Riding a bike is a great way to enjoy fresh air while also getting exercise. Unfortunately, however, accidents involving both bicyclists and vehicles can be deadly, as cyclists are not afforded the same protection as motorists are. For this reason, you may be wondering: “does car insurance cover a bicycle accident?” Fortunately, the answer is typically yes.
If you have been injured while riding a bike, or have questions regarding bicycle insurance, call Zinda Law Group at (800) 863 5312 for your 100% free consultation. You will not pay us anything unless we are successful in winning your case.
When Bicycle Accidents Occur
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, cyclist fatalities occur both day and night. Between 2011 and 2020, 51% of cyclist fatalities occurred between 6:00 a.m. and 5:59 p.m., while 49% occurred between 6:00 p.m. and 5:59 a.m. Bicyclist deaths are highest, however, between June and September. Additionally, nearly three quarters of all bicycle deaths occurred in urban areas.
Before riding a bike, be sure to wear protective equipment, such as bright clothing and a helmet. If you are behind the wheel of a motor vehicle, yield to bicyclists and do not pass them too closely on the road. If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, contact Zinda Law Group today to discuss your potential case.
John (Jack) Zinda
Founder / CEO
Over 100 years of combined experience representing injured victims across the country.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationCar Insurance Coverage for Bicycle Accidents
If you’re injured by an automobile while out riding your bicycle, you may be wondering what legal options you have. Other than seeking coverage from your own health insurance company, do you have any options for seeking compensation for your injuries, loss of time from work, medical expenses and more? Odds are that the answer is “Yes!”
Most car insurance policies cover losses such as medical expenses, lost wages, and suffering caused by accidents involving a car and a bicyclist. This is true for the insurance policy of the vehicle that hit the bicyclist, and in many instances, it also applies to the bicycle rider’s own car insurance.
One of the first things someone wants to know after they were involved in a bike accident is whether auto insurance will cover the damages, as you may be left to pay for medical bills and property damage. With some bicycles costing upwards of a thousand dollars, this alone can be a huge concern.
Though every insurance policy differs somewhat, your car insurance will likely cover a bike accident if the following criteria are met:
- The accident must involve a motor vehicle. It doesn’t matter if it is a motorcycle, ATV, van, or truck, as long as at least one of the vehicles in the accident is an automobile, your auto insurance should cover it.
- You must have Personal Injury Protection coverage on your auto policy. This is also sometimes referred to as “Med-Pay”. If you enjoy riding your bike out on the streets, or if you ride an expensive bicycle, you might consider increasing your coverage. An accident between a car and a bicycle might destroy the bike and leave its rider with huge medical bills.
If you have any other questions regarding insurance policy coverage for bicycle accidents, contact Zinda Law Group today.
Neil Solomon
Partner
Real results matter. We do not get paid unless we win your case.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationConsider All Costs After a Bicycle Accident
After getting into a bike accident, you will want to consider all the subsequent costs. This is so you will know if the insurance adjuster is offering you a fair settlement amount. This includes your economic and your non-economic damages.
Economic damages have a set dollar amount and are easy to calculate by adding together bills and receipts. Economic damages may include hospital bills, prescription medicines, lost wages, and the costs to repair or replace your bicycle.
Non-economic damages are not as easy to calculate, as they are non-monetary in nature. Examples include emotional trauma, loss of enjoyment of life, and pain and suffering.
Each case is unique and will have different costs. Zinda Law Group attorneys have experience in bicycle accidents and can help explain what your costs may be.
Jason Aldridge
Attorney
Standing by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week ready to answer in your time of need.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationProving Negligence to Get Compensation
The crash is almost always the result of somebody’s negligence, be it the driver of the car or the bicyclist. If the negligent party is the driver, the cyclist has a legal right to be compensated for his or her injuries.
Negotiations with the driver’s insurance company will always focus on who was negligent and to what degree. If the cyclist and the insurance company can agree on the question of negligence and the amount of compensation, the case will be settled. If they cannot reach an agreement, it will be necessary for the cyclist to prove in a court of law that the driver was negligent to recover compensation for the injuries received.
To show that another party was negligent, you must be able to prove the following:
- There was a duty of care: Drivers of motor vehicles are under a duty of care to act responsibly and operate the vehicle safely.
- The other party breached that duty: Examples of a breach of duty may include showing that the other driver was distracted or under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident.
- The breach was the proximate cause of the injury: You must be able to show that the accident would not have occurred but-for the driver’s breach. If the driver was texting, for example, you must prove that the act of using his or her phone caused the incident to occur.
- There were subsequent damages: Examples of damages may include your injuries and destroyed bike.
Because lawsuits can be time-consuming and expensive, most injury cases with insurance companies are settled out of court. However, since the legal issues can be complex, cyclists who have suffered injuries should always discuss their case with a bike accident attorney before talking with the driver or their insurance company.
Cole Gumm
Attorney
We are here to ensure you won’t have to face this difficult time alone.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationWho Pays for Injuries and Losses?
Following a bike accident, you may be wondering who is liable for your injuries and related damages. Although each case is different, there are three main parties who may pay for your losses, including:
Uninsured motorist of medical pay policy coverage
Medical payments coverage may be included in certain auto insurance policies. This coverage is meant to pay for the medical expenses for you or your passengers after a collision, even if you are at fault for the accident. After an accident, medical payments coverage may be used to cover your injuries and losses.
At fault bicycle driver
Motor vehicle drivers are not always at fault for accidents involving bicycles – bicyclists are also required to follow the laws. If a bicyclist was breaking the law, or otherwise driving negligently, and caused an accident, he or she may be held liable for any injuries and losses as a result of that accident.
At fault vehicle Driver
The victim may also receive compensation from the at-fault vehicle driver’s insurance. The vehicle driver may be held liable for the victim’s bicycle repair or replacement, medical bills, pain and suffering, and more; however, the claimant must be able to prove that the driver is to blame for the accident and subsequent damages.
After you have been injured in a bicycle accident, contact Zinda Law Group today to discuss your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are frequently asked questions regarding bicycle collisions and insurance:
How can I make sure I’m covered in a bike collision?
In order to make sure you’re covered in a bike collision, you need to check your specific insurance coverage. Bicycle insurance is often included in homeowners, renters, or auto insurance plans.
What happens if you get hit on a bike?
If you have been hit on a bike, the first step would be to get medical attention. This is extremely important, both for your wellbeing and for documenting all your injuries for your future lawsuit. You will also need to file a claim for your injuries and property damage. Speaking to an experienced personal injury attorney can put your mind at ease by guiding you through the entire legal process.
Is there such a thing as bicycle insurance?
Yes, bicycle insurance exists and is typically covered under your homeowners, renters, or car insurance plans. Your coverage will depend on your specific plan, so it is important to know what your insurance includes before filing a claim.
If you or a loved one has been injured while riding your bicycle, you may need a bike injury lawyer. Since injuries can be severe for bike riders, you could need expensive medical treatment and will want to recover any lost wages. Though your own auto policy may cover some of the expenses, if the automobile driver was at fault, their insurance should have to pay all expenses. Very often though, insurance companies stall or try to blame the bike rider for the accident.
For years, Zinda Law Group has represented bike riders and others who find themselves facing expenses they shouldn’t have to pay. You should retain an experienced attorney in order to seek the full compensation you deserve.
If you have been injured by a motor vehicle while riding a bicycle, call a Zinda Law Group personal injury attorney today at (800) 863 5312 to set up your free initial consultation. You do not have to worry about paying us anything unless we are able to win you compensation in your case. That is our No Win, No Fee Guarantee.
Jason Aldridge
Attorney
We have successfully represented clients in a wide variety of cases across the country.
Available 24 / 7|Free Consultation
