If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, you may be wondering if your medical treatment will be covered by insurance. As a bike accident attorney like one from Barry P. Goldberg can explain, the answer is a bit complex and normally depends upon the circumstances in which the incident occurred. Keep reading for a synopsis of what to do after a cycling injury.
What Type of Insurance Covers Bicycle Accidents?
Depending upon the specific situation, cycling collisions could be covered by several types of insurance. Incidents in which a car strikes a bike rider are typically covered by the at-fault party’s auto insurance policy. In accidents where the biker is at fault, your personal liability coverage on a home or renter’s policy may pay for damages and injuries. Additionally, collisions involving a bike and pedestrians or two bicycles could be covered by the at-fault party’s home or renter’s liability insurance coverage. Each party’s health insurance may cover medical costs, depending on the circumstances and other insurance policies held by the individuals.
What Should I Do After a Cycling Collision?
In the immediate aftermath of any accident, you should attend to everyone’s medical needs. If you or someone else is injured, seek medical attention. After ensuring all parties are medically stable, it is crucial to exchange information with one another. This means sharing names, addresses, contact information and insurance details with all individuals involved. Further, take photographs of the scene of the crash, damage to property and all injuries sustained. It is also wise to file a police report to officially document the accident.
Once you have exchanged your details with the other parties involved, see a physician. Even if you don’t think you’ve been seriously injured, it can be beneficial to have an official record in case you later develop medical issues related to the accident.
Next, you will need to determine if you ought to file a claim with your insurance company. This will depend on who was the party responsible for the incident. If the other party was at fault, his or her insurance company may cover your expenses. If the accident was your fault, you may want to file a claim with your own insurance company to cover related expenses.
When Should I File a Lawsuit?
When you have been seriously injured in a bicycle accident in which the other party was at fault, contact an attorney to help you determine if you could be entitled to some compensation for your injuries.