What if I am injured in a bicycle accident and the driver has no insurance?

If you are injured in a bicycle accident in Washington and the driver of the vehicle has no insurance, you still have options. First, you may be able to file a claim with your own insurance company. In Washington, many car insurance policies include “Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury Coverage”. This covers injuries to you, the policyholder, when the person responsible for the accident is uninsured. You should check with your insurer to see if you have this type of coverage and the claim limits for your policy. Second, depending on the circumstances of your accident, you may be able to pursue legal action against the driver in civil suit court. This means you may be able to receive a judgement from the court, but keep in mind it may be difficult to collect the money if the driver has no insurance or money. Third, in some cases, you may be able to make a claim with the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries. This is a state-funded program that provides benefits to those injured in accidents due to another party’s negligence. You can apply for benefits but keep in mind payments will depend on how much of the financial responsibility the court finds the driver to be liable for. Finally, many communities and local organizations offer victim support services such as legal advocacy, counseling and financial assistance. You should contact your local community organization for more information about the types of services that may be available to you. No matter which path you choose, it is important that you speak with a qualified lawyer to ensure that you take the appropriate steps to protect your legal rights. A lawyer will be able to review your case and advise you on what actions are best to take next.

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