Bicyclists Can Take Simple Steps to Protect Themselves
Cycling is an exhilarating sport, but it can also be a dangerous one. Cyclists know this and work to protect themselves. We wear helmets, we obey the rules of the road and we make sure that our bicycles are serviced regularly. But the one thing that many cyclists overlook, is a simple, and inexpensive action they can take to limit their financial exposure should they be involved in an accident: making sure they have underinsured motorist protection.
The personal injury practice of McCullough, Goldberger and Staudt LLP is currently representing three injured cyclists who were involved in accidents with motor vehicles. In two of the cases the defendant automobile driver/owner had the minimum required coverage in New York State. That is, they were insured for only $25,000. In neither case did they have any substantial assets which could compensate the injured cyclists.
In all three cases, the cyclists sustained very serious injuries which injuries resulted in damage that would far exceed the minimum required insurance in New York State. In one of the cases the injured cyclist had no underinsured motorist protection. That is an addition to the injured cyclist’s own automobile insurance policy, which addition provides coverage where the damages exceed the amount of the defendant drivers’ automobile insurance. Hence, the cyclist is relegated to recover no more than the $25,000.
In the other case the cyclist had an insurance policy on his automobile with underinsured motorist protection of $300,000. That means that in addition to the $25,000 which could be obtained from the defendant motorist’s insurance he can obtain up to another $275,000 from his own insurance company. The cost of said additional insurance is minimal. In this case the additional premium for uninsured/underinsured motorist protection in the amount of $300,000 is $46 a year.
When a cyclist is struck by an automobile, the injuries are usually much more severe than if he had been in a motor vehicle and secured by a seatbelt. At the very least there are often fractures of various bones in the body. The injuries almost always exceed the minimum New York State requirements for liability insurance, so it only makes sense for cyclists to consider underinsured motorist protection. The cost is minimal, and it is an extremely worthwhile investment.
Whether they have had cycling, automobile or a construction accident, the law firm of McCullough, Goldberger & Staudt LLP has successfully represented personal injury clients for many years. The firm’s litigation practice group, led by Senior Counsel Charles Goldberger, handles extensive litigation in State and Federal Courts in Westchester and surrounding counties and in Surrogate’s Courts throughout the state. MGS has been successful in recovering multiple million dollar verdicts in personal injury litigation. If you are seeking an attorney or need advice due to a personal injury, please contact us at 914-949-6400 or visit our website at https://www.mgslawyers.com/
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