[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Some cyclists may not realize that their own auto insurance can actually be of assistance in a bicycle accident claim. In some cases, a car insurance claim does not just protect you when you are behind the wheel of the car yourself. It can also be of use when you are struck by a car while you are riding a bicycle and suffer grievous injuries resulting in high medical bills and a long recovery time.
What are the Bicycle Accident Injuries?
The injuries suffered by a cyclist in an accident with a car can be quite serious. A bicycle-car accident insurance claim could help you pay off medical bills associated with:
- Broken or fractured bones
- Contusions
- Traumatic brain injury
- Dental fractures
- Internal bleeding
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that 783 cyclists were killed in motor vehicle crashes. Such crashes can result in as much as $10 billion in medical bills and lost productivity each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These accidents can be serious, and it may be helpful to talk to a lawyer about recovering your damages. Contact our Fort Myers personal injury attorneys for legal help at the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato.
Why Your Insurance Makes a Difference?
The insurance rules in Florida are the reason why your own insurance comes into play. Florida requires low coverage amounts and only two types of coverage: personal injury protection (PIP) and property damage liability. Additionally, a cyclist hit by a car must first go through your own insurance coverage.
There are multiple types of coverage that can help you cover your medical bills after you suffer injuries in an accident with a motor vehicle. One type of coverage is mandatory, but others are optional. If you plan to ride your bicycle a lot, it may be beneficial to closely examine your auto insurance coverage and know how you are covered if you are in an accident involving a car.
Types of Coverage That Can Help
Personal Injury Protection
According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FHSMV), PIP is mandatory for all Florida drivers and the first type of insurance coverage considered when your medical bills need to be paid. PIP covers 80 percent of medical expenses stemming from a crash, up to $10,000. This coverage kicks in regardless of who was to blame for the accident.
PIP also covers 60 percent of lost wages and can pay out a death benefit of $5,000 if the policyholder opted into such coverage. This insurance protects you whether you are behind the wheel of another vehicle, riding in someone else’s vehicle, walking, or cycling. Please contact our Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury attorneys for legal assistance.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage
The two mandatory types of insurance in Florida do not include any type of bodily injury liability coverage. This means that the other driver may not have the coverage needed to pay you when you suffer injuries in an accident with their vehicle.
The optional uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage compensates you for additional medical costs when the driver involved in your bicycle-car accident insurance claim does not have bodily injury coverage.
Med Pay
This optional coverage can pay for additional medical costs after you have been involved in an accident.
How a Lawyer Can Assist You
In some cases, you are simply not offered the compensation that you deserve after a car accident. In that case, it is wise to learn more about your legal options from a bicycle accident attorney. A Fort Lauderdale bicycle accident attorney can:
- Review all applicable insurance policies
- Gather evidence
- Handle communications with your insurance company and other involved parties
- File your case and make it in court if need be
- Negotiate appropriate compensation
- Help you pursue property damages
If you or a loved one have suffered injuries in a bicycle accident, there is no reason to pursue justice on your own. Get in touch with the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato at (954) 633-8270 today and learn more about your legal options. There is no obligation, and we do not charge you until you receive compensation.
We also provide our services in other cities:
- Fort Myers Bicycle Accident Lawyers
- Boynton Beach Bicycle Accident Lawyers
- Bicycle Accident Lawyer Miami
- Bicycle Accident Lawyer West Palm Beach
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