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Yes, car insurance can come into play when a car hits a cyclist. A bicycle is not an insured vehicle, but when a driver hits a cyclist, several parts of a car insurance policy can apply. Crucial sources include the at-fault driver’s liability coverage and the cyclist’s own uninsured or underinsured coverage.
One of the biggest factors in any injury case is the amount of available coverage. Since July 1st, 2025, North Carolina has required bodily injury liability coverage of at least $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident, plus $50,000 in property damage coverage. Those limits can be sufficient for a minor accident. However, a serious cycling injury can easily cost more in medical bills, lost income, and other expenses. A wrongful death leaves a family with losses no policy limit can make whole. When damages exceed the driver’s coverage, injured riders and their families can often look to their own insurance.
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage applies when the at-fault driver has absolutely no insurance. Unfortunately, uninsured drivers are more common than you might think. A recent estimate puts the rate at 11.8% of North Carolina drivers operating without insurance. If you are a cyclist hit by a driver with no insurance, you can consult your own auto insurance UM policy for compensation.
UM/UIM coverage applies when the at-fault driver’s insurance is insufficient to cover the injured person’s losses. Generally, the named insured and relatives living in the same household may be covered under the household’s auto policy, even if they were riding a bicycle rather than traveling in a vehicle. Someone who doesn’t own a car may still have UM/UIM coverage through a spouse, parent, or other relative who lives with them. Insurers often dispute responsibility for policyholders and household residents who are covered under the law. Contact our experienced legal staff for help understanding your individual insurance limits and your options after a crash.
When several people are injured in one collision, they all draw on the same per-accident liability limit, and each person’s share can be small. A recent crash in Wake County shows how quickly it can happen. NBC News reported that a driver suspected of being impaired struck a group of cyclists on November 7, killing one and injuring 20 others.
If the at-fault driver carried only the minimum, a $100,000 per-accident limit divided among a wrongful death claim and 20 injury claims is nowhere near sufficient to account for victims’ damages. Further, no single person could collect more than the $50,000 per-person limit from that policy. In a situation like that, the injured riders and the family of the rider who died would likely need to turn to their own UM/UIM coverage.
North Carolina law allows personal injury victims to recover the following types of damages after a crash:
North Carolina follows an archaic rule called contributory negligence. This doctrine, followed by just four states and the District of Columbia, holds that if you are even 1% at fault for your own injuries, you can be denied any compensation. Insurance companies will seek to prove that you failed to use “reasonable care” and that your conduct contributed to the injury. For this reason, personal injury claims, even those involving a car striking cyclists, can be challenging for victims. It’s essential to discuss your case with an experienced injury lawyer who can help you understand the system’s ins and outs.
Recovering after a car hits you while cycling can be a long and difficult process. Seeking compensation brings its own challenges. Our personal injury attorneys look beyond the first settlement offer and advocate for compensation that reflects our clients’ needs. We work to maintain consistent communication throughout your case, both to support your understanding of the process and to inform our approach. Our attorneys are also familiar with how the at-fault driver’s insurance company often treats bicycle claims differently, including arguments that a cyclist assumed the risk by riding on the road.
A serious bicycle crash can leave you facing a lengthy recovery and financial strain long after your injuries heal. You don’t have to navigate what comes next alone. The Raleigh bicycle accident attorneys at Maginnis Howard help injured cyclists across Wake County and throughout North Carolina pursue compensation while preparing their claims with care. We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, with no upfront costs and no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you. To discuss your options, call our Raleigh office at (919) 526-0450 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation. Reaching out early gives our team an opportunity to help preserve evidence and begin building your claim.
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