If your car strikes a cyclist, you could be responsible for any harm and losses the victim sustains. You should be ready to defend your rights, understand your insurance coverage, and familiarize yourself with the rules governing bicycle regulations in your state and town in addition to recovering from the incident.
In general, cyclists are allowed to ride on public streets without bike lanes. The same laws and regulations that apply to other vehicles must be observed by cyclists in order to share the road safely with automobiles. However, before riding on a road, cyclists are not obliged to pass any sort of certification exam. Think about your legal rights and options if you hit a cyclist with your car.
Share-the-Lane Rules and Requirements
Ideally, cyclists and drivers would share the same public roads, but this is not always the case. The victim of a car accident involving a bike may seek compensation for anything from personal injuries to property damage. A beneficiary or a relative of the victim could file a wrongful death claim in the case of a tragedy. Keep share-the-lane legislation in mind as bicycle use increases to avoid accidents.
Know Your Legal Options and Rights Following a Bicycle Accident
The cyclist who is hurt in the collision may sustain significant injuries and financial losses if you hit them with your car. You must be aware of the laws and guidelines governing bicycle riding as a motorist if you want to keep everyone else on the road safe. However, you might find it advantageous to your case to seek the help of a legal specialist who is knowledgeable about bicycle legislation.
When you crash into a cyclist with your car, bicycle accident lawyers are the best option to defend your legal rights. They will discuss your legal options, go over the legislation governing bicycle accidents and give you advice on how to proceed following an accident. Calling our office to schedule a free consultation is not a problem.
Cycling Is Permitted on Public Roads, and All Traffic Regulations Apply
- A bicycle may use the complete traffic lane and share it with no more than one other bicycle.
- Passing a bicycle requires at least three feet of space.
- When changing lanes, both vehicles and cyclists are obliged to utilize signals; cyclists will often use hand signals.
- On the road, keep a safe distance from bicycles, and when parked, keep an eye out for them before opening the doors.
Cycling-Related Personal Injury Claims
The victim of a bicycle accident in the US has four years following the accident to file a personal injury claim. It's crucial for both you and the victim to defend your rights and return to your regular life.
Unfortunately, injuries or losses of all kinds can arise from bike accidents. Following an accident, cyclists frequently sustain the following types of wounds:
- Trauma to the head or brain
- Nerve damage
- Rough skin
- Spine-related injuries
- Shattered or broken bones
The list of injuries that a cyclist may sustain after an accident is not exhaustive, and each situation is different. However, there is a good possibility that a cyclist's injury is serious if they make any sort of claim following an accident. In the event of a bicycle accident, you might be held accountable for any of the following losses:
- Medical emergency evaluations.
- Surgery as an outcome of the accident.
- Cost of prescription drugs following the accident.
- Physiotherapy.
- Hospital expenses.
- Costs of ongoing care.
- X-rays.
- Casts.
- Termination of employment.
- Loss of employability.
This is not a complete list of expenses a cyclist might incur after seeking medical attention for injuries sustained in an accident. The burden of demonstrating your negligence in the accident will be on the cyclist, but given the likelihood of injuries for cyclists in an accident, even the slightest bit of carelessness can have major repercussions.
Assemble Evidence
Take pictures of any damage to your bike and automobile. If you can, take pictures of any obvious wounds the cyclist has. Look around to see if someone is available and willing to serve as a witness. Note the date, the time, the weather, and any additional elements that may have contributed to the incident.
Auto Insurance
Even if you have no intention of filing a claim, you must notify your insurance as soon as possible. The majority of insurance contracts require you to notify your insurers whenever you are involved in an accident of any kind. Your coverage could be void if you neglect to inform your insurer.
Does Hitting a Cyclist Affect Your Insurance Cost?
Your insurer may have a different answer, but the most likely one is yes. However, if the claim is settled in the cyclist's favor, this will almost surely result in higher premiums. If the cyclist is found to be at fault in the collision, the rise in premium may not be that significant or you may not see any increase at all. Your insurance price may be impacted if the accident results in any driving convictions.
It shows that you're not the safest of drivers if you cause an accident. You will be seen as a higher risk by your insurers, and this will be reflected in the cost of your premiums.
However, you must inform your insurance company in any case. Don't be tempted to withhold any information from your insurers; doing so is not a good idea.
Is Hitting a Cyclist Covered by Auto Insurance?
Will the cyclist's insurance cover any damages to your automobile that result from the collision?
It is quite doubtful that the biker will be covered by insurance, which would pay for any injuries or damage. A biker may be covered for personal liability under some home insurance policies, although this is not required by law.
The possibility exists that the cyclist will file a lawsuit against you. This is why having comprehensive auto insurance that includes legal protection is beneficial. Your legal fees and other costs associated with claims and disputes will be covered by this.
No comments yet