoulder, or while riding through a neighborhood street, we’ll ensure your rights are protected and the at-fault driver is held accountable.
Common Causes of Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents
Most pedestrian and cyclist injuries result from negligent or reckless driving. Common causes include:
Drivers failing to yield at crosswalks or intersections
Distracted driving (texting or using a phone)
Speeding or aggressive driving in residential areas
Impaired driving under alcohol or drugs
Poor visibility or inadequate lighting
Vehicles turning without checking for pedestrians or cyclists
Michigan law recognizes the extreme vulnerability of people outside vehicles. Because pedestrians and cyclists lack physical protection, these accidents often result in catastrophic or fatal injuries.
Michigan Laws Protecting Pedestrians and Cyclists
Michigan’s traffic laws impose clear duties on motorists to protect pedestrians and bicyclists:
Drivers must yield to pedestrians lawfully within crosswalks and to cyclists riding lawfully on the road.
Bicyclists are treated as vehicles under Michigan law, meaning they have the right to occupy lanes and must follow traffic signals.
Motorists must provide at least three feet of clearance when passing a bicyclist.
Pedestrians have the right-of-way at most intersections without signals, and drivers are required to stop, not just yield.
When a driver’s negligence leads to an injury, victims may seek compensation through Michigan’s No-Fault Insurance System or through a third-party liability claim, depending on the situation.
How Michigan’s No-Fault Law Applies
If a pedestrian or cyclist is struck by a motor vehicle:
They are generally entitled to Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits, even if they don’t own a car or have insurance.
If the injuries meet Michigan’s threshold for serious impairment, the victim can also pursue a third-party claim for pain and suffering and other non-economic damages.
If the pedestrian or cyclist is uninsured, they may still qualify for benefits through the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan (MACP).
Key Legal Considerations
Victims have one year to file a no-fault claim and three years to file a third-party lawsuit.
In fatal crashes, families may pursue compensation under Michigan’s Wrongful Death Act.
Comparative negligence can reduce recovery if the pedestrian or cyclist contributed to the crash, but it does not eliminate the right to compensation.
Helpful Resources
All the answers you're looking for
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. If struck by a motor vehicle, you can usually receive PIP benefits for medical expenses and lost wages, even if you don’t own a car.
Hit-and-run victims may still qualify for compensation through their own uninsured motorist coverage or the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan.
For basic no-fault benefits, fault doesn’t matter. But for pain and suffering damages, you must show the driver’s negligence caused a “threshold injury.”
Possibly. Even if you weren’t in a crosswalk, drivers still have a duty to exercise reasonable care and avoid hitting pedestrians.
Fault is determined through police reports, eyewitness accounts, video footage, and accident reconstruction.
You can recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, disfigurement, and long-term disability.
Commercial vehicles carry higher insurance limits, and the company employing the driver may share liability.
Insurance companies often downplay these claims. An experienced attorney ensures your injuries are properly valued and your rights under Michigan law are fully enforced.
Don't Wait - Get the Justice You Deserve
We offer free, no-obligation consultations for accident victims across Metro Detroit. There are no fees unless we win - let us review your case and options.