How a Bicycle Accident Claim Differs From a Car Accident Claim

How does a bicycle accident differ from an auto accident? A few weeks ago, we were contacted by a man who was injured in a bicycle accident on Wheeler Road in West Augusta, and he had that same question. If you are reading this, you might have that same question, too.

In many ways, bicycle accidents and car accidents are very similar. Most people don’t realize that if you’re on a bicycle and someone negligently hurts you while they’re in an automobile, their liability insurance is going to be responsible for paying your medical bills, lost wages, and your claim. What you might not realize, though, is that, like a car wreck, your own underinsured motorist coverage will also apply and may also cover you for any damages that the liability carrier won’t cover you for. That’s an example of where those cases are similar, but also very different.

Bicycle cases are unique, too, in the sense that the person has no protection when they get into an accident. They are completely exposed, and so their injuries tend to be greater. Bicycle cases are different, as well, because people’s perception of bicyclists. Many people have a negative perception of bicyclists, and they believe that in any wreck or accident involving a bicycle, it’s the cyclist who’s automatically at fault. Many also believe it is the cyclist who is required to negotiate traffic and travel on the same highways as other vehicles, yet the bicycle does not have rear view mirrors, turn signals, or side view mirrors. A lot of people have a prejudice against cyclists, which is why you need to hire an attorney who has experience representing people who have been involved in bicycle accidents.

While they are similar to other personal injury cases, they are unique. If you have been in a bicycle accident or have questions about it, we would be more than happy to sit down with you and answer any questions that you might have.