Personal Injury Lawyer
Homeowners and renters insurance are wonderful assets to have when you experience a bicycle accident. Each individual policy has subtle nuances that are important to suss out with your adjuster. As explained by an experienced personal injury lawyer from Hall-Justice Law Firm, these types of policies are there to protect your property, including your bicycle, even when an accident occurs away from home. Here are three examples of accidents in which most policies protect your bicycle investment.
You Are at Fault in a Bike-on-Bike Accident
You crash into an unsuspecting bicyclist and cause a terrible accident. Your homeowners or renters insurance will cover any damage to your bike as well as damage to the other rider’s bicycle. If you are not at fault in the accident, the other rider’s insurance will be the place to seek compensation. Your insurance could also cover you if the other rider opens up a lawsuit against you. There are limits to the amount of coverage depending on several variables that are unique to each policy.
You Are Transporting Your Bike on Your Car
Usually, if a bike accident involves an automobile, the place to look for compensation is auto insurance. One exception applies when you are transporting your bike, either inside, on top, or on the back of your car. In this instance, if you are involved in an auto accident and damage is done to your bicycle, your homeowners or renters insurance will cover the damage to your bike as personal property loss.
Your Bike Is Parked and Someone Else Hits It
Another special case involving an automobile and a bicycle is when someone hits your bike while you have it parked. In this instance, it would be covered under your homeowners or renters insurance policy instead of auto insurance. Whether you are parked at your home or in front of a cafe, the personal property aspect of your homeowners or renters policy will cover an accident like this. However, and this is important to note, if you are riding the bike and a car hits you, the driver’s auto insurance is responsible for covering the cost of damages to your bicycle.
If you are at fault in a bike-on-bike accident or if your bike is parked when the accident occurs, your insurance should cover the cost of the damages. Connect with your insurance company regarding your specific policy requirements and limitations. Being prepared with homeowners or renters insurance is the first step in protecting your bicycle investment.
