We live in Colorado. People bike our streets every day—sometimes in rain, snow, sleet, and hail. It is a great form of exercise and a green form of transportation. Colorado has a strict set of rules for bicyclists to follow when riding on the road; these rules are designed to attempt to keep the bicyclists safe. But…if a bicyclist is hit by a car or truck, the bicyclist is likely to suffer serious bodily injuries. Even if the cyclist is wearing a helmet, they are in a losing battle if they are struck by an car, SUV, or truck.
According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, from 2010-2019, there were 8,052 bike crashes, where it was determined that the motorist was at fault. Of those, 4,425 were injured in an intersection. In those cases, the driver was simply making a turn, but did not see the cyclist. The result can be traumatic, or even deadly.
The quick answer to the question as to whether car insurance will cover you if you are hit by a car while biking is: yes. But…let’s begin with the basics. If you or a loved one is involved in an accident involving a car and bicycle, it should be reported to the police, your insurance company, and the driver’s insurance company, just like any motor vehicle accident.
The at-fault driver’s insurance company will be liable first. Then, if there is not enough coverage or no coverage from the at-fault driver’s insurance, the next step will be to see if you have uninsured/underinsured (UM/UIM) motorist coverage.
UM/UIM coverage will also cover you if you are hit by a hit-and-run driver.
Colorado insurance companies are required to offer medical payments coverage, or Med-Pay as part of the auto insurance package. Med Pay coverage is an optional policy, but it will cover medical treatment, up to a certain dollar amount, that is not covered by health insurance.
If you are a cyclist, we recommend getting as much insurance coverage as possible. Unfortunately, the number of cyclists getting hit by cars has been steadily rising – so while you never think it will happen to you, you should be prepared for the worst.
Beyond that, a bike accident should be treated much like a car crash.
- Report the accident.
- If you are able to do so, document the crash. This means taking photos of your bike, the car, and your injuries.
- Go to the hospital, urgent care, or see your doctor after the crash.
- Call an experienced personal injury attorney.
If you sustained injuries in a bicycle accident, it’s wise to enlist help in seeking compensation for your injuries. A bicycle accident lawyer in Boulder, who has experience handling these complex insurance matters, will protect your rights and recover the damages you need to heal from your injuries, both physically and emotionally. At Debbie Taussig Law, we will fight the insurance companies, investigate all evidence in your case, and help you recover just compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering, and lost wages.
Call our firm today to set up an initial evaluation of your case. Debbie Taussig Law is a woman-owned personal injury law firm located in Boulder, Colorado and serving injured people across the Boulder-Denver metro area. We represent bicyclists who have been hit by cars or trucks and will fight the insurance companies while our clients focus on healing.
Call us today at 303-442-0176.
