Dealing with the insurance company after a bicycle crash in Indiana can be stressful and confusing, especially when you’re still recovering from your injuries. Insurance adjusters may sound helpful at first, but their main goal is to limit what the company has to pay. It’s important to keep in mind that anything you say or sign could be used to minimize your claim or delay payments.
Consulting an experienced Indianapolis bicycle accident lawyer can help you be prepared and informed before speaking to anyone involved with the insurance company.
Understand The Types of Insurance That May Apply in Bicycle Accident Cases
After a bicycle crash, there may be more than one type of insurance available to help cover your injuries, bike repairs, or other losses. Knowing the coverage options involved can help you navigate the claims process and avoid missing out on important benefits.
Driver’s Auto Insurance
If a motorist caused the crash, their liability insurance will usually cover your bodily injuries and property damage resulting from the accident. This is the first source many cyclists rely on for medical bills, lost wages, and damage to their bike.
Cyclist’s Health Insurance
Even if another party is at fault, your health insurance may pay for immediate medical treatment and follow-up care. Keep in mind that you’ll likely still be responsible for deductibles, co-payments, or out-of-network charges, and your insurer may seek reimbursement from a final settlement in your crash case.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage
If the driver who hit you has little or no coverage, your own auto insurance might include UM or UIM, even though you weren’t driving at the time. This can help you cover your losses. Look closely at your home or rental insurance – they sometimes offer limited coverage for damage to your bike, especially if it was caused by someone else’s negligence away from your home.
Each policy works differently in bicycle accident cases, so review your coverage and speak to a professional who can help you maximize your financial recovery.
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The Attention It Deserves
Dos and Don’ts for Communicating With the Insurance Company
After a bicycle crash, how you communicate with the insurance company can have a major impact on your claim. Following a few important dos and don’ts will help protect your interests while avoiding mistakes insurers often use against you.
Do
- Keep communication brief and factual. Only share the basics – like time, place, and parties involved. You don’t want to provide inconsistent information by accident, so keep it brief to start.
- Direct all requests to your attorney once you have one. Your lawyer can handle all communications – phone calls, emails, etc – so you don’t have to spend your time and energy doing that.
- Provide only basic documentation such as police reports. Share necessary starting information, but don’t submit all of the information you have until you get legal advice.
Don’t
- Give a recorded statement without your lawyer present. Insurance adjusters are pretty much always looking for ways to get out of paying you what you deserve. If you make inconsistent statements or say something that they can twist and use against you, it can harm your claim.
- Admit fault, even in a small way. Don’t even apologize – this can be taken as an admission of guilt.
- Post accident details or injury photos on social media. Insurers regularly review your online accounts for evidence that could question the validity or seriousness of your claim.
- Accept the first settlement offer without a proper evaluation from your attorney. Those offers are typically far too low to cover all current and future costs from the accident.
Sticking to these guidelines will help you make better decisions after a bicycle accident.
Contact Vaughan & Vaughan Injury & Accident Attorneys Since 1913
Speaking with an Indianapolis personal injury attorney early on can protect your rights and set the groundwork for a stronger case – your focus should be on healing, not worrying about insurance red tape. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
