Bicycle Accident

Accidents involving motorists and bicyclists are often tragic, causing extensive injuries or death, due to the vulnerable and unprotected nature of bicyclists. At-fault drivers and their insurers usually blame the person on the bike, regardless of how the accident actually happened. What they won’t tell you is that bicyclists may be able to seek coverage under the automobile’s no-fault insurance, regardless of who is at fault in causing the accident.

A generally unknown fact about Minnesota’s no-fault law is that if you own a car but are instead out driving your bicycle, your car insurance follows you around just in case you get hit by a car. In this scenario, the bicyclist’s own automobile insurance is primary for providing no-fault insurance and will pay for the first $20,000 of medical expenses and the first $20,000 in wage loss benefits no matter who is ultimately found to be at fault in causing the accident.

If the driver of the bicycle does not own an insured motor vehicle or live with a relative with an insured car, he or she can bring a no-fault insurance claim against the driver of the car that they were in an accident with for medical expenses and wage loss benefits pursuant to the Minnesota No Fault Act.

In addition to the no-fault claim, an injured bicyclist has the right to bring a separate liability claim against the driver of the at-fault vehicle for his or her property damage, pain, suffering and loss of enjoyment of lifestyle due to the accident. A speedy investigation is usually necessary to effectively preserve the injured bike rider’s claims.