When it comes to cycling, New Orleans offers a vibrant and growing community of enthusiasts who enjoy the thrill of the open road. However, no matter how skilled and cautious you may be as a cyclist, a bicycle accident can still happen.
After being injured in a bicycle accident in New Orleans, one crucial aspect to consider is the availability of insurance coverage to help you recover physically, emotionally, and financially. That is where an experienced personal injury attorney in New Orleans steps in, armed with their knowledge and expertise to guide you through the claims process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
In this blog post, the New Orleans personal injury attorneys at Dudley DeBosier explain the various types of insurance coverage that may be available after a bicycle accident in New Orleans, shedding light on the essential aspects you need to know to protect your rights and secure your future.
The At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Coverage
In Louisiana, all drivers are required to carry minimum insurance coverage that includes bodily injury liability of $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident, along with property damage liability of $25,000 per accident. If a bicyclist is injured due to a driver’s negligence, they may be able to recover compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier.
If you were injured in a bicycle accident caused by a driver’s negligence, your accident and injury claim will proceed like most Louisiana accident claims. The auto insurance company will investigate the claim, evaluate liability, and determine what they believe the claim is worth. Our personal injury attorneys handle bicycle accident claims, for which a settlement can be more difficult to negotiate than a typical auto accident claim.
Insurance adjusters often treat bicycle accident claims as partially or completely the fault of the bicyclist, regardless of the facts. Additionally, there is often little damage to the car involved, so they are more likely to challenge liability by disputing your explanation of how the accident occurred. Thus, there is a greater probability that your case will require a personal injury lawsuit to seek fair compensation.
Your Own Insurance Coverage
As an injured bicyclist, you may also be able to recover compensation by turning to your own auto insurance carrier. If the at-fault driver is uninsured, you can use your uninsured motorist coverage, which will typically pay all or a portion of your medical bills, up to the coverage limits.
Medical Payments Coverage, also known as Med Pay, may also be included in your auto insurance plan, although it is not required. This coverage can allow you to recover compensation from your own insurance carrier for some of your medical bills without having to determine liability.
If you do not have auto insurance and were injured in a bicycle accident that was not caused by another driver, you may be able to turn to your personal medical insurance. Additionally, you may have homeowners or renters’ insurance that may cover some or all of your bodily injury claim and the damage to your bike. It is important to check with all of your insurance policies to see if bicycle accident injuries are covered.
What if Another Bicyclist Caused My Bicycle Accident?
If your bicycle accident involves only bicycles instead of a car versus bicycle crash, auto insurance policies typically will not apply. You may need to rely upon your personal insurance policies to cover your damages. If another bicyclist’s negligent riding caused your damages, you may be able to pursue other policies owned by the negligent cyclist. These claims are often difficult to pursue because they require an experienced investigator to track down potentially applicable insurance coverage. Our skilled personal injury attorneys can evaluate your claim and conduct the necessary investigation.
Why Working with an Experienced New Orleans Personal Injury Attorney is Essential
If you or someone you know has been injured in a bicycle accident, it is important to understand the insurance coverage available to cover your damages. Understanding your legal rights, insurance coverage, and how they apply to your bicycle accident case are critical to protecting your interests.
Insurance companies have very little duty to be honest about your rights to file an accident claim, which may leave you lost with no opportunity to seek payment for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. But, by consulting with a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer, New Orleans cyclists can gain a better understanding of their rights, and the help they need to recover compensation after a bicycle accident.
Our Experienced New Orleans Personal Injury Lawyers Will Guide You Through Your Bicycle Accident Claim
Contacting a New Orleans personal injury attorney immediately is crucial so that your attorney can begin gathering evidence to prove liability. An experienced attorney at Dudley DeBosier can help you protect your rights and identify all the sources of compensation available to you.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and to discuss your bicycle accident case. We love helping accident victims protect their rights and get the compensation they deserve.
