Over the past several years, the number of bicycle riders has increased significantly. Some people ride for exercise or recreation. For others, cycling is a convenient and eco-friendly way to get around. One would think that drivers would keep a sharper lookout for riders, now that there are more of them. Sadly, however, that’s usually not the case.
Your Claim for Damages
If liability is relatively clear, most insurance companies have a duty to quickly settle the dispute. However, there is almost always at least some question about liability, mostly due to insurance company defenses. Comparative fault is a good example. This legal loophole shifts accident blame from the tortfeasors (negligent driver) to the victim. For example, the insurance company might admit that the insured driver made an illegal turn and blame the victim’s intoxication for the wreck. Disputes like this one usually settle during mediation. A third-party mediator meets with both sides and tries to forge a settlement agreement. If both parties negotiate in good faith, which basically means they are willing to compromise on some points, mediation normally works.























