Plaintiff Wins $1.6M in Bicycle Accident Involving Another Cyclist
A plaintiff was recently awarded $1.6 million in a bicycle accident injury case involving another cyclist. According to the lawsuit, the plaintiff was riding his bike in the bicycle lane on 10th Street in midtown Atlanta. The other cyclist was riding in the opposite direction in the motor vehicle lane. The plaintiff contended that the defendant attempted to merge his bike into the bike lane and struck the plaintiff head-on. The ensuing collision caused the plaintiff to sustain serious injuries to his hands and wrists for which he required multiple surgeries. He incurred over $160,000 in medical expenses and suffered severe pain as a result of the accident.
The plaintiff was able to establish that the defendant was negligent and therefore, responsible for the accident he caused. However, cyclists don’t often carry bicycling insurance. Instead, the plaintiff’s counsel was able to file the claim against the defendant’s homeowner’s insurance based on a provision in the policy that allowed for such claims.
Initially, the insurance company representing the defendant agreed to settle the claim for $430,000. The plaintiff rejected that offer and countered with $1.2 million. The insurance company rejected that offer and proceeded to take the case to trial where the plaintiff secured a $1.6 million verdict.
Insurance policies and bicycle accident injuries
While it may not be the most popular form of insurance to purchase, you can purchase bicycle coverage. In most cases, policyholders buy this insurance to insure the cost of their bicycle in case it is stolen or damaged. However, you can purchase personal injury coverage in the event that you cause an accident to another cyclist or a pedestrian on your bicycle. Without this coverage, the injured party could file a lawsuit directly against you to recover damages related to their injuries. When a cyclist is at fault for an accident, this policy would help cover the costs.
Homeowner’s and renter’s insurance policies can occasionally cover accidents related to cycling mishaps. These policies often cover liability in the event that a cyclist causes an accident. However, most policies only cover accidents that occur on the insured’s property. This is a significant restriction in the type of coverage offered by insurance companies under a homeowner’s insurance policy. But you can opt-in for an umbrella policy that adds extra protection beyond accidents that occur on your property. In the case mentioned above, the insured must have had an umbrella policy that covered him in the event of a bicycle accident.
Talk to an Atlanta, GA Bicycle Accident Injury Attorney Today
Have you been involved in a bicycle accident with a vehicle or another cyclist? The Atlanta personal injury attorneys at Forsythe Law Firm, LLC can help you file a claim against the defendant. We will work tirelessly to find an insurance policy that covers the defendant in the case they cause an accident leading to injury. Call our office today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can recover damages related to your medical expenses, lost wages, and reduced quality of life.
Source:
propertycasualty360.com/2024/02/02/2-bicycles-crashed-fulton-jurors-awarded-1-6-million-414-248926/?slreturn=20240117104722
