If you or someone you know has been involved in a bicycle accident, it is important to understand the insurance coverage available for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering damages. Understanding your legal rights, insurance coverage and how they apply to the facts of your bicycle accident are critical to protecting your interests. Insurance companies have very little duty to be honest about your rights to file claims which may leave you lost with no opportunity to seek payment for medical bills, lost wages and other damages. In this article, we will discuss the different types of insurance coverage that may apply to a bicycle accident in Colorado.
At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Coverage
In Colorado, drivers are required to carry minimum insurance coverage, which includes bodily injury liability of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, as well as property damage liability of $15,000 per accident. If a bicyclist is injured due to the negligence of another driver, they may be able to recover compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier.
It is important to report the incident to either your personal auto insurance carrier or the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier. However, we recommend seeking assistance from our skilled Denver bicycle accident attorneys, as these claims can become complicated, especially if the insurance carrier does not offer a fair settlement. In such cases, filing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver may be necessary.
If a motorist injured you in an accident caused by their negligence, your accident and injury claim will proceed like most car accident claims. The auto insurance company will investigate the claim, evaluate liability and what they believe the claim is worth. Unlike the typical collision liability claim our Denver car accident lawyers handle, bicycle accident claims can be more difficult to negotiate with the insurance company. Often adjusters treat bicycle accident claims as partially or completely the fault of the bicyclist, no matter the facts. Additionally, there is often little damage to the car involved so they are more likely to challenge liability by disputing your explanation of how the accident occurred. There is a greater probability that your case will require a personal injury lawsuit to seek fair compensation.
Bicyclist’s Insurance Coverage
A bicyclist may also be able to recover compensation by turning to their own auto insurance carrier. This can happen in a few ways. If the at-fault driver is uninsured, the bicyclist can use their uninsured motorist coverage, which typically pays for at least $25,000 worth of medical bills per incident. It is important to ensure that your auto insurance policy includes uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
Medical payments, also known as MedPay, can also be included in an auto insurance plan, although it is not required. This coverage allows a person to recover compensation from their own insurance carrier for some of their medical bills, without having to determine liability.
If a bicyclist does not have auto insurance and is injured in a bicycle accident not caused by another driver, they may be able to turn to their personal medical insurance. Additionally, you may have homeowner’s or renter’s insurance that may cover some or all of your property claim for bike damage and bodily injury damages. It is important to check with all of your insurance policies to see if bicycle accident injuries are covered. If you carry bicycle insurance, you may have coverage for damage to your bike and to cover your bodily injuries.
What if another bicyclist caused my bicycle accident?
If your bicycle accident involves only bicycles, instead of a car versus bicycle crash, auto insurance policies typically will not apply. You may need to rely upon your personal policies to cover your damages. If another bicyclist’s negligent riding caused your damages, you may be able to pursue other policies owned by the negligent cyclist. These claims are often difficult to pursue because it requires investigation and experience to track down potentially applicable insurance coverage. Our experienced bike accident lawyers can evaluate your claim and complete this investigation.
Working with an Attorney
In Colorado, it is essential for bicycle accident victims to contact a Denver bicycle accident attorney immediately, so that their lawyer can begin gathering evidence to prove liability. An experienced attorney can help you recover compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering damages, property damage expenses, lost wages, and more.
Conclusion
Understanding the different types of insurance coverage available for bicycle accidents in Colorado can help you recover the compensation you deserve. Whether you turn to the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier, your own auto insurance carrier, or your personal medical insurance, seeking assistance from a skilled personal injury lawyer is crucial to ensure a fair settlement. Contact our experienced Denver lawyers today to discuss your bike accident case.
