Bike-car adcident. Who pays?

Question

I was turning left on a straight green light at an intersection. I couldn't see any cars going the other way because there were cars in the turn lane on the opposite side blocking my view. So I turned left and then all of a sudden, a car is in front of me and I swerve to avoid it on my bike, but I hit it anyway. The other person driving had the right of way. I dented her car and there were a few scratches. My bike's front wheel was completely mangled and I need to replace the frame. Who pays for her car? Do I? I have no insurance at all. I was riding a bike. Does her insurance pay for everything, or do I have to pay? I know that in Washington, even if it was the biker's fault, the person who is driving the car's insurance company pays. What is the policy in California? (Remember: I'm riding a bike. She is driving a car. She could have easily squashed me and killed me. 3000 lbs to 100-200 lbs.?) Professional opinion would be great!

What about my bike? Would I to be at fault to ask her to pay for the damage?

Also, I swerved to not run into her. She didn't swerve or anything and kept on coming and ran into me.

Answer 1

I am sorry to learn of your predicament but I fear you are going to pay. The law only addresses who must yield right of way. Left turn must yield to oncoming traffic. If you had no insurance she will have to make a claim on her policy for uninsured motorist.
In Wisconsin and Illinois uninsured motorist is required. We have to pay for it because there is the risk of meeting an uninsured. Her insurance company may pursue you later to regain the cost of repairs but if you are young and have very little assets they may just forget about it. However if police are involved you most certainly will get a ticket if your state has laws like WI and IL.
In the future, I hope you will learn to look through the car windows and watch for movement that tells you another car is coming into the intersection. That next time you could end up UNDER the car instead of beside it.
Good luck with this...............

Answer 2

Firstly as any one was once injured within the incident you'll have said the problem to the Police instantly earlier than leaving the scene - authorized; requirement. If you had or have performed so then you definitely might be absolved of all accountability as a result of the cyclists loss of lighting and the Police can have even taken movement in opposition to the bicycle owner. No subject the way you seem at this the bicycle owner will have to be the only paying. Just considering that it's not a motorised car this doesn't cast off any duties as a street consumer

Answer 3

A bicycle is considered a motor vehicle (you are the motor) under the law. You failed to yield the right of way! You caused damage to an innocent person's property and now want her or her insurance company to pay?

The size of the vehicles do not matter! The fact that you could have been killed should cause you to realize that you need to be more careful!

You should pay for the damages you caused, and look deep inside to try to figure out why you think you should not be responsible for your actions!!

Answer 4

Yes, her insurance will pay for her damages. They will probably send you a bill since the accident was your fault. If you fail to pay they may or may not pursue it depending on your circumstances.

The right thing to do would be to offer to at least make payments for the damages if you can't afford to pay it outright.

It would be completely out of line to ask or expect her insurance to pay for your bike. Don't antagonize them further.

I am really glad that you are okay. That could have been a huge tragedy. Count your blessings.

Answer 5

I like you nerve

Look I just ran into your car and damaged it can you pay my damages please?

Wow you must have ba11s of steel

Answer 6

if its your fault u should pay