Importance of Uninsured/Underinsured Coverage for Cyclists
Our San Diego Bike Accident Lawyer Explains Policy Benefits
If a bicycle is in a vehicular accident, you would think that each cyclist would receive adequate compensation to cover medical bills, the cost to replace the bicycle and other damages. However, California is a state with a high percentage of uninsured motorists; one in four people lack car insurance on their vehicles. Our San Diego bike accident lawyer recommends all cyclists purchase an uninsured/underinsured coverage policy from a comprehensive insurance company.
What is an Uninsured/Underinsured Coverage Insurance Policy?
Your automobile insurance may include an uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) policy. This coverage protects the insured, regardless of whether the individual is in a car, walking or riding a bicycle.
The UM policy refers to protection against a driver without insurance who causes an accident. In such a case, your insurance would pay for your damages. UIM provides similar protection when a driver that does not carry enough coverage to adequately compensate you causes a bicycle accident.
Why is Uninsured/Underinsured Coverage Important for Cyclists?
When a cyclist is in an accident with a motor vehicle, the cyclist is at greater risk of severe injuries. Despite wearing a helmet, the risk of traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury and other catastrophic injuries is very real. Even if a cyclist takes all necessary steps and understands bicycle safety, a cyclist cannot control negligent or reckless drivers on the road.
Even when a cyclist does not sustain severe injuries from an accident, the property damage to the bike can be great. As an avid cyclist himself, San Diego bike accident attorney Joshua Bonnici represents clients who often have very expensive bicycles. Bicycles can range in price from $100 to over $10,000, depending on the brand and materials used in the wheel set and frame. Insurance adjusters often do not understand high-end bicycles and will underestimate the cost of the property damage. This is also why it is extremely valuable to retain an attorney who understands cycling gear.
Call Our San Diego Bicycle Accident Attorney Today
If you have been injured in a San Diego bicycle accident, do not speak to another driver’s insurance company without your own attorney at your side. Our San Diego bicycle accident attorney is here to help you, and he can hold the negligent driver accountable and assist with your insurance claims. As a bicycling enthusiast himself, Joshua Bonnici wants to ensure that in the case of an accident, all San Diego cyclists are sufficiently covered.