Bicycle Accident Lawyer
5 Questions You Should Have Answered About Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accident injuries can range from a bruise to a traumatic brain injury to a severed leg. When you’re involved in an accident, you might begin to wonder how you’re going to pay for the medical bills and property damage. The following are some questions you’ll probably want answered.
1. Does Car Insurance Cover Bicycle Accidents?
If you are hit by a car while riding a bike, the driver’s auto insurance should cover your injuries and property damage. This is only if the driver is properly insured, however. There’s a chance the driver doesn’t have insurance or is underinsured and in that case, your own auto insurance could actually cover your accident. If you’re properly insured, your auto insurance should contain something called “underinsured or uninsured motorist” coverage. Using this can help you get your injuries and damages paid for.
2. Can I Sue the Driver?
When you’re hit by someone driving a car, there are many instances in which you could sue the driver of the car. Not every case is as black and white as some, so you may need to dig up some serious evidence, but there are a lot in which the bicyclist is the obvious victim. Your lawyer can help you put together a case against the driver so you can sue for proper compensation.
3. Can I Use My Personal Health Insurance Coverage?
While you’re waiting for compensation, you can typically use your personal health coverage to pay for your medical expenses. Many health insurance providers will place a lien on your settlement, however, so it’s important you inform the insurer of your lawsuit.
4. Is There Such Thing as Bicycle Insurance?
There is something called bicycle insurance, but it is only recommended if your bike is worth over $1,000. By purchasing a bike insurance policy, you have full protection to replace your bike if you are in an accident, but the medical coverage may not be as great. You might be left searching for another avenue to cover your medical bills.
5. Is the Bicyclist Ever at Fault?
In many bicycle accident cases, the driver of the car is found to be at fault, but that’s not the case for every accident. Bicyclists can be found at fault in certain situations. This might include the bicyclist darting out into an intersection on a red light or illegally crossing lanes.
Should I Seek Advice From a Lawyer?
Being involved in a bicycle accident is inevitably going to cause some financial issues. If you’re worried about whether to seek compensation and what you may be entitled to, get in touch with a bicycle accident lawyer in Rapid City, SD from a firm like The Law Offices of Clayborne, Loos & Sabers LLP for further assistance.