Bicycle accidents can be devastating, leading to serious injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and even permanent disability or death. If you are involved in a bicycle accident in Utah, it is important to understand the role of insurance in the claims process.
In Utah, there are several types of insurance that may come into play in a bicycle accident claim. These include:
Personal Injury Protection (PIP): PIP is a type of no-fault insurance that covers medical expenses and lost wages for you and your passengers, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. If you have PIP coverage on your auto insurance policy, it may also cover you if you are injured while riding your bike.
Liability Insurance: If the driver of a motor vehicle caused your bicycle accident, their liability insurance should cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Utah requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance coverage of $25,000 per person for bodily injury and $65,000 per accident for bodily injury.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage: If the driver who caused your bicycle accident does not have insurance or does not have enough insurance to cover your damages, your own UM/UIM coverage may come into play. UM/UIM coverage is optional in Utah, but it is a good idea to carry it to protect yourself in case of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.
Homeowner’s or Renter’s Insurance: If you were injured in a bicycle accident on someone else’s property, their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance may cover your damages.
If you are involved in a bicycle accident in Utah, it is important to document the accident and gather as much information as possible. This includes taking photos of the accident scene, getting the contact information of any witnesses, and obtaining a copy of the police report.
It is also important to seek medical attention right away, even if you do not think your injuries are serious. Some injuries, such as concussions or internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Once you have received medical attention, you should contact an experienced bicycle accident attorney who can help you navigate the claims process and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Your attorney can help you file insurance claims, negotiate with insurance adjusters, and represent you in court if necessary.
It is also important to be aware of Utah’s comparative negligence law. Under this law, if you are found to be partially at fault for the accident, your damages may be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you.
For example, if you were riding your bike on a busy street without a helmet and were hit by a driver who was texting, a court may find that you were 20% at fault for the accident for not wearing a helmet. In this case, if your damages were $100,000, your compensation would be reduced by 20% to $80,000.
It is important to note that even if you are partially at fault for the accident, you may still be entitled to compensation. Utah follows a modified comparative negligence system, which means that as long as you are found to be less than 50% at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages.
It is also important to take steps to prevent accidents from happening in the first place. This includes following traffic laws, wearing a helmet, using lights and reflectors on your bike, and being aware of your surroundings at all times.
The role of insurance in bicycle accident claims in Utah is complex, and it is important to understand the different types of insurance that may apply to your case. If you are involved in a bicycle accident, it is critical to seek medical attention right away, document the accident, and seek the help of an experienced attorney who can guide you through the claims process and help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Additionally, taking steps to prevent accidents from happening in the first place can help keep you safe on the road.
As a law firm with extensive experience in handling bicycle accident cases in Utah, we can help clients navigate the complexities of insurance claims. We can investigate the accident to determine which insurance policies apply to the case and communicate with insurance companies on behalf of our clients. We can also help clients document their damages and build a strong case by gathering evidence and working with accident reconstruction experts. If a settlement cannot be reached, we can represent clients in court and present a compelling case to a judge or jury. Our goal is to advocate for our clients’ rights and help them obtain the compensation they deserve. If you have been involved in a bicycle accident in Utah, we encourage you to seek the help of an experienced attorney like us who can guide you through the claims process and help you obtain the best possible outcome.
