Bicyclist Struck by an Automobile?
Article provided by Umansky - Orlando Bicycle Accident Attorneys
Visit us at http://www.orlandofloridaaccidentlawyer.com
As our country tries to become more environmentally conscious or "more green", Americans are searching for ways to leave a smaller footprint on our environment by reducing carbon emissions. We are creating programs such as the recent "cash for clunkers" program where the U.S. government gave cash rebates to consumers who traded in their gas-guzzling motor vehicles in exchange for new more fuel efficient motor vehicles. Likewise, more people are returning to using bicycles, a great form of exercise, for short trips or errands. Whether it's biking to the grocery store, to drop off mail at the neighborhood mailbox, or just to visit a neighbor, who lives a few blocks away, riding a bike for short trips both saves gas and reduces carbon emissions.
With the increase of bicyclists on our roadways there is the corresponding risk of being injured while biking in an automobile accident. As a bicyclist you need to protect yourself from the hazards of riding along our roadways by using sidewalks whenever available, rather than riding along the side of the road, to reduce the risk of being struck by an automobile. When there are not any available sidewalks, then ride in the designated bicycle lanes, if available. Unfortunately more often than not roads do not have a designated bicycle lane, which gives bicyclists no choice but to ride along the side of the road.
Furthermore, regardless of age you should wear a certified bicycle helmet whenever you are on your bicycle, and make sure it is fastened tightly to provide further protection should you be struck by an automobile. Also, you need to be as visible as possible to other motorists on the road. Wearing light colored clothing, having an orange flag attached to the back of your bike, reflective tape and decals all make for greater visibility on the road. Finally, at night you should always have headlights and taillights to draw attention to yourself in the dark.
If you are involved in an automobile collision as a bicyclist and are an automobile owner, you can make a claim under your own automobile insurance policy Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. This coverage will pay 80% of your accident related medical expenses and 60% of your gross wage loss for time missed from work due to your accident related injuries, regardless of who is at fault. If you do not own a motor vehicle but reside with a relative who owns a motor vehicle then you can make a PIP claim under their automobile policy. If you are not an automobile owner and do not reside with a relative who owns a motor vehicle, then you can make a claim for PIP benefits under the automobile policy of the motor vehicle that struck you. Further if the driver of the motor vehicle that struck is at fault you can also make a bodily injury (BI) claim against the motorist's automobile insurance policy for any medical expenses and loss wages not covered under PIP for pain and suffering damages. If the at-fault motorist did not have BI coverage or had inadequate bodily injury coverage to fully compensate you for your injuries and losses, you can make an Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist (UM) claim under your own automobile policy or your resident relative's UM policy. Lastly you can make a claim for any damage to your bicycle or other personal property such as your bicycle helmet, your watch or sunglasses that were damaged in the collision by the at-fault motorist.
Article provided by the Umansky Law Firm. Our Orlando personal injury and bicycle accident lawyers know how to obtain results for clients who have been injured by the negligence of another person or company. Visit our site http://www.orlandofloridaaccidentlawyer.com for more information.
Article provided by Umansky - Orlando Bicycle Accident Attorneys
Visit us at http://www.orlandofloridaaccidentlawyer.com
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