[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”5657″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Cross your fingers, everyone: we may just be entering some warmer weather. For those of us who are fair-weather fans of biking around the city (big kudos to those who can slog through the rainy months) and are now scrambling around trying to remember where you stashed your tire pump, here’s a reminder: when it comes to cycling the streets of Seattle, you can never be too careful. Seattle is slowly implementing safe (or safer) zones for bikers to get around, but especially when it comes to intersections and thick traffic, drivers are not terribly inclined to share the road with their two-wheeled friends. Be humble. Never assume you have the right of way. Get a bright bike light. Obey the rules of the road even more carefully than you would behind the wheel. You are not invincible and if there is an impact between you and another car, you won’t come out the winner.
If you are hit by a car while on your bike, you may have some additional coverage for medical bills you may not be aware of. The driver who hit you will likely have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage on their auto insurance policy – in Washington State PIP is required at a minimum of $10,000.00 unless the driver knowingly rejects the coverage. PIP will pay for medical bills for all treatment that is reasonable, necessary, and related to the injury. Under Washington law, the driver’s policy is first in line to pay, and if that exhausts, your own PIP policy covers you (if you have auto insurance).
But better to avoid PIP altogether if you can help it. Pump up those tires and be safe out there![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
