You may crash into another cyclist and incur serious injuries. Filing a compensation claim covering your medical bills and bicycle damage is perfectly reasonable.
However, it is worth noting that you will not receive compensation from the cyclist’s auto insurance. This is because they only pay for damages caused by other types of vehicles, not bicycles.
Despite this, you can receive the compensation you deserve through the guilty party’s homeowner’s insurance policy. In some cases, the renter’s policy also applies, especially in Nevada.
Let’s explore what happens when a cyclist hits another cyclist and causes an accident.
What Happens After a Bicycle Accident Caused by Another Cyclist?
As we’ve mentioned, you can file a claim against the guilty cyclist’s insurance provider. Since their auto insurance only deals with motor vehicle-related accidents, you cannot file a claim against them. In most cases, you can receive compensation through their homeowner’s insurance policy.
Following a bicycle accident, you need to gather evidence to prove your case. You can do this by hiring an accident attorney who will build your case by examining the evidence. If you are right, the facts and evidence will come to light. You can expect to receive compensation for personal injuries and property damage.
In some cases, the guilty cyclist will not have any insurance. If so, you can file a personal injury case against them. But this can get complicated, and there are several factors involved.
Regardless, you need to remember that you may not receive the maximum compensation because insurance companies are notorious for being tricky. Therefore, you should hire a competent accident attorney to build the strongest case possible for yourself.
Steps to Follow After a Bicycle Accident Involving Another Cyclist
In most situations, the cyclist will take responsibility for their actions and own up to them. However, this does not mean you can avoid the necessary steps for filing a claim against them.
Let’s explore the steps to follow after a bicycle accident.
1. Get Your Injuries Treated
Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may need medical intervention. You will likely not be involved in a catastrophic injury since cyclists cannot harm you as extensively as motor vehicles.
However, this is untrue in some cases where the worst situation can occur.
If you have been seriously injured, you need to get to the hospital and treat your injuries as soon as possible.
2. Speak to Spectators
Those that witnessed the accident will have an objective view of the situation. You can exchange contact numbers and ask them to relay the facts to the relevant authorities.
Most will agree and speak to whoever contacts them.
3. Get the Guilty Cyclist’s Insurance Details
You need to get the guilty cyclist’s personal information for your case. Their name and number will typically suffice, but you can also ask for their driver’s license and insurance details.
4. Collect Evidence
If you are not too injured, collect evidence through pictures and videos of the accident. Your bike may be broken, and there might be other collateral damages involved.
5. Leave Your Bike as It is
Avoid getting your bike repaired since its condition is crucial evidence that will help you get the maximum compensation for property damage.
6. Hire a Lawyer
Finding a competent accident attorney can help you build a strong case for yourself. Lawyers always have your best interests at heart, so you should reach out to them in such cases.
Hire Bourassa Law Group for Bicycle Accidents
Bourassa Law Group has a team of professional lawyers that work night and day to build a strong case for you. They specialize in bicycle accidents and ensure you get the settlement you deserve.
Contact them today at (800)870-8910 for a free consultation.
1-800-870-8910