Legal Question in Traffic Law in Michigan

Hit a cyclist

About a month ago I hit a cyclist crossing the road. It was in a construction zone and the crosswalk was blocked at the end he was going to so he crossed in front of it. He also crossed when the left lane had a green arrow to turn! I stopped where I was supposed to but because he was before the crosswalk I didn't see him and I hit him. He was fine, got up, we exchanged numbers and that was it. He even admitted at the time he should've been watching where he was going. I was so shook up that I told him to call me and I'd pay for any damages. After I reflected on the situation I realized how he was in the wrong and I shouldn't pay a dime! If anything he should pay for my car damage! Anyway, its been a month and he just now called me. I didn't get his call but I just know he's looking for money. What should I do? Is there any legal action he could take? Could this go to small claims court or something? Is there anything bad that could happen to me? I'm kinda freaked out, but I did nothing wrong! Please help!


Asked on 6/12/07, 12:01 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Audra Arndt Audra A. Arndt & Associates, PLLC

Re: Hit a cyclist

Do not worry about this. First of all, there was no police report, and chances are he did not go to the doctor right away. Even if he went later and did have some injuries, they were likely not serious. He can file a claim with your auto insurance if he needs his medical bills, etc. paid for, but again, he likely doesn't have any medical bills.

Do not pay him any money. If he sued you in court under no-fault law, he would not stand a chance for recovery against your insurance company other than for medical bills.

I would just ignore him. If he persists, then give him your auto insurance information and he can make a claim with them. He probably thinks he can scare you into giving him some money for his booboo, but tell him no way. He'll stop. And he won't find a lawyer to take his case either. So the problem will solve itself.

Good luck.

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Answered on 6/12/07, 6:29 pm


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