Bikes have been steadily moving up the ranks of modes of transportation as commuters become more health conscious. That means more bicycles on the roads and more accidents between cyclists and everyone else.
If you are very seriously injured in a bicycle accident, you should consult with a personal injury attorney and have your claim assessed. A negligence suit may be the right route for your recovery. But if you are only relatively mildly injured, say in a small fender bender or routine accident, you may still be able to recover expenses through a variety of insurance policies.
Crash Covered?
Handle your bike accident like you would a car crash and you should be fine. At the scene of the accident, do what you normally would — take photos and exchange insurance information with anyone else involved in the crash. Just because you do not immediately feel injured does not mean that you haven’t been hurt and won’t later need to exchange to seek compensation.
While all states but New Hampshire require that car owners have automobile insurance, bicyclists still do not have to be insured in most places and most contexts across the country. Still, cyclists can seek independent insurance specifically designed for them, or check their existing health, automobile, and homeowner’s insurance policies.
For example, if you live in a no-fault state, coverage is possible through auto insurance personal injury protection. Of course, having health insurance is required by federal law now, so if you do have it, you may well be covered, although depending on your policy you may have to pay a deductible first. Whatever coverage you choose o use, contact the insurer and provide all documentation promptly to the claims adjuster when requested. Carefully follow the procedures outlined by your policy.
Special for Cyclists
There are also insurance policies created specifically for cyclists, and even for cycling commuters particularly. Nerd Wallet notes two companies that focus on coverage for the bicycling community, Velosurance and Spoke. Velosurance’s basic policies cover loss or damage to the bike, for example, and cyclists can also purchase medical payments coverage (up to $10,000) or liability coverage (up to $100,000).
Seriously Injured?
If it turns out that you are seriously injured and insurance coverage won’t suffice, or your injury insurance claim has been denied, speak to a lawyer. Many personal injury attorneys consult for free or a minimal fee and will be happy to assess your case.
Related Resources:
- Have an injury claim? Get your claim reviewed for free. (Consumer Injury)
- Do Cities Have to Plow Snow Lanes? (FindLaw’s Learn About the Law)
- Child Bicycle Accident Liability (FindLaw’s Learn About the Law)
- Bicycle Buffer Zones (FindLaw’s Learn About the Law)
