Auto Accidents as a Bicyclist

Oregon is a state that embraces cycling, with many residents choosing bicycles for commuting, recreation, and exercise. However, the reality of sharing the road with motor vehicles means that accidents involving bicycles can and do occur. If you've been injured while riding your bike in an accident involving a car, you might be facing not only physical pain and emotional distress, but also uncertainty about how to cover your medical expenses. The good news is that Oregon's Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits can provide crucial financial support for your recovery, even if you weren't in a car at the time of the collision. At our chiropractic clinic, we specialize in helping individuals like you recover from auto-related injuries, and we want to ensure you understand your rights and how PIP can work for you.

A common misconception is that PIP benefits only apply to individuals who were inside a motor vehicle at the time of an accident. However, in Oregon, PIP coverage extends much further to protect vulnerable road users like bicyclists. If you were a bicyclist struck by a car, you are likely entitled to PIP benefits, and the source of this coverage might be more accessible than you think.

• Your Own Auto Insurance Policy: Even if you were not driving your own car or any car at the time of the accident, if you have a current auto insurance policy in Oregon, your own PIP coverage will typically be the primary source for your medical expenses related to the bicycle accident. This is a significant benefit for cyclists who also own or lease a vehicle.
• A Resident Relative's Auto Insurance Policy:What if you don't own a car and therefore don't have your own auto insurance policy? Oregon law has provisions to protect you in this situation as well. If you were living with a relative (such as a parent, spouse, or sibling) who has a valid Oregon auto insurance policy, you may be eligible for PIP benefits under their policy. This ensures that even cyclists who don't personally own a vehicle can still access the medical care that they may need after an accident.

It's important to understand that PIP coverage follows the injured person, not necessarily the vehicle involved. This means that if you are a bicyclist struck by a car, your path to accessing medical treatment covered by PIP is often straightforward, either through your own auto policy, or that of a residing relative.

The primary purpose of PIP coverage is to ensure that individuals injured in auto-related accidents can receive prompt medical care without the immediate burden of out-of-pocket expenses. In the context of a bicycle-car collision, your PIP benefits can cover a wide range of necessary treatments, including:

• Chiropractic Care: As specialists in musculoskeletal injuries often resulting from auto accidents, chiropractic care is frequently a crucial component of recovery. PIP benefits typically cover chiropractic evaluations, adjustments, and other therapies aimed at restoring proper spinal alignment, reducing pain, and improving function.
• Medical Doctor Visits:Visits to your primary care physician or other medical specialists for diagnosis, treatment planning, and prescriptions are generally covered under PIP.
• Physical Therapy:If rehabilitation is necessary to regain strength, flexibility, and range of motion, PIP will typically cover prescribed physical therapy sessions.
• Massage Therapy:In many cases, therapeutic massage can be beneficial in reducing muscle tension, improving circulation, and promoting healing after an accident. PIP may cover massage therapy when prescribed by a qualified healthcare provider.
• Other Reasonable and Necessary Medical Expenses:This can include expenses such as diagnostic tests (like X-rays or MRIs), ambulance services, and even some over-the-counter medications prescribed by your doctor.

A significant advantage of Oregon's PIP system is that it typically covers 100% of your treatment expenses up to the policy's PIP limit. While coverage limits can vary depending on the specific auto insurance policy, they are often substantial enough to cover the necessary medical care for injuries sustained in a bicycle accident. Furthermore, unlike some health insurance plans, PIP coverage in Oregon rarely involves a deductible, meaning you likely won't have to pay for anything out-of-pocket before your benefits start covering your treatment.

If you have been involved in a bicycle accident in Oregon where a car was involved, understanding your PIP benefits is the first step towards a smooth recovery. Don't let uncertainty about insurance coverage delay you from seeking the medical attention you need.

At our chiropractic clinic, we have extensive experience working with patients who have been injured in bicycle-car collisions and navigating the PIP claims process. We can help you understand your coverage, develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific injuries, and bill your PIP insurance directly, so that you can focus on healing.

If you're experiencing pain or discomfort after a bicycle accident, we encourage you to contact our clinic for a consultation. We are here to answer your questions, assess your condition, and help you get back on the road to recovery, knowing that your treatment can likely be fully covered by your Oregon PIP benefits. Remember, you don't have to navigate this challenging time alone. Let us help you understand your rights and access the care you deserve.