Car Accident Lawyer
If you have been hit by a vehicle while riding a bicycle you may have severe injuries and expensive medical bills. If the other driver was at fault for the accident, they may be liable for your damages. In most cases, if you have been hit by a motorist on a bicycle, you can file a claim with that person’s automobile insurance company.
Auto Insurance Coverage for Bicycle Accidents
There are two ways that auto insurance may cover your medical bills if you are hit by a vehicle while riding a bicycle. The first is your own insurance. Most auto insurance policies cover injuries suffered in a bicycle collision, as long as the collision was with a vehicle. However, you must have personal injury protection or medical payments coverage on your auto policy for coverage to apply.
The second way auto insurance may provide coverage for your damages is if the driver of the other vehicle was partially or completely at fault for the accident. If you can prove that the driver of the other vehicle was negligent and that negligence caused your injuries, then you may be able to collect damages from that driver’s auto insurance policy.
Proving negligence
Gather as much evidence as you can at the scene of the accident. Take photographs of your bicycle and the vehicle that hit you. Photograph the area where the accident occurred. Call the police and get a copy of the police report. Obtain the other driver’s name, contact information, insurance information and driver’s license number. Get the contact information for any passengers in the driver’s vehicle and any witnesses to the accident. Get medical treatment for your injuries. This documentation will be important for proving the value of your case.
Filing an Insurance Claim
If you have medical payments or personal injury protection on your own policy, you should file a claim with your insurance company. You will also need to file a claim with the insurance company for the at-fault driver. However, it is a good idea to speak to a lawyer before you tell the insurance company anything about the accident or your injuries.
As recommended by our friends at Hall-Justice Law Firm, the best practice is that if you have been injured in a collision while riding a bicycle, contact a lawyer. A lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company and either settle your case or pursue recovery for you in court. An experienced car accident lawyer may be able to help you establish the value of your case and avoid making any mistakes when dealing with the other party’s insurance.
