Bike and pedestrian accidents can leave you facing unexpected medical bills and other challenges. If you’ve been hit by a car while walking or cycling, you might wonder whether your car insurance offers any protection. Your policy may cover your injuries, even if you weren’t behind the wheel at the time of the accident. Understanding how uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, medical payments, and personal injury protection apply in these situations can be key to managing the aftermath of a serious accident.
Does Car Insurance Cover You as a Pedestrian or Cyclist?
If you’re hit by a car as a pedestrian or cyclist, your car insurance might offer coverage, even though you weren’t driving at the time. In California, uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage can help cover your medical expenses if the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance or enough coverage. This protection often extends to incidents where you’re on foot or riding a bike, not just when you’re behind the wheel.
Personal injury protection (PIP) or medical payments (MedPay) coverage, if included in your policy, could help pay for your medical bills regardless of who was at fault. While these policies are typically thought of as applying to car accidents, they often cover pedestrians and cyclists.
It’s important to review the specific details of your policy to understand what’s covered. If you’re uncertain, reaching out to your insurance provider can clarify whether your policy includes these protections in case of a bike or pedestrian accident.
How to Deal with Insurance Companies After a Bike or Pedestrian Accident
Dealing with insurance companies after a bike or pedestrian accident can feel overwhelming, but being prepared can make the process smoother. Here are a few steps to help you handle your claim effectively:
- Report the accident promptly: Notify both your own insurance company and the at-fault driver’s insurer as soon as possible.
- Document everything: Take pictures of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to your bike or personal belongings. Keep copies of medical bills, police reports, and witness information.
- Be cautious with statements: Insurance adjusters may ask for a recorded statement. Stick to the facts and avoid speculating about fault or the extent of your injuries.
- Seek legal guidance if needed: If you face resistance or complicated policies, consider consulting a lawyer to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Challenges You May Face with Insurance Companies
After a bike or pedestrian accident, dealing with insurance companies can be frustrating. Insurance adjusters often look for ways to reduce the amount they have to pay, even when you’re clearly the victim. One common challenge is having them argue that you were partially or fully at fault for the accident, especially in cases involving cyclists or pedestrians. This concept, called comparative negligence, can significantly lower your settlement.
Another issue is delays in processing your claim. Insurance companies may drag their feet, hoping you’ll accept a lower settlement just to resolve the matter quickly. You might also encounter lowball offers that don’t fully cover your medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
Finally, some insurers may question the severity of your injuries or claim they don’t fall under your policy’s coverage. This is why it’s critical to be prepared and vigilant when dealing with insurance companies after an accident.
How We Can Help You
At Casper, Meadows, Schwartz & Cook, we understand how overwhelming it can be to deal with the aftermath of a bike or pedestrian accident. Our experienced team can help you navigate the complexities of insurance claims and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We handle negotiations with insurance companies and, if necessary, will take your case to court to protect your rights.
Contact an Experienced Walnut Creek Bicycle and Pedestrian Accident Attorney
If you’ve been injured in a bike or pedestrian accident, don’t wait. Contact Casper, Meadows, Schwartz & Cook today for a free consultation, and let us help you secure the justice you deserve. We’re here to fight for you.