Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM) Apply to Me After I was hit by a Hit and Run Driver While Riding My Bike in New Orleans?

Being hit by a car while riding your bike is terrifying. When the driver takes off and is never identified, that fear is often replaced by questions about medical bills, lost wages, and who is supposed to pay. Last year, there has been a New Orleans hit-and-run on St. Claude Avenue, where a cyclist was killed, is a tragic reminder of how exposed riders are on Louisiana roads and how quickly these crashes can turn life-altering.

Many cyclists assume insurance only applies if they were driving a car. That is not always true. In some situations, uninsured motorist coverage—also called UM or UIM—may apply even if you were riding a bicycle or acting as a pedestrian. Whether coverage exists depends on your insurance policy, how you are classified under that policy, and how Louisiana law treats uninsured and underinsured motorists.

This article explains how uninsured motorist coverage can apply to cyclists, when it may help after a hit-and-run accident, and what steps you should take to protect your rights after a bicycle crash in New Orleans or elsewhere in Louisiana.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM) for Cyclists

Uninsured Motorist Coverage, commonly referred to as UM coverage, is designed to protect people who are injured by drivers who either have no insurance or cannot be identified after an accident. While many people associate UM coverage with car accidents involving two vehicles, this type of insurance coverage often extends far beyond that example. In most states, including Louisiana, UM coverage can apply when a cyclist or pedestrian is injured by a motor vehicle.

For cyclists, this protection can be especially important. A bicycle offers no physical security compared to a car, and injuries from a crash can be severe even at low speeds. Medical expenses can add up quickly, and serious injuries may keep an injured person from working, attending college, or caring for family members. When the at-fault driver is uninsured or flees the scene, UM coverage may be the primary way to seek compensation.

It is important to understand one key limitation: in Louisiana, a cyclist generally must have an insured automobile in order to carry UM or underinsured motorist coverage. That means if you do not own a car and do not have an auto insurance policy in your name, you may not have access to these benefits. However, coverage may still apply if you are listed on a family member’s policy or live in the same household as the insured.

Understanding how UM coverage works before an accident happens can make a meaningful difference afterward. Knowing what your insurance company is required to provide, how claims are filed, and what benefits may be available can help protect your financial security and your future after a serious bicycle crash.

Reviewing Your Insurance Policy for UM Coverage as a Cyclist

When you’re riding your bike in New Orleans or any busy city, it’s vital to ensure your insurance policy provides the protection you need in case you’re hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver. Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage is a key piece of your insurance policy, designed to protect you as a cyclist or pedestrian if you’re involved in an accident with a driver who lacks adequate insurance. Taking the time to review your policy with a focus on UM coverage can make all the difference in safeguarding your assets and well-being.

Start by finding out exactly what your insurance company offers for cyclists. Not all policies are created equal, and some companies provide resources and support specifically tailored to the unique risks cyclists face. Look for a provider that understands your situation and can assist you in navigating the administration of your policy, especially when it comes to the requirements for UM coverage in your state. In Louisiana, for example, UM coverage is often a requirement, but the level of protection can vary, so it’s important to ensure your policy meets or exceeds the minimum standards.

There are two types of UM coverage to consider: Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UMBI) and Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD). 

• UMBI helps cover medical bills, pain and suffering, and other losses if you’re injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver, while UMPD can help repair or replace your bike and other property. 

• Similarly, Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage steps in when the negligent driver’s insurance isn’t enough to cover your damages. Purchasing both types of coverage ensures you’re protected from a broad range of potential losses, whether you’re riding, walking, or even running.

Affordability is often a concern, but the increase in premium for higher UM coverage is usually modest compared to the benefits it provides. Maximum coverage can offer peace of mind, knowing you and your family members are protected from the financial fallout of a serious accident. Additionally, many insurance companies offer discounts for cyclists who take safety courses or use protective gear, making it easier to afford comprehensive coverage.

When reviewing your policy, pay attention to the broad definition of a pedestrian, which often includes anyone walking, running, or riding a bike. This means UM coverage can apply in a variety of situations, not just when you’re behind the wheel of a car. The benefits of UM coverage extend beyond just medical bills—they can also help with lost wages, pain and suffering, and other expenses that arise after an accident.

If you ever need to file a claim, your insurance company should assist you throughout the process, providing resources and guidance to help you recover. Understanding how to work with your insurer, what documentation to provide, and how to protect your rights in the event of a lawsuit is essential for a smooth recovery.

Ultimately, reviewing your insurance policy for UM coverage is about more than just meeting a requirement—it’s about ensuring your safety, protecting your assets, and providing for your family in the event of an accident. Take the time to review your policy today, and make sure you have the coverage you need to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

Impact of Bicycle Accidents Involving an Uninsured or Underinsured Driver or Hit-and-Run Drivers

Bicycle accidents involving an uninsured driver, an underinsured driver, or a hit-and-run motorist often leave injured cyclists facing serious and immediate consequences. When a car, truck, or motorcycle hits a rider, the lack of physical protection can lead to significant injuries and long-term disruption.

Common impacts include:

• Severe injuries, such as broken bones, head trauma, spinal injuries, and soft-tissue damage

• Mounting medical bills from emergency care, hospital stays, surgery, and rehabilitation

• Lost wages due to missed work, reduced hours, or an inability to return to a job

• Emotional stress and uncertainty, especially when the at-fault driver cannot be identified

Hit-and-run crashes are particularly devastating because the negligent driver cannot be held directly accountable. When there is no liability insurance to pursue, uninsured motorist coverage often becomes the primary path to compensation. These accidents continue to raise transportation safety concerns in New Orleans and throughout Louisiana, where cyclists regularly share the road with fast-moving vehicles.

What you do after the crash matters. Here are some of the steps you should take if you were involved in an accident:

• Report the accident to the police immediately to establish an official record

• Notify your insurance company promptly if you intend to file a UM or underinsured motorist claim

• Document the exact location of the accident, along with the date, time, and surrounding conditions

Strong documentation can significantly affect the outcome of a claim. Helpful records include:

• Medical reports and treatment summaries

• Police reports and incident numbers

• Photos of injuries, your bicycle, and the crash scene

• Proof of lost income or missed work

Keeping organized records from the start helps protect your rights and strengthens your ability to seek compensation after a bicycle accident involving an uninsured or hit-and-run driver.

Claims Process with Insurance Companies

Filing a claim after a bicycle accident involving an uninsured driver, an underinsured motorist, or a hit-and-run vehicle can feel overwhelming. Many cyclists are dealing with injuries, medical appointments, and time away from work while trying to understand how their insurance coverage applies. Unfortunately, the claims process is not always straightforward, even when coverage should apply.

When pursuing a UM or UIM claim, it is important to stay organized and proactive. Helpful steps include:

• Keeping detailed records of all communication with your insurance company, including emails, letters, and notes from phone calls

• Saving copies of medical records, bills, and treatment plans related to your injuries

• Documenting lost wages or missed school if the accident affected your ability to work or attend college

Insurance companies in Louisiana are required to follow specific rules when handling uninsured and underinsured motorist claims. Even so, delays, disputes over fault, or disagreements about the value of a claim are common. Adjusters may question the extent of injuries, the seriousness of the crash, or whether coverage applies when the injured person was riding a bike rather than driving a car.

Working with an experienced attorney can help level the playing field. A lawyer can assist with gathering documentation, communicating with the insurance company, responding to requests, and pushing back when a claim is unfairly delayed or denied. Legal guidance can also help ensure you pursue the full benefits available under your insurance policy and avoid mistakes that could limit your recovery.

Get Answers About Your Bicycle Accident Claim — Free Consultation Available

A bicycle accident involving an uninsured driver, an underinsured motorist, or a hit-and-run vehicle can change your life in an instant. Between physical injuries, medical bills, missed work, and ongoing stress, it is not always clear where to turn or whether insurance coverage applies. Many cyclists in New Orleans and across Louisiana are surprised to learn that their own insurance policy may provide protection even when the at-fault driver cannot be found or lacks liability insurance.

Burnham Law Firm helps injured cyclists understand their options and pursue the compensation they deserve. If you were hurt while riding your bike, our team can review your insurance policy, explain how UM or UIM coverage may apply, and help you take the next steps with confidence.

If you have questions about a bicycle accident, hit-and-run crash, or insurance claim, contact Burnham Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no obligation, and you can get clear guidance on how to protect your rights and your future.