Cyclists that get injured on bicycles have to deal with significant injuries. Sometimes, these bike related injuries can be permanent and require ongoing medical treatment. So who pays the bills when you are hurt on a bicycle? The following bicycle accident insurance scenarios discuss each possibility in detail.
Bicycle Insurance Scenario #1 - The Car Driver is At Fault for the Bike Crash
You are pedaling down the bike lane when an unobservant motorist clips you with his SUV. The car knocks you off your bicycle and causes you a permanent back injury, which requires physical therapy. Who should pay your medical bills and pain and suffering relating the the bicycle accident? Most likely, it will be the driver's insurance. In this scenario, you should retain a bicycle accident attorney to determine the coverage limits on the car driver's insurance. From there, your lawyer can advise you on your rights in filing a bicycle accident lawsuit.
Bicycle Insurance Scenario #2 - An Unknown Motorist is at Fault
Bicycle injury insurance can cover you when your homeowners and car insurance cannot.
If you were injured by a hit and run driver while bicycling, all hope is not lost. You should still report the accident to police as they may be able to track down the at fault driver. However, most Uninsured Motorist (UM) insurance coverage will cover your injuries if you are hurt on a bike. This is why UM insurance is critical for all cyclists. If you suffer the unfortunate luck of being hurt while cycling by an uninsured motorist, you can still be insured for your losses. Your UM insurance will 'stand in the shoes' of the at fault uninsured driver. So if you have $300,000 in UM coverage and are hurt by a hit and run motorist, you are still covered up to $300,000 for your injuries.
Will my Auto Insurance Cover my Bike Accident Claim?
It depends. Most car insurance policies have exclusions so they do not cover losses caused by non-automobile transportation devices, such as golf carts, bicycles, mopeds, etc. However, if your bicycle accident was caused in part by a car, you will likely find coverage. If you have no fault insurance benefits, these can probably be used in a bicycle accident so long as a car took part in causing the accident. Speak with a lawyer to learn more and see if you are covered.
Single Bicycle Accident - Now What?
What if you are riding by yourself and accidentally lose control of your bike? Does insurance cover a one bicycle accident? Your auto insurance will probably not afford you coverage if the accident had nothing to do with a car. You may be covered through bicycle injury insurance, a homeowner's insurance policy or a renter's policy.
Is Bicycle Insurance Real? Do I Need Bicycle Insurance?
Bicycle insurance may overlap with your homeowners insurance in coverage regarding a bike accident.
Yes, bicycle injury insurance is real. So do you really need bicycle insurance coverage if you're already insured for home and auto? We never advise against purchasing more insurance, so if you cycle a lot and own an expensive bicycle, splurge and purchase the bike insurance. Check with your Homeowner's insurance or Renter's insurance policy to see if they already cover your bicycle. Most homeowner's insurance policies offer the ability to insure your bicycle. Similarly, renter's insurance can also cover a bicycle theft or loss, depending on the coverage. However, many homeowners and renters insurance policies only cover certain kinds of bicycle losses. For example, your homeowners insurance may cover bike theft but not personal injury on your bicycle. If you are concerned that your current insurance isn't up to snuff, purchase stand alone bicycle insurance. With independent bicycle insurance, you will protect life's most important assets: you and your bike!
Bicycle Insurance Legal Questions?
If you have legal questions about your bicycle injury insurance coverage or a bike accident injury, call us today at 561-316-7207 for a free consultation, or email us using the form below.