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In some cases, auto insurance policies will provide coverage for bicycle accidents that occur in the state of Florida. However, this coverage typically only applies if the accident involves a motor vehicle and a bicyclist.
In most cases, if you are involved in an accident with another cyclist or pedestrian, your auto insurance policy will not cover your damages. As such, it is always essential to purchase supplemental insurance coverage specifically designed for cyclists when navigating the roads of Florida.
Does Auto Insurance Cover Bicycle Accidents in Florida?
Yes, Auto Insurance may Cover Bicycle Accidents in Florida under the following circumstances:
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Coverage: If the bicyclist has PIP coverage, they may be able to claim under their policy for medical expenses and lost wages resulting from the accident, regardless of who was at fault. PIP is mandatory coverage in Florida and applies to motor vehicle accidents.
- Bodily Injury Liability Coverage: If the bicyclist was injured due to the driver’s negligence, the driver’s bodily injury liability coverage might cover the bicyclist’s medical expenses and other damages up to the policy limit.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: If an uninsured or underinsured driver injures the bicyclist, the bicyclist’s own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may cover the damages.
It is essential to note that Florida law does not require drivers to carry insurance that covers property damage caused by a motor vehicle to a bicyclist’s bicycle. Therefore, if the bicyclist’s bike is damaged in the accident, they may need to seek compensation through the driver’s property damage liability coverage or their insurance policy if they have collision coverage.
Bicyclists and drivers must exercise caution and follow traffic laws to avoid accidents. In the event of an accident, it is advisable to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who can help determine the best course of action for seeking compensation for damages.
In terms of liability protection from bodily injury and property damage caused by an accident involving a motor vehicle and cyclist, auto insurance may provide some security. However, this rule has exceptions depending on each policy’s specific language. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you review your policy to determine whether or not it covers bicycle accidents in Florida.
Suppose you have purchased a PIP (personal injury protection) policy through your auto insurance carrier. In that case, you may be eligible for additional benefits, including medical bills and lost wages, if you meet the requirements set forth under that policy. Additionally, suppose you or someone else has suffered significant property damage from an incident involving a motor vehicle and cyclist. In that case, you may be able to pursue reimbursement from the at-fault driver’s liability coverage under their auto insurance policy.
When does auto insurance not cover bicycle accidents in Florida?
In Florida, there are situations where auto insurance may not cover bicycle accidents, including:
- Hit-and-run Accidents: If a bicyclist is involved in a hit-and-run accident where the driver cannot be identified, the bicyclist may not be able to claim compensation from the driver’s insurance. In this case, the bicyclist may need to seek compensation from their insurance policy if they have uninsured motorist coverage.
- Bicycle-only Accidents: If the accident involves only a bicycle and no motor vehicle, auto insurance policies may not provide coverage. However, if the bicyclist has a separate bike or homeowner’s insurance policy, they may be able to claim compensation for their damages from those policies.
- Exclusions in the Insurance Policy: Auto insurance policies may contain exclusions that limit or exclude coverage for bicycle accidents. It is essential to review the policy carefully to understand what is covered and excluded.
- Fault Determination: If the bicyclist is found to be at fault for the accident, they may be unable to claim compensation from the driver’s insurance. In Florida, a bicyclist can be found partially or fully at fault for an accident, affecting the compensation they are entitled to receive.
It is important to note that Florida law does not require drivers to carry insurance that covers property damage caused by a motor vehicle to a bicyclist’s bicycle. Therefore, if the bicyclist’s bike is damaged in the accident, they may need to seek compensation through the driver’s property damage liability coverage or their insurance policy if they have collision coverage.
In any case, if a bicyclist is involved in an accident, they should seek medical attention and consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who can help determine the best course of action for seeking compensation for damages.
Conclusion
It is important to note that many bicyclists choose not to purchase additional bicycle insurance since they mistakenly assume that their existing auto insurance coverage would extend to protect them in case of an accident involving another bicycle or pedestrian.
Unfortunately, this assumption could prove costly should an incident occur, resulting in serious physical injuries or substantial property damage – expenses that could exceed what one’s existing auto policy offers regarding liability protection for bike accidents. While it may seem like an unnecessary expense at first glance, having comprehensive bicycle coverage gives riders peace of mind, knowing they will be protected should something unexpected happen while on their bike ride!
From 2022.,Jason writes educational insurance articles for Promtinsurance.com.
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