There are many benefits to riding a bicycle; they are great for the environment, a fantastic way to get daily exercise, and of course a convenient means of transportation. But what happens if you have the misfortune of getting into an accident while riding your bicycle? In the state of Florida, any injuries or damages sustained in a bicycle accident are given the same coverage by your auto insurance provider as if it were an auto accident. If you were the victim in a bicycle accident and are curious about whether bicycle accidents are covered by insurance in Florida, please contact the Panama City bicycle accident attorneys at Manuel & Thompson for a free consultation.
Will insurance pay my medical bills after a bicycle accident?
It is important to know that Florida is one of 12 no-fault states in the United States of America. What this means is that all drivers are required to have a minimum amount of personal injury protection (PIP) coverage in their auto insurance plan. PIP is a form of coverage designed to reimburse medical expenses and lost wages due to injuries from an accident. If you were in an accident, all drivers in no-fault states must submit a claim with their insurance providers to seek compensation, regardless of who was at fault. Because bicycle accidents are also covered by your auto insurance in Florida, these rules apply to them as well.
Because of the way insurance coverage works in no-fault states, it can be very difficult to file a personal injury claim against a negligent driver. If you were injured in a bicycle accident, your ability to pursue a claim against a liable party is dependent on the severity of your injuries. In Florida, the threshold for serious injuries would be anything that has led to a substantial loss of bodily functions, permanent injuries, or injuries that could potentially cause death. In order to file a successful claim, you must prove you sustained injuries of that nature due to the negligible behavior of the liable party.
How much can I be compensated for my medical bills after a bicycle accident?
Typical PIP coverage in the state of Florida will compensate up to 80% of your medical bills as well as 60% of lost wages due to bicycle collisions. The minimum amount PIP will cover regarding your medical expenses and lost wages is $10,000; although you can always get a policy with a higher amount of coverage for better security. Depending on your policy, you may have to pay a significant amount out of pocket for some of your expenses if the total cost exceeds your coverage. However, if you do not have any insurance, you could potentially qualify for coverage depending on the insurance policy of family members you may share a household with.
Further, if you are injured due to the negligence of another motorist, you may qualify for compensation in a personal injury claim. In such a claim, there is no cap on the amount of compensation you may recover. Our firm can help you through each step of the process ahead.
