Posted in Wisconsin Workers Compensation Related News
Personal Injury Lawyer
Bike riding can be fun, affordable and freeing – but it can also be risky. Threats can come from distracted drivers, poorly maintained sidewalks and even weather. Unfortunately, because bikes are not enclosed like vehicles, injuries can be serious, with potential for extensive medical costs and even lost wages. The good news is that there are just as many ways to get coverage for expenses following a bike accident as there are following an automobile or any other type of personal injury accident. Here are three ways you can seek compensation if you’re involved in a bike accident.
How Common Are Bike Accidents?
Bike accidents are incredibly common. One 2015 study uncovered some 45,000 reported bicycle accidents in the US, with fatalities up 12 percent from the previous year. While only a fraction of these involve automobiles, the resulting injuries can still be serious. Common injuries include:
- Broken limbs
- Head and neck injuries
- Nerve damage
These injuries can bring with them heavy medical costs and lost time at work. Given the stakes, it’s best for frequent bike riders to know their options in the wake of an accident.
Tap Your Homeowner’s Insurance
It may come as a surprise, but the typical homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy can cover bike accidents. Bikes and bike-related activities usually fall under personal property clauses of these policies. So if you are injured, even if it’s your fault, one of the first places to call is your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy provider.
Consider Your Health Insurance
Health insurance is designed to cover your personal injuries no matter what the cause, and that includes injuries that occur while riding a bike. This includes personal injury protection (PIP) and medical payments (MedPay) insurance plans, which many mistakenly think only cover automobile accidents. In fact, these insurance plans typically provide coverage if you’re cycling as well as if you’re taking public transit or even walking.
File Against Auto Insurance
Though just a fraction of bike accidents involve motor vehicles, they are typically some of the most devastating incidents. If you are involved in a biking accident with a car driven by a negligent motorist, you are entitled to compensation by their auto insurer.
Riding a bike is an enjoyable and typically uneventful activity. But when things take a turn, you should know your options. Try the above or talk to a bicycle accident lawyer in Salt Lake City, UT if you want to learn more about getting what you deserve after a bike accident.
Thanks to Rasmussen & Miner for their insight into personal injury claims and sources of compensation for a bike accident.
