What you’ll learn in this article:
- What bike insurance is and what it covers
- What insurance covers you if you are at fault for a bicycle accident
- Other insurance options available for bicycle accidents
- Steps to take following a bicycle accident
As bicycling gains in popularity as more than just a form of recreation, many questions are being raised about how insurance works for bike accidents. Unfortunately, there still isn’t an entirely straightforward answer as it can depend on who was at fault for the accident and what exactly happened.
That said, bike insurance is available and it may be worth considering if you are an avid cyclist and use your bike to commute. However, there are also other options for coverage if you get into an accident, which we’ll get into below.
If you are injured in a bicycle accident in Kentucky and have questions or need help filing a claim, our team can assist you. At McCoy & Sparks, our Kentucky bicycle accident lawyers have years of experience handling complex bicycle accident cases. We are dedicated to helping our clients recover the full and fair compensation they deserve for the damages they have suffered.
Is There Such a Thing As Bike Accident Insurance Coverage?
While people have been riding bikes for years for many reasons — recreation, exercise, commuting — it is becoming increasingly popular as cities become more bike-friendly. People are also riding bicycles more these days to save money and to be more environmentally conscious. For these reasons, we are starting to see insurance companies pop up specifically aimed at providing insurance for bicyclists.
Despite what you might think, bicycle insurance does cover more than just the cost of a damaged bike. These new bike insurance companies also provide coverage for medical expenses and even liability coverage. However, no two insurance companies are the same, so it’s always wise to do your research to ensure the policy you are signing up for is providing you with the coverage you need.
In general, many of the bike insurance companies that are available work with something known as MedPay to provide medical coverage if you are injured in a bike accident. MedPay can cover things like doctor’s visits, hospital bills, medical equipment, and rehabilitation. Essentially anything medical-related should be covered depending on the policy limits, which typically range between $5,000 and $50,000.
Bike insurance also often includes liability coverage in case you cause an accident. Liability coverage will cover the other person’s damages, like their injuries and medical expenses if you are at fault. Coverage limits can also vary but typically start at around $10,000.
Some examples of bike accident insurance companies that are available today include:
What Insurance Covers a Bike Hitting a Car?
If you are the one at fault, meaning you’re on your bike when you hit another car or another cyclist or pedestrian, you will need to turn to your homeowners or renters insurance if you have it.
Most homeowners and renters insurance policies come with personal liability coverage. If you have one of these policies, it will likely cover the injuries and damages the other person suffers as a result of you hitting them with your bike.
If you were at fault and sustained injuries, damage to your bike may be covered under your renters or homeowners insurance if you added a specific insurance rider to cover your bike on your policy. However, your injuries will not be covered through this policy and you will either need your health insurance or bike insurance to cover your medical expenses.
Other Options for Bike Accident Insurance Coverage
If another cyclist or pedestrian is at fault for your bike accident, their homeowners or renters insurance policy could cover your injuries and damages if they have it. If a driver is at fault for hitting you while you were riding your bike, you could file a claim against their auto insurance, and their liability coverage should cover your damages. You could also potentially file a lawsuit against the driver depending on the circumstances and the severity of your injuries.
Filing an Insurance Claim for a Bike Accident
If you intend to file a bicycle-car accident claim or any other kind of claim involving a bike accident, you should take certain steps to ensure the best possible outcome for your case.
- Call 911 and report the accident.
- Request emergency medical services for yourself or anyone else who was injured.
- Take pictures and videos of the accident, the damages, the injuries, and anything else that seems relevant to show what happened.
- Keep copies of any medical documents related to the treatment of your bike accident injuries.
- File a claim with the appropriate insurance company depending on who was at fault and what insurance options you have available.
- Contact a lawyer to help you build a strong case and ensure you are fairly compensated for the damages you have suffered.
Trust McCoy & Sparks—Premier Personal Injury Attorneys in Central Kentucky
If you’ve been injured in a bike accident in Kentucky and need assistance with your claim, we are here to help. We can offer you guidance and help you understand your options, as well as handle negotiations with the insurance companies involved to ensure you are fully and fairly compensated for your damages.
Recognized as one of Central Kentucky’s best law firms, McCoy & Sparks represents thousands of clients in Central Kentucky. You owe us nothing unless we win your case. Call us at (844) 4KY-WINS for a risk-free consultation with one of our bicycle accident attorneys today.