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Do cyclists have to carry insurance to protect themselves?

On Behalf of | Oct 13, 2024 | Injuries |

Cyclists enjoy healthy exercise and reduce their overall transportation costs by biking instead of driving everywhere. However, they also expose themselves to a degree of risk. They could end up with significant liability if they ever cause a crash that puts someone else in the hospital. They could end up in the hospital themselves if a driver fails to notice them in traffic.

Most people cannot absorb the cost of major medical care and lost wages after a cycling collision without outside support. Insurance is often the first line of defense for those involved in traffic collisions. Do those who regularly ride bikes need to purchase cycling insurance?

Cyclists may already have coverage available

Many people who regularly bike also have motor vehicles. Frequently, motor vehicle liability insurance continues to protect policyholders in other circumstances. An automotive insurance policy can sometimes provide liability coverage for a cyclist in the event that they cause a crash that injures another cyclist or a pedestrian.

A cyclist does always have the option of carrying a specialized policy. Cyclist insurance protects them when they are on their bike in case they hurt someone else. Frequently, cyclists don’t need liability coverage for themselves but rather protection from others in traffic.

Usually, a driver’s liability coverage applies regardless of whether they hit another vehicle or a bicycle. Unfortunately, some people want to avoid personal accountability for causing a crash at any cost. They might speed off from the scene of a wreck in an attempt to avoid financial and legal responsibility.

In such scenarios, uninsured motorist coverage can be very helpful for an injured cyclist. People may want to add this extra coverage to their policies to protect them in case of a hit-and-run crash.

Litigation might be necessary for injured cyclists

Even with good insurance coverage, cyclists often incur major injuries that require more compensation than just insurance can provide. They may need to file a personal injury claim in civil court to hold the driver accountable for hitting them in traffic. A lawsuit can lead to compensation for major medical expenses and lost wages.

Covering the cost of a bicycle collision can be difficult, especially if a driver at fault tries to flee or has low insurance coverage. Cyclists who are aware of how to protect themselves before a crash occurs have more options available to them after a collision.