Expert: Anne - 12/23/2011

Question
Hi Anne --- I live in the Dallas Texas area ... I ride a bicycle about 1000 miles a month for exercise and pleasure ... I was recently riding my bike on a biking trail heading north ... Another biker was heading south at the same time ... The other biker cut in front of me at the last minute to avoid a crash with a barricade --- and I crashed into the other biker and landed hard on a concrete surface ... I broke my right thumb ... I also dislocated my left shoulder and bruised several left side ribs ... I had to go to the hospital ER 2 times in the next 4 days to teat my injuries ... I also had to go to about 5 follow up visits with local medical doctor specialists ... Can I use my auto PIP insurance to pay for any of my medical injuries? ... My medicare coverage paid for most of my medical bills --- but my out of pocket medical expenses are about $1500 ... My PIP auto insurance coverage is $2500 ... Thanks

Answer
Hello John,

This is a great question. Your auto policy, the PIP section should hold  the right answer. Please see http://www.auto-insurance-claim-advice.com/personal-injury-protection.html

Most PIP policies will cover you if you are in an auto accident. The word auto is actually defined in the definition's section of the policy. It typically is defined as a motor vehicle with four or more wheels.

What this means is that if you are hit by a vehicle in your bicycle, you are likely covered as there was an auto (note: it does not have to be a "covered auto" just an auto). In the situation you described above, there is no auto, so coverage is unlikely.

Read you auto policy to determine that.

Also, talk to a local lawyer.

Good Luck
Anne
http://www.quirogalawoffice.com/