What protects New York cyclists after a crash with a vehicle?

On Behalf of Mallilo & Grossman Attorneys at Law | Mar 20, 2023 | car accidents |

Cyclists have to be aware of their surroundings so that they can react appropriately to vehicles. After all, those in control of motor vehicles don’t always treat the task with the respect it deserves. Cyclists are at significant risk in a crash caused by someone in a motor vehicle.

Collisions that can put a cyclist in the hospital might not even cause any significant property damage to the motor vehicle that caused the crash. A collision between a bicycle and a motor vehicle could leave someone with broken bones, a spinal cord injury or a traumatic brain injury. Those injuries might translate to weeks out of work.

No one should have to worry about being unable to pay their bills because they chose to bike to work or for fun. Cyclists should be able to enjoy the same basic rights on the streets as anyone else, including the right to seek compensation when someone else hurts them. What will cover a cyclist’s expenses after a crash caused by a driver?

The driver’s insurance will help

New York motorists should all have liability coverage that includes most property damage and bodily injury protection. A cyclist struck by a driver could pursue a claim that could pay for their hospital bills and lost wages, as well as a replacement bicycle and new safety gear.

The cyclist’s insurance can help

If the cyclist also owns a vehicle and therefore has a New York insurance policy, they will likely have no-fault coverage that can help pay for some of their medical expenses and lost wages. The combination of both insurance policies may be necessary if a cyclist incurs significant injuries in a crash.

A lawsuit could be possible

If a cyclist cannot recover all of their losses through insurance claims, then they may need to consider taking the driver who caused the collision to civil court. A personal injury lawsuit can help close the gap between what a crash actually costs a cyclist and how much insurance will pay.

Learning more about the available sources of compensation can help someone hurt in a cycling collision cover the costs incurred in the crash.