Philadelphia Ranks High In Bike Commuters - Are You Covered If You Are In A Car Accident With An Uninsured Motorist?
Philadelphia has more bicycle commuters per capita than any of the nation’s other top ten most populated cities according to new census figures. Philadelphia’s rate of bicycle commuters is more than triple the national average of .55% according to analysis performed by The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia. This statistic calls to issue an interesting query. With the growing number of uninsured motorists in Philadelphia, what happens when a bicyclist is hit by an uninsured or underinsured motorist? The uninsured motorist clause on your own automobile policy may pay if you are hit and run down while bicycling. Check your policy carefully.
As I have noted before in my blogs, Philadelphia has an uninsured motorist as well as hit and run accident pandemic and we are contacted many times a week by bicyclists in a bicycle accident with a hit and run driver or an uninsured motorist. It goes without saying that when a car strikes a bicycle, the injuries are generally catastrophic and many times fatal, often resulting in catastrophic consequences when there is no insurance or limited insurance. If you do not own a motor vehicle, you should contact an insurance agent to purchase a comprehensive insurance policy. A comprehensive bicycle insurance policy, like its counterpart for car insurance, will cover cyclists for risks such as liability, personal injury, uninsured motorists and theft.
Generally, if you own a car insurance policy, UM/UIM coverage will be available within the comprehensive automobile policy providing insurance against collisions with uninsured or underinsured motorists. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is not mandatory in Pennsylvania. This type of coverage is important for a cyclist to have. I recommend seeking more than the minimal level of insurance due to the fact that most times when a car is in a collision with a bicycle, the injuries are sufficiently more than the policy coverage unless there is a minor collision.
If you were involved in a bicycle accident with an automobile or a hit and run driver, one should select the services of an experienced bicycle accident and car accident lawyer to fully investigate the claim and make an informed decision regarding your options. Never accept a settlement from an uninsured driver’s insurance company without getting approval from your own insurance company. You may jeopardize your own company’s rights to pay a UM/UIM claim. If you or a loved one has been involved in a bicycle accident or car accident with a hit and run or uninsured motorist, please contact one of our experienced bicycle and car accident lawyers at Reiff and Bily at 1-800-421-9595 or online at www.reiffandbily.com.
