While we often talk about bicycle accidents involving vehicles or pedestrians, another type of bicycle accident that can occur is between two cyclists. If you are involved in an accident with another cyclist, you can file a claim against them to receive compensation for your damages. However, since the accident did not involve a motor vehicle, you cannot file a claim with their car insurance company.
To receive compensation, you will need to file a claim with the other cyclist’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. Within these policies, the other party may be offered personal liability coverage concerning injuries and damages inflicted by the policyholder in certain instances, including a bicycle accident. If the cyclist does not have homeowner’s or renter’s insurance or liability coverage included within their insurance policy, you can file a personal injury suit against them.
Common Cause & Injuries Associated with Bicycle Accidents
Collisions with other cyclists can be caused by the loss of control of the bicycle, inexperienced or competitive riders, substance abuse, environmental hazards, mechanical issues, and/or riding at an excessive speed. After a crash with another cyclist, your bike may be damaged and you can suffer injuries, including but not limited to:
- Head trauma, such as skull fractures, concussion, intracranial hemorrhaging, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), etc.
- Face and/or eye injuries, such as contusions, dental or facial fractures, etc.
- Chest injuries, such as rib fractures, a pulmonary parenchymal lung injury, etc.
- Abdominal injuries, such as internal organ damage, contusions, internal bleeding, etc.
- Skin injuries, such as lacerations, road rash, etc.
- Bone or spinal injuries, such as sprains, breaks, dislocations, etc.
What Should You Do After a Crash with Another Cyclist?
After a bicycle accident, you should take the following steps to ensure your safety and have important information and evidence for your claim.
- Call an ambulance (or seek medical attention). If either party is injured, you should call emergency services. No matter how minor your injuries are, you should see a doctor and adhere to whatever advice they give you.
- Talk to witness. If anyone witnessed the accident, collect their name and contact information, because their testimony can help establish liability and can be used as evidence.
- Get the other cyclist’s information. If possible, get the other party’s full name, email, and contact number. While they may not have it on them, you should also ask for their insurance information and driver’s license information.
- Take photos. Document your injuries (before and after treatment), the scene of the accident, and any damage to both parties’ personal property, including the bikes.
- Maintain evidence. You may want to repair your bike and get back out there, but you should leave your bike, gear, and clothing as it is and avoid repairing or replacing damaged items. These items can serve as evidence, and your attorney and the opposing party (and their insurer) may want to inspect them.
- Contact our bicycle accident attorneys. We are here to help you fight for the compensation you need and deserve. Insurance companies often make settlement offers that do not fully encapsulate the amount of damages you are owed, and we can help you calculate your damages, understand your legal options, and more.
If you or a loved one have been injured while biking by another cyclist, schedule a free case consultation with our firm by calling (916) 778-3228 or completing this online form. Our attorneys have recovered millions for our clients and are equipped to help you achieve the best possible case results.