Whether or not insurance will cover a Citi Bike accident in New York depends on who is at fault and how the accident occurred. The company that owns Citi Bike, Lyft, does not offer direct motor vehicle accident insurance to riders. However, the injured bicyclist may be eligible for coverage from one or more other options.
Citi Bike Rides Do Not Come With Rider Injury Coverage
When a rider rents a Citi Bike, they must sign a liability waiver as part of the rental agreement. This is a binding contract that limits Lyft’s liability in the event of a Citi Bike accident. It states that the rider assumes “full and complete responsibility for all related foreseeable and unforeseeable risks, dangers, and hazards” and releases named parties from liability for any injury, death or damage caused.
If a Citi Bike accident occurs, an injured rider cannot turn to Lyft for insurance coverage. However, there may be other sources of compensation available, such as the driver’s automobile insurance (if hit by a car), a claim against the New York City government for a dangerous or defective roadway, a claim against Lyft directly for its own negligence, or the rider’s health insurance.
New York’s No-Fault Insurance Coverage for Auto Accidents
New York uses a no-fault insurance system for auto accident cases, in which drivers seek coverage from their own personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, regardless of who is at fault. When a bicyclist or pedestrian is hit by a car in New York, they can seek coverage from the driver’s insurance company without having to prove fault or negligence.
No-fault insurance will pay for the cyclist’s medical bills and partial lost wages, up to $50,000, regardless of whether the driver caused the accident. If the injuries meet New York’s “serious injury threshold,” meaning they are severe or permanently disabling, the Citi Bike rider can file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. This could lead to greater financial compensation, including pain and suffering damages, but it requires proof of negligence.
Company Liability in Limited Circumstances
There are some circumstances in which Lyft can be held accountable as the parent company of Citi Bike when an accident injures a rider. If the incident occurred due to a bicycle malfunction that was caused by poor bicycle maintenance or a mechanical defect, the company that owns the bicycle could be held liable. Lyft is responsible for ensuring the safety of New York Citi Bikes and must provide reasonable maintenance.
Third-Party Liability for a Citi Bike Accident
Another potential option for recovering compensation for a Citi Bike accident is a third-party liability claim. A third party is someone not directly involved in the accident, but that caused or contributed to it. If a road hazard such as a pothole caused the bike crash, for example, the New York City government could be held liable through the rules of premises liability. A government tort claim must be initiated within 90 days of the accident.
What to Do After an Accident on a Citi Bike in New York
If you get injured in an accident while on a Citi Bike, call 911 to report the wreck and request medical attention immediately. Get medical care and keep copies of your hospital bills. If you can, gather information at the scene, such as the driver’s contact information and pictures of the crash scene. Notify Citi Bike of the accident, as the bike will remain your responsibility until it has been docked or given to a company representative.
Do not admit fault for your Citi Bike accident. If a quick insurance settlement is offered to you by a driver’s insurance company or another insurer, do not accept it before speaking to an electric bike accident lawyer. Your injuries may be worth more than the insurer initially offers you. A personal injury lawyer in Forest Hills can protect your rights and explore all of your options for insurance coverage or compensation.