What to Do If You Are Hit by a Car While Bicycling?
Bicyclers may think they are ok after being hit by a car. A recent article on Active.com discusses a case involving Seattle attorney John Duggan, who was struck while riding his bicycle. He thought he was unharmed and didn’t know who was at fault for the accident, so he and the driver parted ways. A half-mile down the road, Duggan started experiencing severe pain and had to go to the emergency room with wrist and shoulder injuries.
Steps You Should Take If Hit on Your Bicycle
Contact the police as soon as possible after an accident to obtain reliable documentation of the accident and its cause, which will be helpful for insurance claims or if a personal injury lawsuit needs to be filed. Insurance claims often do not reach fair settlements for accident victims, which is when a personal injury lawyer can be beneficial.
Talk to witnesses: Any witnesses that saw the accident should be asked if they don’t mind including their recollection of the accident to the police. Witness reports can strengthen your case. Be sure to record the witness names and contact information yourself; the police often omit this information in their reports.
Get the driver’s insurance/contact information: In the story mentioned above, Duggan didn’t ask for the driver’s information because he thought he wasn’t injured and wasn’t sure if the accident was his fault. Even if you do not know it, exchange contact information in advance to address future health or insurance issues.
Get medical help: Seek medical attention as soon as possible after an accident. Even if you seem alright, you may experience delayed symptoms.
Will My Car Insurance Cover a Bicycle Accident?
Many times, your car insurance will cover damages caused by being hit by a bicycle. It depends on your insurance policy, but if it includes Personal Injury Protection Coverage(PIP), you may be covered. PIP covers damages regardless of who’s at fault, and can include coverage for lost wages in the case of an injury. Another coverage option that can help is Uninsured/Underinsured motorist coverage. With this coverage, your insurance company steps in to cover damages the other driver is liable for but cannot afford to pay. Every insurance policy is different, and you can find out by calling our office for a free review. It can be beneficial to consult a personal injury attorney with years of experience reviewing insurance policies and determining fault in accidents. Lufkin personal injury attorney Mike Love offers free policy reviews and is dedicated to challenging insurance companies to ensure they provide the minimum coverage required by law.