Introduction
Getting into a bike accident can be a traumatic experience. It’s even more frustrating when the accident is caused by a car driver’s negligence. In such cases, you may be entitled to file an insurance claim to cover the costs of damage to your bike and any injuries you sustained. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about making a bike hit by car insurance claim.
Types of Insurance Claims
There are two types of insurance claims you can make if your bike is hit by a car:
- Property damage claim: This covers the cost of repairing or replacing your damaged bike.
- Personal injury claim: This covers the cost of medical treatment and any lost wages due to the accident.
You can make both types of claims if you suffered both property damage and personal injury.
Steps to File an Insurance Claim
If you’re involved in a bike accident, follow these steps to file an insurance claim:
- Call the police: This is important to have an official record of the accident.
- Exchange information: Get the driver’s name, contact information, and insurance details.
- Take photos: Take photos of the accident scene, your damaged bike, and any injuries you sustained.
- Get medical treatment: Even if you feel fine, it’s important to get checked by a doctor to make sure there are no hidden injuries.
- Contact your insurance company: Inform your insurance company of the accident and provide all the necessary details and documentation.
Your insurance company will then investigate the accident and determine who is at fault.
Who is at Fault?
In most states, the driver who caused the accident is at fault. However, some states follow the “comparative negligence” rule, which means that fault is divided between the parties based on their degree of negligence. For example, if you were not wearing a helmet, you may be found partially at fault for your injuries.
How Insurance Claims are Paid
If the driver who hit you has liability insurance, their insurance company will pay for your damages and injuries. If they don’t have insurance or don’t have enough coverage, you can file a claim with your own insurance company, if you have the proper coverage.
Insurance claims are usually paid in one of two ways:
- Lump sum payment: You receive a one-time payment to cover all your damages and injuries.
- Structured settlement: You receive a series of payments over a period of time.
What to Do if Your Claim is Denied
If your insurance claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. You can also hire an attorney to help you with the appeals process or to file a lawsuit against the driver if necessary.
Tips for Filing an Insurance Claim
Here are some tips to help you file a successful insurance claim:
- Be honest: Provide all the necessary information and don’t exaggerate your injuries.
- Keep records: Keep track of all your medical bills, repair bills, and other expenses related to the accident.
- Don’t sign anything: Don’t sign any documents or accept any settlements without consulting an attorney.
- Don’t wait: File your claim as soon as possible to avoid missing any deadlines.
Conclusion
If your bike is hit by a car, you may be entitled to file an insurance claim to cover the costs of damage to your bike and any injuries you sustained. Follow the steps outlined in this article to file a successful claim and get the compensation you deserve.
