As A Bicyclist or A Motorist, An Understanding Of Auto Insurance Is Essential
As A Bicyclist Or A Motorist, An Understanding Of Auto Insurance Is Essential
These days lots of people are going car-less and choosing to ride their bikes instead. It only stands to reason that, with this phenomenon, the number of traffic accidents involving cyclists would increase. In this article, we will discuss the ways in which your auto insurance may be impacted if you are involved in an accident with a cyclist or if you are a cyclist involved in an accident.
If you are the cyclist in question, be sure to get all of the pertinent information from the driver of the car just as if you were involved in a two-car accident. Likewise, you should provide your auto insurance details (assuming you also have an insured car). If the cyclist in question is a minor who lives in your household, your insurance may also cover this accident. If your policy covers this person as a driver or a passenger in your car, it may also cover him or her as a cyclist. Information involving the accident should be shared with both auto insurance companies. Avoid making any casual arrangements on the spot. Let the insurance companies handle the specifics.
No matter what the situation, any time you or a member of your household is involved in a traffic accident, whether on foot, on a cycle or in a car, you should notify the holder of your auto insurance policy. There may be help available for you from this resource. Bicycles are vehicles, and there may be specific sections of your policy pertaining to accidents involving them.
Remember that right of way is determined in this order: pedestrian, equestrian, bicyclist, motorcyclist, private passenger vehicle, public conveyance, commercial truck. The pedestrian always has the right of way and so on in ascending order. Any time a bicyclist is involved in an accident with any kind of vehicle, it is a pretty good bet the other party’s auto insurance will cover damages and injuries. No matter whether you are the cyclist or the motorist, you must always exchange insurance information to be sure the situation is properly handled.
Although bicycles have the right of way the vast majority of the time, they must still obey the rules of the road. They must stop at stop signs and lights, obey yield signs when present and observe speed limits (no going 65 mph down a steep hill). If you are involved in an accident with a cyclist, it is important to record all the specifics and file a police report. If the cyclist was in violation of the rules of the road, the accident may not have been your fault. Keep up on current laws in your city and state involving bicycles and traffic violations. This will help you as a cyclist and as a motorist. Knowledge of the rules of the road can help you avoid tickets and fines no matter what you drive.
Whether you have decided you want to use your bicycle as a primary or semi-primary vehicle or you are simply concerned about the rising number of cyclists on the road, it’s a good idea to check with your auto insurance company and see if you need to improve your coverage to take this phenomenon into account. It’s always a good idea to review your policies with your agent annually to make sure you are getting the best value in the coverage you actually need. By driving carefully, being aware of current traffic laws and keeping your insurance policies current and pertinent, you can deal with traffic accidents involving bicycles in a smart and efficient manner.
