Bicycle Accidents and Insurance Coverage in Massachusetts
If you have been involved in a bicycle accident in Massachusetts, who is going to pay for the medical bills that you incur following the accident? And what about lost wages? In Massachusetts there is PIP (Personal Injury Protection), or no-fault benefits, for those injured in motor vehicle accidents. PIP requires your insurance company to pay the first $2000.00 in reasonable medical bills that you incur following your automobile accident.
If, however, you were riding a bicycle in Massachusetts and an automobile causes you injuries, then the insurance company that insures the driver that hit you will pay your medical expenses. This is a permutation in the law that says that your insurance company does not have to pay for your medical expenses because your were not operating an automobile at the time of the accident. The insurance company that insured the driver who hit you, while you were riding your bike, will pay your reasonable medical bills you incur after the bicycle/automobile accident.
The driver’s auto insurance carrier will also be responsible for compensating you for your bodily injuries, and that is referred to commonly as a “bodily injury” claim. As long as your medical bills are at least $2000 then you may pursue a bodily injury claim for pain and suffering.
Updated: