We live in a world where accidents can happen at any time. According to a trend report by IIHS-HLDI, 961 cyclists died in accidents with more vehicles in 2021! Being prepared and having sound knowledge about accidents has become crucial.
Motor vehicle owners and cyclists navigate the roads each day, and there is one question they should ask. Does auto insurance include coverage for bicycle accidents? Let’s answer this question and help you understand the significant aspects of bicycle accidents. Fasten your seatbelts and secure your helmets as we analyze the insurance policies surrounding bicycle accidents!
Insurance Policy Coverage For Bicycle Accidents
A bicycle incident may come with a complicated aftermath for the injured party. Here, understanding associated insurance policies that may provide coverage becomes crucial. This section will tell you about available insurance options and related data, helping you make an informed decision.
Motorist Coverage Policies
PIP claims may include medical fees from the driver’s end. However, if a car driver is a part of a bicycle accident and does not have car insurance, Uninsured Motorist Coverage can help the victim. This policy holds maximum value with hit-and-run incidents.
Health Insurance Policies
Bicycle victims need immediate medical attention. If they have medical insurance, their medical costs can be covered. When cyclists face uninsured or financial weakness, they can seek assistance from the accused driver to pay their medical bills.
You should ensure that you have medical insurance and it is up to date with documents for personal safety.
Homeowners Insurance (Renters Insurance)
A bicycle victim who has undergone an accident may have Homeowner’s Insurance. They can use it to mitigate their financial liability. This insurance scheme covers property damage and may include bike loss, third-party property damages, etc.
If the cyclist is at fault, they can use this scheme to protect themselves from potential accidents.
Car Insurance and PIP
Full-coverage car insurance includes Personal Injury Protection (PIP). The PIP policy is compulsory in multiple states, like Florida. The driver gets PIP coverage of $10,000 and more. This amount can cover minor accident claims, allowing you to settle them without court involvement. When bicycle accidents happen, the victim can file a claim from the vehicle driver. The accused party may have to cover damages and other additional costs.
Consider All Costs After a Bicycle Accident
A bicycle accident, or any accident in general, becomes costly for the involved parties. The victim should consider all expenses and understand how to cover them. This section will give you strength on how to deal with an accident and what costs to consider!
An injury may range from mental trauma and minor wounds to considerable damages.
Emergency Care And Initial Medical Expenses
The cyclist in an accident needs immediate medical attention. Emergency room expenses, tests, initial doctor consultations, and related costs fall into this category. One also has to cover incurred injuries and ambulance fees, if any.
Doctor Visits After First-Aid
Aftercare is essential after every accident and injury. One should consider the cost of a follow-up doctor visit after a bicycle accident. A medical history with sustained medical issues additionally contributes to medical expenses.
Medical costs
Doctors prescribe medicines for pain, recovery, and treatment. While this expense may seem negligible, patients tend to spend thousands on prescribed medicines after every injury. An effective recovery is significant, and medical costs contributing to it cannot be ignored.
Tools For Recovery
Bicycles are usually on the weak end of the accident spectrum. They may sustain fractures and other physical injuries. The cost of braces, crutches, and other mobility aids adds to an already expensive medical bill.
Challenges At Work
The victims have to take leave from their work to recover from the accident. Although some companies may consider sick leaves, other victims have to suffer.
Legal Fees
Legal fees become an additional factor when the driver refuses to cover for the victim or hit-and-run incidents occur.
Recovering financially from a bicycle accident
Bicycle accidents have far-reaching consequences that last a long time. While physical implications are significant, financial recovery becomes difficult for many. Here’s what you should do to recover from a financial emergency after a bicycle accident!
- Document the accident with the required details. Include the accident date, time, location, and involved parties.
- Prioritize your health and ensure swift recovery. Establish a medical record for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
- Gather necessary evidence about the accident. Find photographs, CCTV footage, proof of damaged property, and images of visible injuries.
- Report the accident to the authorities for ideal law enforcement policies to implement. Make sure to get a copy of all records.
- Finally, contact your insurance provider and inform them about the accident.
- Give them the required documents, police reports, and medical records. Help them understand insurance coverage and claim policies for effective financial recovery.
- Find accident liability that affects the compensation matrix.
- Seek legal assistance in case of disputes. Getting guidance from a professional is significant.
- Create and regularly update the record of expenses after the accident.
- Negotiate a deal with your insurance company and the accused driver.
Conclusion
Knowledge is the key to preparedness. You shall understand the importance of getting insurance for your vehicle. Additionally, added safety while driving and becoming an informed citizen protects you from potential accidents.
Browsing your way through an accident may seem complex. Try Beem, an AI-powered platform that allows users to shop for multiple insurance options quickly. Beem is your financial safety net in emergencies and for insurance and funds. Explore this platform today and move towards the safety lane now!
FAQs
What Is the Most Common Bicycle Injury?
Some typical bicycle injuries include crashes and overuse. Crashes, like fractures to arms and legs, can cause severe pain, which can result in doctor appointments, bandages, and operations. Overuse injuries, like knee pain, are frequent among cyclists due to repetitive motion.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents?
Driver negligence, failure to yield, and unsafe roads contribute to bicycle accidents. These neglections can lead to collisions with motor vehicles and cause major bicycle accidents. Cyclists can also get injured due to equipment failures, road hazards, or bad weather. Maintaining road safety can help everyone remain safe, especially those more vulnerable to accidents.
What Happens If You Hit a Cyclist With Your Car?
One should prioritize the safety requirements of the victim and take them to a hospital for immediate care when they hit a cyclist with their car. You shall find the victim’s emergency details and exchange insurance information.
