Bicyclists Struck by Hit-and-Run Vehicle or Uninsured Driver

What Most Bicycle Accident Victims Don't Know

Most bicycle accident victims don't know that if they own a car which has uninsured motorist coverage, then their own auto insurance policy will pay for their injuries in the following situations:

• Bicyclist is hit by an uninsured driver
• Bicyclist is hit by an underinsured driver (An "underinsured driver" is a driver who has auto insurance, but not enough to cover the value of the cyclist's injury claim.)
• Bicyclist is struck by a hit-and-run driver (There must be physical contact between the hit-and-run driver and the bicyclist or bicycle in order for the cyclist's uninsured motorist coverage to apply.)
• Child riding a bicycle is hit by an uninsured driver, underinsured driver, or hit-and-run driver (In this case, if the child's parents have uninsured motorist coverage, it will apply.)

Compensation a Bicyclist Accident Victim Can Obtain When Making an Uninsured Motorist Claim

When a bicycle accident victim makes an uninsured motorist claim, he or she can collect the same compensation that the bicyclist would have been able to collect from the negligent driver. The only difference: now the source of the payment is the bicyclist's auto insurance instead of the negligent driver's auto insurance.

A bike accident victim making an uninsured motorist claim is entitled to compensation for:

• Injuries
• Medical bills – past and future
• Lost wages – past and future
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering – past and future

Making an Uninsured Motorist Claim Will Not Increase Your Insurance Premiums

You need not worry that making an uninsured motorist claim will cause your car insurance premiums to go up. Your auto insurance carrier cannot raise your rates if you were not at fault for the bicycle accident.