There are a few scenarios involved when talking about car insurance and bicycle accidents. First, you can be injured by a car while riding your bicycle. Or you might injure someone on a bicycle while driving your car. You can also damage someone’s car with your bicycle. Furthermore, someone’s bicycle might damage your car. Because this is such a complex matter, we will break it down by section.
What to Do if a Car Injures You While You Are Riding a Bicycle
If you are riding your bicycle and a car injures you, the driver’s insurance would be responsible for paying for the damage. If the at-fault driver’s insurance does not pay for medical bills and property damages, you might be able to bring forward a personal injury lawsuit. A lawyer who specializes in bicycle accidents can be an invaluable resource to you in this situation.
What to Do if You Injure a Bicyclist with Your Car
If you are driving and hit a bicyclist with your car, there are a few things you should do. First, you should call the police and have a detailed report made about what caused the accident. You should contact your car insurance company to find out if they will cover the costs associated with the accident; many policies include this type of coverage.
What to Do if a Bicycle Damages Your Car
While it is more likely that a car would damage a bicycle, there are times that a bike can get out of control and damage a car. In this case, the owner of the bicycle will be responsible for paying for the damages. If he or she has insurance coverage on his or her bike, they may use that for assistance. Otherwise, you might be able to bring forward a personal injury suit.
What to Do if You Damage Someone’s Car with Your Bicycle
If your bicycle damages someone else’s car, you will be responsible for paying for the damages. If you know that you will be using your bicycle as a regular method of transportation, it is a good idea to get it insured on your car insurance policy if possible. Shop around with different insurance agencies to find one that will insure your bike; it likely will not add a lot to your monthly premiums.
Dealing with bicycle accidents and car insurance can be confusing, so a thorough discussion with your insurance agent about what your policy covers is essential. If you find yourself in a sticky situation, a lawyer, like a bike accident attorney from Barry P. Goldberg, can be your best resource.