The Role of Auto Insurance in Car Accidents Involving Cyclists: A Beginner’s Guide

Bicycle accidents can be very traumatic, especially when a motor vehicle is involved. Due to the smaller size of bikes compared to motor vehicles, bicycle-car accidents are common. Devastating injuries can occur to a cyclist in a car accident, as they are very exposed on the road. A good auto insurance policy, regardless of where you’re located, can help cover these damages. Just how much does auto insurance cover bicycle accidents when a motor vehicle is involved? Are bikes considered the same as vehicles? What happens if a motorist doesn’t have insurance?

Cyclist Medical Expenses

In most states, cyclists are considered motor vehicles, and most insurance policies will typically cover bodily injury expenses for them. Even though the cyclist wasn’t in a literal automobile, insurance can still cover their medical expenses in a motor vehicle accident. Cyclists aren’t required to carry auto insurance, however, like a motorist would. Cyclists may also be covered through a family member’s auto insurance or through uninsured coverage if hit by a car. MedPay is an add-on for many auto insurance policies that covers medical bills regardless of fault, which may be beneficial. However, MedPay typically covers amounts less than $10,000, so it’s not full coverage for many hospital stays.

Property Damage

If a car accident involving a cyclist results in property damage—buildings, street infrastructure, or vehicles—auto insurance will cover these expenses when applicable. Even if the property belongs to the cyclist, auto insurance will usually cover them if a claim is approved. 

Lost Wages

Accident injuries can result in missed work while recovering, especially for a vulnerable party like a cyclist. The driver’s auto insurance can provide coverage for wages that were lost as a result of the accident. Lost wages are a part of auto insurance coverage in many cases.

Bicycle Repairs

While property damage includes bicycles, many cyclists need bike repairs or replacements after the accident occurs. Just like auto insurance can provide coverage for vehicular damage, auto insurance also covers bike damage when applicable. What is covered will depend on the insurance policy, the claim, and where the cyclist receives these repairs.

Uninsured or Underinsured Motorists

Just like any other vehicle accident, there may be a circumstance where the driver involved in a bike-car accident does not have car insurance. A lack of insurance can make it tricky to cover damages or injuries, since cyclists aren’t required to carry insurance. In many states, driving a motor vehicle without insurance is subject to legal penalties. A cyclist can use their motor vehicle’s insurance policy in many cases, or a family member’s insurance policy through uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage policies. However, not all auto insurance policies will cover these circumstances, so choosing the right policy is important. Cyclists may choose to pursue a motorist in court if they do not have the insurance coverage to help them recover damages.

Filing a Claim

If you’re involved in an accident with a cyclist and a motor vehicle, you will want to file an auto insurance claim. Who you file the claim with will depend on where you are located, but you’ll want to take care of it before the statute of limitations, or the legal time limit, for the accident expires. Some states are no-fault states, where each driver will file with their own insurance, regardless of fault. Other states are at-fault states, where drivers will file with the at-fault party’s insurance.

Illinois

Illinois is an at-fault (tort liability) state, meaning insurance claims will be filed with the accident’s responsible party. Insurance adjusters typically determine fault after reviewing evidence of the scene. On public roadways, cyclists are considered motorists in the eyes of the law and are subject to the same laws as motor vehicles. The statute of limitations is typically two years for medical claims and five years for property damage. Finding experienced bicycle accident attorneys in Chicago can help you if any issues arise when filing an Illinois claim, including when the motorist is uninsured.

Florida

Florida is one of the no-fault insurance states, so your own insurance is filed after a car accident, regardless of who is at fault. You typically need to seek medical treatment within 14 days of the accident for PIP coverage, but you have two years to file a claim. 

Colorado

Colorado is another at-fault insurance state. Bicycles are also considered vehicles here, meaning they must abide by driving laws and should be treated as another vehicle. The statute of limitations for filing a claim here is typically around three years.

Conclusion

In many states, bikes are considered motor vehicles in the eyes of the law, but aren’t required to carry their own auto insurance. If a motorist strikes a cyclist in a car accident, however, coverage typically extends to the cyclist as well. Auto insurance in a cyclist-motor vehicle accident can cover a cyclist’s medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and bike repairs if applicable. In cases where a driver isn’t insured, a cyclist can look to any underinsured or uninsured motorist policies they might be covered by. Otherwise, the cyclist can take legal action to recover damages.