Does Auto Insurance Cover Bicycle Accidents?

In Arizona, automobile insurance may or may not cover damages incurred during an accident with a bicycle. Settlements are based on who–the motorist, cyclist, or both–was responsible for an accident. Even when fault is determined, there may not be enough coverage in place to cover all expenses.

How Insurance Works in Arizona

If you are hurt or your property is damaged, a Phoenix bicycle accident attorney can explain the types of insurance policies that might help compensate you for your losses.

Automobile insurance is mandatory in Arizona and covers bodily injury and property damage. Bicycle insurance is less common and covers damage or theft of a bicycle, and liability for damage or injuries if the cyclist is responsible for the incident. Homeowners’ insurance might cover damages if the accident happens on private property. Health insurance should help pay for medical expenses.

In Arizona, drivers are only required to carry $15,000 for bodily injury to one person. Only $30,000 is mandated when more than one person is hurt. The minimum for property damage is $100,000. These minimums are low and may not cover the expenses and damages incurred during a serious bicycle accident.

Explain the Concept of Fault

In legal terms, sharing responsibility in Arizona is called comparative negligence. This means that if you are found to be responsible for a percentage of an accident, you are responsible for that amount of the damages. 

For example, let’s say damages from an accident total $100,000. If you, as the cyclist, are found to have a 30% role in an accident, you are responsible for $30,000. If a driver is found to have a 70% role in the accident, they are responsible for $70,000.

The actual amount of a settlement is determined by many factors. This can include the seriousness of the injuries, lost wages and quality of life, insurance coverage limits, road conditions, if alcohol or drugs are involved, etc. If multiple parties are involved in an accident, you could share liability for the accident even if you are the one injured.

While there is no average settlement for a bicycle accident, personal injury settlements in Arizona typically range between $5,000 and $80,000.

Do Your Part–Ride Safe

As a cyclist, you need to do your part to stay safe. Arizona is a popular place to cycle, due to its natural beauty and remarkable weather. However, with so many cyclists on the road, there are bike-related accidents.

According to the Arizona Department of Transportation’s 2022 Crash Facts report, there were 1,159 crashes involving bicycles that year. These crashes included forty-eight deaths and 1,128 injuries (138 were serious).

It’s not required by law, but wearing a helmet and other protective gear is highly recommended. Map out your route and take advantage of bicycle-friendly trails and dedicated bike lanes. Make sure your brakes work properly and ride during the day whenever possible. Always look out for unsafe drivers, and use hand signals to tell everyone how you plan to move.

Use public transportation if you commute or ride in an area unsafe for bikes.  The buses and light-rail trains in Phoenix have racks just for bicycles.

Make Sure Your Interests Are Protected 

Insurance companies are profit-oriented and always try to pay the least amount possible. This can leave victims of an accident without the means to pay their medical expenses or replace damaged property. It certainly will not cover indirect costs such as the loss of wages due to a disability or disfigurement.

After you hire a qualified personal injury lawyer from the Gage Mathers Law Group, we will do an investigation to determine fault and build a strong case based on the evidence we collect. If insurance coverage doesn’t cover damages, we will explore other remedies to recover the most amount possible.

Hire Gage Mathers if There Is an Accident

Learn how to choose the best bicycle accident lawyer for your case. The Gage Mathers Law Firm has a proven track record and has recovered over $275 million for our clients since opening our doors in the 1960s. Our law firm has an enviable 99.99% success rate, and we don’t get paid unless we win your case. 

As a smaller-sized firm, we give you the personalized attention you need while navigating the difficult and complex legal process or being compensated for damages after a bike accident!

About the Author

Joseph D'Aguanno

Guided by the belief that being a highly skilled specialist in a narrow field is better than being ordinary in everything, Joseph “JD” D’Aguanno leads Arizona’s best personal injury law firm in Phoenix, AZ. Having extensive cross-training in pre-litigation negotiations and trial lawyer skills, with decades of experience, JD strives to provide clients with the most valuable legal services a personal injury lawyer can provide. Under his direction, Gage Mathers Law Group is an award-winning personal injury law firm providing aggressive representation to victims of a car accident, medical malpractice, dog bite, motorcycle accident, and other injurious events. Gage Mathers is trusted by thousands of lawyers and clients throughout the country because of their reputation for getting clients the maximum compensation they deserve.

Years of experience: Over 23 years
Bar number: 020421
Location: Phoenix, AZ
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