Bicycle or Pedestrian vs. Car Collision What Now?
Living in Arizona, we have beautiful weather about nine months out of the year and people want to be outdoors and active. Unfortunately, living in Arizona, I see many pedestrians that have been run over by cars or bicyclists that have been run into by cars. These types of matters can be extremely serious and in some cases catastrophic where clients can have permanent disabilities or they can be deadly.
Bicycle and Pedestrian vs. Car Collision Insurance Coverage is a critical aspect to consider when involved in such incidents. Arizona currently requires drivers to carry car insurance with at least $25,000 per person/$50,000 per incident bodily injury coverage. In these types of cases, a $25,000 policy limit likely won’t even cover the hospital bill, let alone any rehab, lost wages or other future damages. Where does that leave you and your family? In some cases these unforeseen types of incidents can lead to mounting medical bills and the inability to work, which can lead to having to file for bankruptcy.
Understanding Bicycle and Pedestrian vs. Car Collision Insurance Coverage
Generally, when the other driver has lower policy limits, they do not have assets from which we could use to satisfy an excess judgment. However, we routinely request an Affidavit of No Additional Insurance and request confirmation that the negligent driver has no assets from which we could use to satisfy an excess judgment. Assuming there is no other insurance available or assets, what can you do?
What many people do not realize is that Bicycle and Pedestrian vs. Car Collision Insurance Coverage can extend beyond just the negligent driver’s policy. Your automobile insurance is portable, meaning it can cover you even if you are riding your bike or walking. If you have underinsured motorist coverage on your automobile policy, you can submit a claim to your own insurance carrier for your damages in excess of the negligent driver’s insurance policy up to your underinsured motorist limits. Learn more about underinsured motorist coverage here. Having this coverage in this type of situation can be the difference between keeping your head above water financially and having to file for bankruptcy.
Another possible source of coverage for this type of claim would be medical payments coverage. If you have this coverage on your insurance policy it can also pay for some of your medical bills up to your coverage limit.
It is important that if you or a loved one have been injured in a bicycle or pedestrian versus motor vehicle collision that you consult with an experienced Car Accident Lawyer that can explain your rights as well as what to expect during the process.
