Who is Liable in a Cycling Crash? 

If you’re riding a bicycle in California, it’s important to understand the laws that may affect you. Unfortunately, a cycling collision can happen no matter how careful you are or what precautions you take. It’s crucial to know what to do in the event of a crash and who may be held responsible for the damage. If you are injured in a cycling crash, the at-fault party, or more likely their auto insurance carrier, for your crash-related expenses (also called damages). 

Economic and Non-Economic Damages in a Cycling Crash

A personal injury claim includes a combination of both economic and non-economic damages. 

Economic damages refer to anything that has a specific cost associated with it. This may include the cost for replacing your bicycle or other property, surgeries, medical care, lost wages, and future expenses derived from the incident. 

Non-economic damages are more commonly referred to as pain and suffering, and includes grief, anxiety, and humiliation. Your pain and suffering are unique to you. Your lawyer should fully understand not only your physical injuries, but how your life has been impacted by the collision. Working together, you and your attorney can tell your side of the story to the third-party insurance company.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorists 

In California, the minimum liability policy limit is $15,000. In other words, that is often the highest compensation a cyclist can receive for their bodily injuries in the event of a crash. Some drivers do not carry automobile insurance, making it even harder to seek compensation. Most cycling crashes have associated costs that far surpass the minimum liability coverage. If a cyclist has uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, then their insurance can help cover the gap and pay for the damages, including the damage to their bike and property.  

In a life-altering injury where the cyclist becomes paralyzed, suffers a traumatic brain injury, or has multiple broken bones that require significant rehabilitation, the costs can be overwhelming. Many people are unaware that this type of coverage is relatively inexpensive – acquiring a large policy can cost as little as $20 per month according to Bike Commuter. ACTS LAW highly recommends that if you do not have uninsured motor insurance, talk to your auto insurance broker today about what policy looks the most realistic for you. It is important to have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage to protect yourself on the road so that you can continue to cycle.   

Contact A Lawyer 

If you have been involved in a bicycle crash, we urge you to reach out to our ACTS LAW team of zealous and experienced attorneys who have gained high settlements from cycling cases. Cycling laws can be confusing, and our team is here to advocate for you so that you can be rewarded with the compensation you deserve. 

If you or someone you know has suffered a bicycling injury, contact us today at 833-228-7529 or at info@actslaw.com.