Bicycling is a popular mode of transportation and recreation in Minnesota, but it can also be dangerous. Accidents involving bicycles and motor vehicles often result in severe injuries for the cyclist due to the lack of protection compared to a car. If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident, understanding how to navigate insurance claims is crucial to securing compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Minnesota’s insurance laws can be complex, especially when it comes to bicycle accidents, but with the help of a personal injury attorney, you can better understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Bicycle Accident Claims in Minnesota
Minnesota law treats bicycles as vehicles, meaning cyclists are required to follow the same traffic laws as motor vehicles. However, when an accident occurs between a bicycle and a motor vehicle, the cyclist is much more vulnerable to injury. Common injuries in bicycle accidents include broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, and more. As a result, compensation through insurance claims becomes vital to cover medical expenses and other damages.
When navigating bicycle accident claims in Minnesota, it’s important to understand which types of insurance might come into play. These include:
- Auto Insurance: If you were hit by a motor vehicle while riding your bike, the at-fault driver’s auto insurance policy may cover your damages. Minnesota is a no-fault state, meaning your own insurance policy may also play a role in covering medical bills, regardless of who was at fault for the accident.
- Health Insurance: Depending on your situation, your health insurance may cover some of your medical costs following a bicycle accident. However, this may not cover all expenses, which is why pursuing an auto insurance claim is also important.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: If the driver who caused the accident doesn’t have insurance or has insufficient coverage, you may be able to rely on your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage (if you have it as part of your auto insurance policy).
- Homeowner’s or Renter’s Insurance: In some cases, if the accident was caused by something other than a motor vehicle (e.g., a hazard on private property), a homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy might come into play.
Minnesota Insurance Law and Bicycle Accidents
Under Minnesota’s no-fault insurance system, your own auto insurance policy is typically the first source of compensation after an accident, even if the accident involves your bicycle. This means your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage will pay for medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of fault. However, PIP benefits are often limited and may not cover all of your damages, especially in cases of serious injury.
If your injuries exceed the limits of your PIP coverage, you can pursue a claim against the at-fault driver’s liability insurance. This type of claim will seek compensation for damages beyond medical expenses, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, and any long-term impact on your ability to work.
It’s also important to note that Minnesota law requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance coverage, which includes:
- $30,000 for injuries to one person in an accident
- $60,000 for injuries to two or more people in an accident
- $10,000 for property damage
However, in cases where the driver has insufficient coverage, uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance may help fill the gap.
Filing a Bicycle Accident Insurance Claim
If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident, the first step in filing an insurance claim is to report the accident to both your auto insurance provider (if applicable) and the at-fault driver’s insurance company. It’s important to do this as soon as possible after the accident to preserve your rights to compensation.
Here’s a breakdown of the key steps involved in filing a bicycle accident insurance claim.
Seek Medical Attention
Your health is the top priority after a bicycle accident. Even if you don’t think your injuries are severe, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. Some injuries, like concussions or internal injuries, may not be immediately apparent. Additionally, having a medical evaluation shortly after the accident can provide important documentation for your insurance claim.
Gather Evidence
To strengthen your bicycle accident claim, gather as much evidence as possible. This includes taking photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to your bicycle. If there were witnesses, try to collect their contact information as well. A police report can also be valuable, as it provides an official record of the accident and may include the officer’s assessment of fault.
Notify Your Insurance Provider
If you have auto insurance with PIP coverage, notify your insurance provider of the accident. Be prepared to provide details about the accident and your injuries. Your insurance company will begin the process of determining your eligibility for PIP benefits, which can help cover your immediate medical costs and lost wages.
File a Claim with the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance
If the accident was caused by a motor vehicle, you should also file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. This will allow you to seek compensation for damages that exceed your PIP coverage. Be careful when communicating with the at-fault driver’s insurance company, as they may try to minimize your claim. It’s often helpful to have a personal injury attorney handle this process on your behalf.
Work with a Personal Injury Attorney
Navigating the insurance claims process after a bicycle accident can be complicated, especially when dealing with serious injuries and multiple insurance policies. A personal injury attorney with experience in bicycle accident claims can help guide you through the process, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Why You Need a Bike Accident Insurance Lawyer
Dealing with insurance companies after a bicycle accident can be challenging. Insurers may try to downplay the severity of your injuries or offer a low settlement that doesn’t fully cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Having a bike accident insurance lawyer on your side can level the playing field and ensure that your rights are protected.
An experienced personal injury attorney can:
- Evaluate Your Claim: A lawyer can help you determine the full value of your claim, taking into account medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
- Negotiate with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often try to settle claims for as little as possible. A lawyer can negotiate on your behalf to secure a fair settlement.
- File a Lawsuit if Necessary: If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your attorney can file a lawsuit and represent you in court.
Protect Your Rights and Pursue Justice
Navigating insurance claims after a bicycle accident in Minnesota can be a complex process, but with the right legal representation, you can maximize your chances of receiving fair compensation. Whether you’re dealing with medical bills, lost wages, or long-term injury recovery, a personal injury attorney experienced in bicycle accident claims can help guide you through the process and protect your rights.
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident and need help with your claim, contact Sieben Edmunds Miller today for a free consultation. Our team of experienced personal injury attorneys is here to help you recover the compensation you deserve.
