Does Auto Insurance Cover Bicycle Accidents?
September 24, 2024 in Blog
If you’ve been hit by a car while riding a bike, you may wonder how you’ll ever cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. One common question in these situations is whether auto insurance will cover the costs associated with a bicycle accident.
Below, the experienced personal injury attorneys at Sullivan Papain Block McManus Coffinas & Cannavo explain how auto insurance works in these cases and how to make the aftermath of a bicycle accident run more smoothly.
How Auto Insurance Applies to Bicycle Accidents
In New York, when a car strikes a cyclist the driver’s auto insurance can be held liable. New York is a no-fault state, meaning that regardless of who is responsible for the accident, the injured party can file a claim with the driver’s insurance for medical expenses and lost wages. So, if you’ve been injured while riding your bike, you’ll likely file a claim under the driver’s No Fault or personal injury protection (PIP) coverage.
State minimum No Fault coverage is designed to pay promptly, regardless of who is at fault or whether there was any negligence, for economic losses up to $50,000 per person.
What Happens If the Driver Is Uninsured or Underinsured?
If you or someone in your household owns a car and you’re involved in a bicycle accident where your injuries exceed the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage, you may be able to file a claim against your own auto policy. This coverage, known as Supplemental Underinsured Motorist (SUM) coverage, protects you and others living in your household when the other driver’s insurance is less than your SUM coverage.
In New York, adding a SUM endorsement is relatively inexpensive, especially given the protection it offers and the frequency of bicycle accidents.
What If the Accident Was a Hit-and-Run?
Hit-and-run accidents can be particularly frustrating. If the driver responsible for the accident flees the scene there may be no immediate way to recover damages.
In New York, cyclists injured in a hit-and-run accident may be able to rely on their own uninsured motorist coverage if they have auto insurance. Consulting with bicycle accident attorneys can help you understand whether this coverage is available in your situation, and they can assist with filing a claim to recover your losses.
Additionally, if you do not own a car and therefore don’t carry auto insurance, you may be eligible for compensation through the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC). MVAIC helps victims of hit-and-run accidents in New York who cannot recover damages through standard insurance channels.
If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident, auto insurance can cover many of the resulting expenses, particularly if a car was involved. In situations where the driver is uninsured or it was a hit-and-run, you may still have options through your own insurance policy or other compensation programs.
Working with an experienced bicycle accident attorney is key. If you need legal guidance after an accident, contact the best personal injury lawyers in NYC at SPBMCC to pursue compensation today.
Contact an Experienced Bicycle Accident Attorney at SPBMCC Today
Sullivan Papain Block McManus Coffinas & Cannavo P.C. is a reputable, full-service personal injury law firm specializing in various areas. Our dedicated litigation support teams are committed to vigorously representing clients in personal injury cases, 9/11-related illnesses, firefighter accidents, car accidents, construction accidents, premises liability, and medical malpractice across New York City, Long Island, Nassau, Suffolk counties, and New Jersey. Contact us today to learn more about our firm or schedule a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.