What role does insurance play in bicycle accident claims?

Insurance is a major source of compensation for people involved in a bike or e-bike accident. Depending on what happened in the bike accident, you may be eligible for compensation from the at-fault driver’s liability coverage as well as your own car insurance, homeowners or renters insurance, and medical insurance.

What Are My Insurance Options After a Bike Accident?

Your insurance options after a bike accident will depend on the nature of the accident and the parties involved. Here is a brief overview of insurance options after a bicycle or e-bike crash.

Options for Cyclists Hit by a Vehicle

If you were hit by a car, pickup, SUV, or other motor vehicle while on your bike, you can cover some of your medical bills and vehicle repairs through the at-fault driver’s auto insurance and your own car insurance.

Options for Cyclists in a Solo Accident (No Other Vehicle Involved)

If you were in a solo bike or e-bike accident that was not caused by another vehicle, you will primarily rely on your own health insurance to help cover your injuries. In addition, your homeowners or renters insurance may cover some of your vehicle damage.

Options for Cyclists in a Collision with Another Cyclist or Pedestrian

If you hit another cyclist or a pedestrian while on your bike, the liability coverage in your homeowners or renters insurance can help cover the injured party’s medical bills. If you have Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay), this may also apply.

Can My Car Insurance Help Even If I Was Riding a Bike and Not Driving?

Yes. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) in your auto insurance coverage could be used to help cover medical expenses after you’ve been in a bike or e-bike accident.

How Long Do I Have to Report a Bicycle Accident to Insurance?

It’s best to report a bike accident to your insurance provider as soon as possible, generally within 72 hours of the incident.

As noted by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), you or your insurance company will need to report a traffic accident to the DMV within 10 days if someone was injured (no matter how minor) or killed in the incident, or if property damage exceeds $1,000.

What If I Got Hurt in a Hit-and-Run Accident on My Bike?

If a driver flees the scene and cannot be identified, injured cyclists will need to rely on their insurance to help pay medical bills and assist with repairs. In these situations, MedPay and uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage can be helpful.

As noted by the California Department of Insurance, UM/UIM coverage is optional, yet it can be very helpful if you were hit by someone who lacks liability insurance or if you were in a hit-and-run.

What Should I Do If the Driver’s Policy Limits Aren’t Enough to Cover My Injuries?

Many injured cyclists have bills that exceed auto insurance coverage limits. This is particularly true if a cyclist experiences a catastrophic injury that causes long-term or permanent impairment, such as a neck or spinal cord injury (SCI) or a severe concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI).

This is when you should speak with a lawyer about your options. A skilled attorney can review your insurance coverage and the potential for filing a lawsuit, determining the best path forward given your situation.