Personal Injury Lawyer
There are few regular motorists who don’t know what to do after an auto accident. But when it comes to cyclists, the story isn’t the same. Many bike riders aren’t sure what they’re entitled to after being struck while riding. A frequent question concerns whether auto insurance will take care of medical costs and cover lost wages after a serious bike accident. While one may automatically think auto insurance only covers car accidents, the truth is much different. Learn how auto insurance can help take care of your damages following a bike accident.
What Causes Bike Accidents?
With millions of bikes across the country and more people in urban centers turning to bike transportation, it should come as no surprise that bike accidents are common. One study found some 45,000 bike accidents reported in 2015 alone – and that doesn’t account for the ones that go unreported. Many accidents are caused by:
- Inattentive drivers
- Dilapidated sidewalks
- Poorly marked bike lanes
Because bikes are not enclosed, injuries in biking accidents can be serious and expenses high. Insurance can truly be a lifesaver in the wake of such an accident, but only if you know how to take advantage of it.
Can Auto Insurance Cover Bike Accidents?
Fortunately, auto insurance definitely covers injuries in an accident involving a bike – with a few caveats. For one, the accident has to involve at least one automobile. Additionally, the at-fault party has to carry personal injury protection insurance, also sometimes called med-pay. If both requirements are met, you simply need to file claim against the at-fault party and you should be on the way to getting the compensation you need.
When Doesn’t Auto Insurance Cover Bike Accidents?
There are some exceptions to using auto insurance in the case of a bike accident. As mentioned above, there must be a car involved and personal injury protection in place. If those requirements aren’t met, don’t expect to get compensation. Further, while many insurance companies may want to settle rather than go to court, others will require that you prove negligence on the part of the insured before providing coverage.
Each year, thousands of bike riders suffer broken bones, head injuries and other potentially expensive injuries due to cycling accidents. Don’t let medical expenses make a bad situation worse. If you’re coping with medical bills and lost wages due to a bike accident, don’t hesitate to call a bike accident lawyer in Salt Lake City, UT sooner rather than later and get your just desserts.
Thanks to Rasmussen & Miner for their insight into personal injury claims and using auto insurance for a bike accident.