There’s nothing like a bike ride. Whether it’s a leisure trip to the park or a commuter ride to work, riding a bike can be both exhilarating and functional. However, all of the good times will go out the window the moment someone hits you with their car. But who pays your medical bills following a New York bicycle accident?
Seek Medical Attention
If you’ve been struck by a car while riding your bike, you should seek medical attention right away. There will likely be obvious injuries like cuts and bruises, but even if they seem minor, you should not hesitate to get to a health care provider immediately. Sometimes serious conditions like internal damage and traumatic brain injuries can manifest later, appearing hours or even days after the impact. Additionally, going to see a physician will be on the record and can be considered a significant initial move towards getting compensation for your bicycle accident injuries.
New York’s No-Fault Insurance Policies
Like many other states, New York has no-fault laws that compel individuals that are involved in vehicle accidents to file medical claims with their own car insurance companies, regardless of who is at fault in the accident.
Personal Injury Protection Plans (PIP)
No-fault policies are referred to as “personal injury protection plans” (PIP). These policies are required for drivers to purchase as part of their own insurance plans. The minimum amount of PIP you can purchase in New York is $50,000 per person for health care costs, lost earnings, and other expenses; the amount you purchase is the maximum that you’re entitled to recover with a PIP claim. However, besides filing for PIP coverage for your health care expenses, you also may be entitled to file a claim for pain and suffering damages that will enable you to recover compensation for your injuries that are more than the limits of your PIP medical benefits.
In New York, when a bicycle collision involves a car, bus, or truck, the driver’s auto insurance company is responsible for all PIP claims, including that of the cyclist; it doesn’t matter who was at fault in the accident. PIP claims must be filed with the vehicle driver’s insurance company within 30 days of the accident, or the claim will be denied.
Uninsured Drivers or Hit and Runs
If you were the victim of a hit and run or the driver of the vehicle that hit you is uninsured, you need to file your no-fault claim with your own auto insurance company. If you don’t have auto insurance, you could still be eligible for no-fault coverage under the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC).
Speak with an Experienced Attorney about your Bicycle Accident
Being involved in any collision can be pretty traumatic, especially when you’ve been hit while biking. Because understanding PIP coverage after your accident might be confusing, you will probably benefit from talking to an experienced attorney about your situation. If you were involved in a bike accident, contact a MOWK personal injury attorney who can inform you about your rights and help you get the proper compensation that you deserve. Contact us today to learn more.