Whether you’re biking to class, riding the Lansing River Trail, or commuting across Grand River Avenue, cycling near Michigan State University can be risky. With dense traffic, distracted drivers, and limited bike infrastructure in key areas, it doesn’t take much for a quick ride to turn into a serious accident.
If you were hit by a car while biking near MSU, or your child was involved in a crash, you may be entitled to compensation. Michigan law protects cyclists, even when they weren’t driving a vehicle themselves. But getting the insurance company to play fair, especially without a police report or strong legal guidance, isn’t easy.
In this post, we’ll break down why bike accidents happen so often around MSU, what to do if you’re injured, and how to protect your rights after a campus-area crash.
Why Bicycle Accidents Happen So Often Near MSU
Michigan State University’s campus and surrounding areas are packed with student cyclists, busy intersections, and drivers unfamiliar with sharing the road. Whether it’s early morning commutes to class or late-night food runs, the mix of vehicles, pedestrians, and bikes makes East Lansing a high-risk zone for crashes. Several factors contribute to the high rate of bicycle accidents around MSU:
- Distracted drivers on their phones or adjusting GPS systems while navigating tight streets
- Heavy cross-traffic along Grand River Avenue, Michigan Avenue, and Harrison Road
- Limited or inconsistent bike lanes, especially at intersections and crosswalks
- Student cyclists riding without lights, helmets, or knowledge of local traffic rules
- Poor visibility at night or in congested areas where drivers may not expect bikes
Even a quick trip to class can turn dangerous when drivers fail to check their mirrors, yield at turns, or respect a cyclist’s right-of-way.
Where Campus Bike Accidents Happen the Most
Some parts of East Lansing are far more dangerous for cyclists than others, especially areas where high-speed traffic meets student-heavy pedestrian and bike zones. Understanding where accidents happen most often can help injured cyclists prove liability and strengthen their claim. Here are the most common high-risk locations for bike crashes around Michigan State University:
| 🛑 Location | ⚠️ Risk Factors | 🚨 Common Crashes |
|---|---|---|
| Grand River Ave & Abbot Rd | Heavy turning traffic, poor visibility | Left-turn collisions, sideswipes |
| Harrison Rd near Brody Complex | Speeding vehicles, dense student foot traffic | Crosswalk crashes, rear-end accidents |
| Farm Lane at Red Cedar Crossing | Shared paths, distracted walkers | Dooring, side-impact collisions |
| Bogue St & Shaw Ln | Campus congestion during class changes | Failure to yield, right-hook crashes |
| Michigan Ave near campus edge | Inconsistent bike lanes, narrow shoulders | Sideswipes, vehicle encroachment |
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident Near MSU
The moments after a bicycle crash can be confusing and overwhelming, especially near campus where traffic moves quickly and witnesses may be students rushing to class. Whether you’re the rider or helping someone who was injured, taking the right steps immediately after the accident can protect both your health and your legal rights. Here’s what to do:
- Call 911 or campus police immediately – Even if the injuries seem minor, it’s important to create an official record.
- Get medical attention – Many MSU students skip this step, but internal injuries and concussions aren’t always obvious at first.
- Take photos of the scene – Include the bike, vehicle, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries.
- Exchange information – Get the driver’s name, license plate, insurance company, and phone number.
- Speak to witnesses if possible – Fellow students or pedestrians nearby can help back up your side of the story.
- Avoid talking to insurance adjusters – They may try to shift blame or get a recorded statement before you understand your rights.
- Talk to a personal injury lawyer – Especially if you’re dealing with a hit-and-run, serious injuries, or an uninsured driver.
If you’re unsure about anything after the crash, especially how insurance works or who’s liable, getting advice early can make all the difference.
Who’s Liable for a Bike Crash Around Campus?
Liability in a campus-area bike crash isn’t always straightforward. While drivers are often at fault, there are other potentially responsible parties, especially when poor road design, missing signage, or shared paths are involved. At Michigan State, liability can depend on whether the crash happened on public roads, campus-owned property, or a shared-use trail. Here’s a breakdown of who may be responsible for a bicycle accident near MSU:
| 🧍♂️ Party | 💥 How They May Be At Fault | ⚖️ Legal Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Negligent driver | Failing to yield, distracted driving, speeding | Liable for injuries and damages |
| Cyclist (partial fault) | Ignoring traffic signals, riding at night without lights | May reduce recovery under Michigan’s comparative fault law |
| City of East Lansing | Poor intersection design, potholes, missing signs | May be liable through government claim process |
| MSU (campus-owned property) | Failure to maintain bike paths or signage | Possible claim against the university |
| Bike manufacturer | Faulty brakes, frame failure | Rare, but possible product liability case |
Michigan’s modified comparative negligence law allows injured cyclists to recover damages even if they were partially at fault as long as they’re 50% or less responsible for the crash.
What Laws Protect Cyclists on Campus and in East Lansing?
Michigan law treats bicycles as vehicles, which means cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers. But the rules that apply in East Lansing and on MSU’s campus can be confusing. Many students and motorists aren’t aware of local bike laws, and that confusion often leads to preventable crashes. Whether you’re riding to class or commuting along Grand River, it’s important to understand which laws protect you as a cyclist. These laws can also play a major role in determining fault and recovering compensation after a crash.
| 📜 Law or Rule | 🚴 Applies To | ✅ Key Takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| Helmet Law (under 18) | Cyclists under age 18 | Required for minors, optional for adults |
| Right-of-Way in Bike Lanes & Crosswalks | All drivers | Must yield to cyclists in designated paths |
| No-Fault PIP Coverage for Cyclists | Those with household auto policies | Covers medical bills even if not driving |
| Comparative Negligence | All personal injury claims | Compensation reduced if cyclist shares fault |
| MSU Campus Riding Rules | All students/staff cyclists | Must follow posted signs, use designated routes |
Understanding how these laws apply to your crash can make or break your case, especially if the insurance company is trying to shift blame.
When to Call a Lawyer After a Campus Bicycle Crash
Not every bike accident requires a lawyer but if you were hit by a car, suffered serious injuries, or are getting the runaround from insurance companies, it’s time to speak with someone who understands your rights. Here are signs you should talk to a bicycle accident lawyer:
- You suffered a head injury, broken bone, or required hospitalization
- The driver was uninsured, fled the scene, or is disputing fault
- You’re a student and unsure how insurance works if you weren’t driving
- The accident happened on campus or involved MSU property
- The insurance company is offering a low settlement or denying your claim
- You’re worried that you might be partially blamed for what happened
At The Clark Law Office, we help cyclists across East Lansing, MSU, and all of Mid-Michigan get full and fair compensation after a serious crash. You won’t deal with associates or case managers, you’ll work directly with an experienced trial attorney from day one.
💬 If your crash happened near MSU, speak with a local Lansing bicycle accident lawyer who knows the roads, the courts, and how to deal with the insurance companies.
📚 For a statewide breakdown of your rights, visit our Michigan bicycle accident lawyer page.
Resources for Injured Cyclists in Michigan
Recovering from a bicycle accident isn’t just about filing a claim, it’s about getting the support you need to heal, pay your bills, and protect your future. If you were injured near Michigan State University, you may have access to several helpful resources, both on campus and throughout the state. Here are a few places to start:
- MSU Student Health Services
Offers medical evaluations, physical therapy referrals, and follow-up care for students
Website: olin.msu.edu - MSU Police Department (MSUPD)
Handles crash reports, incident records, and campus traffic enforcement
Website: police.msu.edu - City of East Lansing Bike Laws & Maps
Offers information on designated bike routes and local ordinances
Website: cityofeastlansing.com - League of Michigan Bicyclists (LMB)
Provides statewide cycling advocacy, safety guides, and legal updates
Website: lmb.org
If you’re unsure where to turn or feel overwhelmed after your crash, talking with a legal professional who understands both the law and the local area can help take the pressure off.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bicycle Accidents Near MSU
What should I do if I’m hit by a car while biking near MSU?
Call 911 immediately, get medical help, and file a police report. Take photos, collect witness info, and avoid speaking to insurance adjusters before talking to a lawyer.
Can I still get compensation if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
Yes. Michigan law doesn’t require helmets for riders 18 and older, and not wearing one doesn’t automatically prevent you from recovering damages—especially if the driver was at fault.
Does Michigan no-fault insurance cover cyclists?
It can. If you or someone in your household has an auto insurance policy, you may be eligible for no-fault PIP benefits to cover medical bills—even though you weren’t driving.
Who pays if I’m hit by a driver near MSU with no insurance?
If the at-fault driver is uninsured, you may still recover compensation through the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan or an uninsured motorist policy, if one applies.
Do I need a lawyer for a bike accident if the driver admitted fault?
Even when fault is clear, insurance companies may offer less than your claim is worth. A lawyer can protect your rights, calculate full damages, and handle negotiations so you’re not taken advantage of.
