Ensures bicyclists are covered in the event of a collision with a car
LANSING, Mich., Aug. 7, 2020, — State Rep. Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids) introduced House Bill 5934 in June to amend Michigan’s no-fault auto insurance structure to protect bicyclists from financial hardship and instability as a result of injuries suffered from a collision with a vehicle on the road.
“I have witnessed first-hand the potentially devastating impact of a traumatic bicycle injury when my husband was struck by a vehicle while biking to work. Thankfully, our family was able to access essential medical care and rehabilitation services, as well as wage loss for the months of recovery where my husband could not work. Without that coverage, my family’s financial stability would have been completely disrupted,” Hood said. “I believe that expanding our auto insurance structure will protect the countless Michiganders who ride bikes for enjoyment or for their transportation from the financial burdens of recovering from a significant injury on the roads.”
The bill would expressly provide uninsured bicyclists access to the Assigned Claims Plan, which will ensure prompt access to medical care, rehabilitation, and wage loss protection in the event of a serious traumatic injury. The current no-fault scheme, which took effect at the beginning of July, is silent on this issue and will leave injured bicyclists in limbo over their financial stability as they recover from their injuries.
“We’ve seen many bicyclists, young and old, and their families suffer the tragedy of a serious crash,” said Matt Penniman, Communications Director for the League of Michigan Bicyclists, who support Hood’s bill. “Michigan’s lawmakers have the power to prevent the double tragedy of medical bankruptcy or loss of care. This is a simple step, and urgently needed.”
The bill is currently in the Committee on Insurance awaiting a hearing.
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