Yes, in most cases. When a bicyclist is hit by a car in Buffalo, New York, car insurance usually applies, and the no-fault coverage on the vehicle that struck the cyclist typically pays first for medical bills and lost wages.
At Rosenthal, Kooshoian & Lennon, LLP, our Buffalo bicycle accident lawyers help injured cyclists sort out which insurance applies after a crash. New York is a no-fault state, and its no-fault rules protect more than just people inside cars. A bicyclist struck by a motor vehicle is generally treated much like a pedestrian, which means the driver's car insurance is often the first place an injured cyclist turns for coverage, no matter who was at fault for the crash.
Yes. New York no-fault insurance generally covers a bicyclist who is hit by a car in Buffalo, with benefits usually coming from the insurance policy on the vehicle that struck the cyclist.
No-fault coverage, sometimes called personal injury protection, is designed to get medical treatment and some wage replacement moving quickly after a motor vehicle crash. Because a bicycle is not a motor vehicle, the cyclist does not carry no-fault coverage on the bike itself. Instead, when a car hits a cyclist, the car's no-fault coverage typically steps in for the injured rider. A Buffalo bicycle accident lawyer can help you file this claim correctly and on time.
After a bicycle accident in Buffalo, the no-fault coverage on the car that hit the cyclist usually pays first, and the at-fault driver's liability coverage may also apply to a separate injury claim.
There are often two layers of car insurance involved. The first is the no-fault coverage on the striking vehicle, which pays for medical care and lost earnings regardless of fault. The second is the at-fault driver's liability coverage, which can respond to a claim for pain and suffering when the injuries are serious enough. Our Western New York bicycle accident attorneys work to identify every policy that may apply so nothing is left on the table.
No-fault insurance for a Buffalo bicycle accident generally covers necessary medical treatment, a portion of lost wages, and certain other out-of-pocket costs tied to the injury.
For an injured cyclist, no-fault benefits can include:
No-fault benefits do not, on their own, pay for pain and suffering. That kind of compensation comes through a separate claim against the at-fault driver, which is one reason it helps to have a bicycle accident lawyer reviewing your case early.
Yes. You can sue an at-fault driver after a bicycle accident in Buffalo for pain and suffering when your injuries meet New York's serious injury standard.
No-fault handles the initial medical and wage benefits, but it does not cover the physical pain, emotional harm, and long-term effects of a serious crash. To pursue that compensation from the driver who caused the collision, your injuries generally need to reach the level New York treats as a serious injury. Our Buffalo bicycle accident attorneys can evaluate whether your injuries meet that standard and build the claim against the responsible driver.
Your own car insurance may cover you in a Buffalo bicycle accident through uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, even though you were riding a bike rather than driving your car.
If you own a vehicle, the uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage on your auto policy can follow you onto your bicycle. This coverage can be important when the driver who hit you had no insurance or not enough insurance to cover your injuries. A household member's policy may sometimes apply as well. A Western New York bicycle accident lawyer can review the available policies to find every source of coverage.
If a hit-and-run driver hits you on your bicycle in Buffalo, uninsured motorist coverage or a state fund for uninsured crashes may provide benefits when no driver's insurance is available.
Hit-and-run crashes are frustrating because the at-fault driver cannot be identified, but you may still have options. Uninsured motorist coverage on your own or a household auto policy can apply, and when no insurance is available at all, a state fund that handles certain uninsured motor vehicle crashes may provide benefits. These claims often have early notice requirements, so contacting a Buffalo bicycle accident lawyer quickly can protect your rights.
Yes. Even if you do not own a car, car insurance can still cover your Buffalo bicycle accident, usually through the no-fault coverage on the vehicle that struck you.
You do not need to own a vehicle to receive no-fault benefits as an injured cyclist. When a car hits you, that car's no-fault coverage generally applies to your medical bills and lost wages. If you live with a family member who has auto insurance, that policy may offer additional protection in some situations. Our bicycle accident attorneys can help you understand which coverage is available based on your circumstances.
After a bicycle accident in Buffalo, seek medical care, report the crash to the police, gather the driver's information, document the scene, and speak with a bicycle accident lawyer before dealing with the insurance company.
Practical steps protect both your health and your claim. Get medical attention even if you feel only shaken, since some injuries appear later. Call the police so there is an official report, collect the driver's name, license, and insurance details, and photograph the scene, your bike, and your injuries if you are able. Then, before giving a recorded statement to an insurance company, talk with a Western New York bicycle accident lawyer who can advise you on your no-fault and injury claims.
A Buffalo bicycle accident lawyer can identify every insurance policy that applies, file your no-fault claim on time, and pursue an injury claim against the at-fault driver.
Insurance after a bicycle crash can involve several overlapping policies, tight deadlines, and adjusters focused on paying as little as possible. Our bicycle accident attorneys at Rosenthal, Kooshoian & Lennon, LLP handle these cases in house across Western New York, from the first call through resolution. We work to line up your no-fault benefits, protect your uninsured and underinsured coverage, and hold the responsible driver accountable. If you were hurt while riding, we welcome the chance to talk with you in a free consultation.
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