If you get in an accident with a bicycle, your first thought (after making sure the bicyclist is okay) is about insurance. Does auto insurance cover a bicycle accident, and if so, to what extent? Fortunately, bikes are treated almost the exact same as vehicles on the road. If you are riding and get struck by a car, you can probably make a claim with the driver’s auto insurance. The rule of thumb is that as long as a vehicle is involved in the accident, auto insurance will cover it. Here’s what you need to know about collisions between bikes and cars.
Criteria
To determine whether your case can make a claim to auto insurance, there are really only two factors you need to consider. The first is if the accident involved a vehicle. If you are biking and get in a crash with another bike, auto insurance will not apply. It must be a car-on-bike collision. The second factor is if you have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) in your auto insurance. This can cover damages and costs of medical bills if you are injured in an accident with a car while riding.
Negligence
In all collision situations, someone is probably at fault for causing the accident. The hardest part can sometimes be proving who was responsible and therefore liable. Occasionally, both parties are partially responsible for the accident, but you must have proof that this is the case. If you were on a bicycle, you still need to provide evidence that the driver caused the accident if you want to get compensated from their auto insurance.
Evidence
Examples of necessary evidence include photos of the accident, witness statements, doctor’s reports, police reports and your own notes about what happened. You should collect all of this at the scene of the accident and record bills related to your injuries. These can be used to prove who was at fault and show how much compensation you deserve. The responding police officer will often make a decision on who is liable for the accident, but insurance companies hire their own investigators, and they may come to a different conclusion. This is why having your own evidence is crucial.
If you were in a crash that involved a bicycle and you aren’t sure if you’re covered, contact a car accident lawyer, like from John K. Zaid & Associates. They can tell you how your insurance plays into the case and who you can make a claim with.
