We forgot, however, to mention other forms of compensation that may be available to Wisconsin bicycle accident victims: Auto Insurance and Home Owners Insurance. The reasons for bicycle accidents vary, as does the means of compensation for injuries due to negligence of another. Bicycle accidents can be caused by a vehicle collision, a dog jumping in front of the cycle, a bump in the road, or a crack in the sidewalk.

In incidents that involve a vehicle, either the driver or the cyclist’s auto insurance may be the most appropriate means for compensation. In instances that involve public sidewalks or roads, municipal government coverage may be the best option.

For bicycle accidents that involve a dog jumping in front of the cyclist, the dog owner’s home owner’s insurance may be the most appropriate means for compensation. And for bicycle accidents in which the cause is unknown or not attributed to anyone in particular, the cyclist’s automobile insurance and/or home owner’s insurance may be the most appropriate.

What is important to understand is that there are many causes of bicycle accidents and many different means of compensation for resulting injuries. If you have been in a bicycle accident in Wisconsin and have been injured, it is important to contact an experienced Wisconsin Bicycle Accident Attorney who can help you determine the most appropriate form of compensation for your injury expenses.

The second most important protection you can have is adequate uninsured/under-insured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. If you are an active Wisconsin bicyclist and have the misfortune to be hit by a car and the driver flees the scene, the vehicle is considered under-insured; therefore, your UM/UIM insurance will likely cover your damages, medical bills, lost pay, and pain and suffering.

It is recommended that your UM/UIM limits are at least as great as your bodily injury limits. In short, UM/UIM protects you from the negligent actions of others while bodily injury protects others from your negligence. Both equally as important, not only for drivers, but for bicyclists as well.

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident and want to understand your rights to under-insured/uninsured motorist coverage, be sure to contact an experienced Wisconsin Bicycle Accident Attorney.