A bicycle offers no protection in a crash. When a car strikes a cyclist on a Joliet street or along Route 30, the injuries are often serious, and the medical bills add up fast. If a driver caused the collision, that driver is responsible for the harm. The harder question for most injured riders is where the money to cover that harm actually comes from.
The Driver’s Auto Liability Coverage
Illinois requires drivers to carry liability insurance. When a motorist is at fault for hitting you, that policy is usually the first place to look for compensation. It can pay for your medical treatment, lost wages, damage to your bicycle, and pain and suffering.
The problem is that the minimum coverage many drivers carry is modest. A hospital stay, surgery, and months of rehabilitation can exceed those limits quickly. When the at-fault driver’s policy is too small to cover everything, the claim does not end there.
Your Own Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Many cyclists do not realize that their own auto insurance can help even when they were riding a bike, not driving a car. Two coverages matter here:
- Uninsured motorist coverage applies when the driver who hit you had no insurance, or in a hit-and-run where the driver is never identified.
- Underinsured motorist coverage applies when the driver had insurance, but not enough to cover your losses.
These coverages often follow you as a person, not just your vehicle, so they can respond when you are on a bicycle. Reviewing your own policy after a crash is an important step that is easy to overlook.
Other Possible Sources
Depending on how the crash happened, other parties may share responsibility. A poorly maintained road, a defective bike component, or a commercial vehicle owned by a company can each open additional avenues for recovery. Sorting this out takes a careful look at the facts.
Illinois generally gives injured people two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit, so it is wise not to wait. If a driver hit you while you were riding, we would be glad to review the crash and your coverage at no cost and explain your options in plain terms.
This article is general information, not legal advice. For guidance on your specific situation, speak with an attorney.