Auto-Bicycle Accidents
No matter how careful you are as a driver, accidents still happen. In many areas, bicyclists are allowed to share the road with cars. This arrangement means that there is a higher chance of you crashing into each other. Do you know how your insurance handles a claim if you collide with a bike rider? Here are the answers to your questions.
How Does Liability Insurance Protect You if You Cause an Accident?
Nearly all states require drivers to carry liability insurance. This coverage is vital because it pays for damages to property and people’s injuries if you cause an accident. Additionally, if you have any injuries, these may be covered by the PIP or MedPay portion of your insurance. Your private health insurance is also there to cover medical expenses. If you have elected optional collision coverage on your policy, it pays for damages to your vehicle in an at-fault accident.
What Should You Do After an Accident?
If you’ve been in a collision with a bicyclist, you should do the following:
- The first thing you need to do is see if they are okay. Contact the police and other emergency personnel to attend to any injuries immediately.
- The police can help file a report that is necessary for insurance purposes.
- If the accident is minor and the rider doesn’t want to contact authorities, exchange contact information such as name, phone number, and auto insurance company name and policy number.
- Once any injuries have been assessed, you need to contact your insurance company. If there is any damage to your vehicle, an adjuster determines who is at fault and responsible for paying for repairs.
What Happens if You Aren’t at Fault?
If the bicyclist caused the accident, then your insurance isn’t responsible for paying for their injuries and damages. However, if you have any injury or damage to your vehicle, there are several options to seek payment.
- Your private health insurance, as well as PIP or MedPay on your auto policy, cover your medical expenses.
- Your policy’s collision coverage may pay for damages to your car.
- The cyclist’s homeowner’s policy may cover your damages and medical bills, depending on their policy.
- You have the right to sue the bicyclist for damages if there’s no insurance coverage.
When motorists and bicyclists share the road, there are bound to be collisions. If you have been in an accident with a bike, contact a car accident lawyer from a firm like Ward & Ward Law Firm today to discuss your case.
