What happens if you are involved in a bike accident in South Florida and suffer a serious injury? If you were hit by a car, truck, or other motorized vehicle – whose insurance company is responsible? What if no one was at fault? Unfortunately, in South Florida, bicycle accidents happen all too frequently. It pays to be aware of the details of how insurance coverage works after a bicycle or pedestrian accident. It does not always work the way most people think it works. Hiring a South Florida personal injury lawyer that specializes in bike, pedestrian and vehicle accidents helps you maximize your recovery and utilize all available insurance. Contact us at Weinstein & Cohen for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Bike Accident Statistics
Commuting to work on a bicycle or just riding for pleasure are both excellent ways to increase physical fitness and reduce your carbon footprint. Unfortunately, bike accidents occurred with some frequency in 2020, although traffic volume was lighter due to the pandemic. In 2019, bicyclists’ deaths accounted for 2% of all traffic fatalities involving motor vehicles. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reported 417,485 emergency department-treated injuries resulting from bicycles and bike accessories in that year. (As referenced in a National Safety Council article.)
Does Car Insurance Cover Bicycle Accidents?
The quick answer is yes. Drivers of cars, trucks and other motor vehicles are responsible for their actions. A driver’s car insurance carrier is responsible for damages caused to victims of a bicycle accident when the covered driver is the cause of the accident. If you have car insurance, that insurance may cover you if you’re struck by a vehicle while you’re riding your bike or even when you’re a pedestrian. A little-known fact is that if you are on a bike or walking and are hurt by a vehicle, you are required to use your own car insurance for your medical bills before using your health insurance. Failure to submit the claims to the correct insurance can lead to delays and denials of coverage. Your attorney can work with you on this to make sure things are submitted properly.
What Should you do if You’re Involved in a Bicycle Accident?
If you’re seriously injured, receiving prompt medical attention should be the priority. If there is even the slightest doubt as to how badly you are hurt, call for Fire Rescue and wait for them to arrive. Even if you’re injuries are manageable, here are some actionable tips you can take while on the scene. Responding correctly can help support your claim.
- Call 911 or have someone else make the call if you are unable to make sure a report is made and the correct information is collected.
- Remain at the scene until the police arrive and you’ve spoken with them. Even if the accident is minor, consider being checked for injuries as sometimes it may be hours or days until injuries become apparent.
- Don’t discuss what happened with the driver of the vehicle or anyone else involved in the accident. Only speak with law enforcement or your attorney initially.
- If the police are not called to the scene, be sure to get the contact information from the driver of the vehicle and all available witnesses.
- If your condition allows, take photos of yourself, the accident scene and any injuries sustained.
- Never sign any type of agreement presented by an insurance company without first consulting with your attorney.
Were You in a Bicycle Accident?
At Weinstein & Cohen, we have more than 50 years of combined experience fighting for accident victim’s rights. Bicycle accidents is a specialty practice of ours. Our experienced Miami and Naples accident attorneys at Weinstein & Cohen will put your priorities first. If you or someone you care about has been injured or involved in a bike or pedestrian accident across South Florida or Southwest Florida, contact the accident lawyers and Miami and Naples personal injury attorneys at Weinstein & Cohen at 305-374-1011 or 239-793-3331, or visit fairnessforall.com for an absolutely free legal consultation to learn more about your options.
