If you get injured in a bicycle accident in Texas, you may have multiple insurance policies available to cover your losses. The driver’s car insurance will typically pay for your injuries, for example, and your own health insurance or homeowners insurance policy may provide supplemental coverage. Find out how to claim insurance benefits after a bicycle accident in Dallas, as well as when to hire an attorney for assistance.
What Types of Insurance Are Available to Cover a Bicycle Accident in Texas?
If you get hurt in a bicycle accident, the first thing to do is receive medical care for your injuries. This can pave the way for your insurance claim, as most insurers require claimants to have seen a doctor. Once you've gotten medical care and collected information about the crash, explore all potential sources of insurance coverage for your accident. Several types of insurance policies may pay for your medical bills, bicycle damage and other losses, including:
- Bodily injury liability insurance. If you have injuries and related costs, such as medical bills, and the other driver is at fault for the accident, his or her bodily injury liability insurance will pay. All drivers in Texas are required to carry at least $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident in bodily injury coverage.
- Property damage liability insurance. Similarly, if a driver is responsible for your crash, you can use his or her $25,000 in property damage liability coverage to pay for your bicycle repairs or replacement.
- First-party insurance coverage. If you are at fault for the accident, the driver is uninsured or underinsured, or you get involved in a hit-and-run, your own auto insurance policy may pay. This could include uninsured motorist coverage, collision coverage and comprehensive insurance.
- Homeowners or renter’s insurance. Since a bicycle is a type of property, your homeowners or renters insurance policy may pay to repair or replace it after an accident. This may cover your expenses whether or not you were at fault for the accident.
- Health insurance. If you suffered injuries in the bicycle accident that require professional medical attention, your health insurance can help you pay for the initial costs of your treatment. You may wish to pursue additional compensation, however, if someone else caused your crash.
You may be able to seek financial benefits from a driver’s insurance company, your own insurance carrier(s) or a third party after a bicycle accident in Texas. Explore all of your financial recovery options with an attorney before accepting a settlement.
How Do You File a Bike Accident Insurance Claim in Texas?
Make sure you are adequately prepared for the insurance claims process before making a phone call or submitting a claim. You will need certain information about the bicycle accident, such as its time, date and location, as well as information about the driver who hit you. You will also need your police report number and information about your injuries if you've already seen a doctor.
When you're ready, call the correct insurance company or companies to report the accident and submit a claim. The agent will guide you through the steps to take. Before you accept a settlement and sign a release form, however, take your case to an attorney for a review. You may deserve greater financial compensation than the insurance company is offering.
Do You Need an Attorney for a Bicycle Accident Insurance Claim?
Hiring a lawyer for a bicycle accident insurance claim is not mandatory in Texas, but it could significantly improve your case outcome and legal experience. A bicycle accident claim can quickly become complicated and difficult to litigate. Giving your case to an attorney can allow you to rest and focus on healing while an experienced and knowledgeable professional navigates Texas’s laws on your behalf.
For more information about what to expect during a bicycle accident insurance claim in Texas, contact the Law Offices of Aaron A. Herbert to request a free consultation