Bicyclists face a number of risks when on the road – even after taking proper safety precautions, drivers of motor vehicles often do not see bicycle riders. A bicyclist is likely to be severely injured if involved in a car crash, which makes identifying all potential sources of compensation extremely important. While people often associate their automobile insurance coverage with their own motor vehicles, your insurance may provide important benefits to you if you are injured by a motor vehicle while riding a bicycle.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Virginia law requires auto insurance providers to provide uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, or UIM. This coverage applies to the extent the at-fault driver has no insurance coverage or limited insurance coverage not sufficient to compensate the victim. Typically, the UIM policy limit is the same as the liability limit, the minimum of which in Virginia is $30,000.00, but will be $50,000.00 beginning January 1, 2025. Under Virginia law, UIM coverage applies “while in a motor vehicle or otherwise,” but the experienced attorneys at Fishwick & Associates PLC will review your auto insurance policy and explain the UIM coverage applicable to you or a loved one’s bicycle‑related car accident to ensure you receive the maximum compensation.
Medical Expense Coverage
Insurance companies in Virginia also provide optional coverage for medical expenses, sometimes referred to as medpay. This coverage applies even if you are not in a motor vehicle at the time of the accident—for instance, if you are riding a bicycle. While this coverage is limited to “reasonable and necessary” medical and medical-related expenses, it can be a significant source of compensation for an injured bicyclist. This is especially true if the policy insures multiple vehicles, because, in Virginia, the medical expense coverage limits of up to four vehicles on a single policy can be combined; thus, if you have $5,000.00 in medical expense coverage but four vehicles on the policy, the maximum limit for this medical expense coverage would be $20,000.00. If you or a loved one are injured by a motor vehicle while riding a bicycle, the experienced attorneys at Fishwick & Associates PLC will review your auto insurance policy and explain your medical expense coverage to ensure you receive the maximum compensation.
Fishwick & Associates Represents Bicyclist Victims Virginia
If you or a loved one was injured by a motor vehicle while riding a bicycle, Fishwick & Associates can help you understand your legal options. To schedule your confidential consultation, complete our online contact form or call us at (540) 345-5890.
References
Va. Code § 38.2-2201
Va. Code § 38.2-2202
Va. Code § 38.2-2206
