The short answer is YES!
Motorcyclists are some of the most vulnerable people on the road. Unlike a passenger in a car, a motorcyclist doesn’t have a lot to protect him from the dangers of the road in case of an accident. A passenger in a car has airbags, a seatbelt, and the frame of the car.
A motorcyclist has very little between him and the road – usually just a helmet and other protective gear. As a result, a person involved in a motorcycle accident is likely to have severe injuries and motorcycle insurance can help to protect the motorcyclist if he is hit.
What is the role of motorcycle insurance after a motorcycle accident?
Most auto insurance policies do not extend to cover motorcycles, a fact many drivers don’t know. Both auto and motorcycle insurance provide collision coverage. Having insurance can help pay bills like medical expenses after a crash. Here are a few things to consider as you research and decide upon motorcycle insurance:
Medical Expense Benefit
Medical Expense Benefit acts like additional health insurance on your motorcycle. If you don’t have health insurance, this coverage will pay your medical bills, and if you do have health insurance, it will reimburse you for what you pay out of pocket and what your health insurance paid on your behalf.
Medical Expense Benefit will pay out even if you are at fault for an accident. Even if you have this coverage on your car, it likely does not cover you if you’re injured while driving a motorcycle, so make sure it is added to your motorcycle policy.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
This coverage will protect you if you’re not at fault for an accident and the person who is at fault doesn’t have enough insurance coverage to cover the cost of your injuries. Uninsured Motorist Coverage will also cover you if you don’t know the identity of the person who hit you, such as a hit-and-run.
Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Similar to Uninsured Motorist Coverage, this coverage protects you if the person at fault for your injuries is underinsured, meaning they have insurance but not enough insurance to pay for your injuries. This may be one of the most overlooked coverages when you buy insurance, but it is important to make sure that you are protected in the event that the person who hurts you only has a small policy. Talk to your insurance company to find out what specific coverage they offer for motorcycle accidents.
Legal implications of insufficient insurance coverage
When a motorcyclist is involved in an accident without proper insurance, they may face significant legal and financial obstacles. If you’re at fault, you could be personally liable for damages exceeding your coverage limits. If you’re the victim, you might struggle to recover full compensation if the at-fault party is underinsured.
Liability insurance for motorcycles: protecting yourself and others
Liability insurance is a fundamental component of motorcycle insurance. This coverage protects you financially if you’re at fault in an accident that causes injury to another person or damage to their property. In Virginia, as in most states, liability insurance is mandatory for all motorists, including motorcyclists.
Motorcycle liability insurance typically consists of two parts:
Bodily Injury Liability: This covers medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering of other parties if you’re at fault in a motorcycle accident. It can also cover your legal defense if you’re sued as a result of the accident.
Property Damage Liability: This pays for damage you cause to another person’s property, such as their vehicle or other personal belongings.
Why adequate liability coverage matters
While Virginia requires minimum liability coverage per accident for bodily injury and property damage, these limits may not be sufficient in the event of a serious motorcycle accident. Medical costs can quickly exceed these minimums, especially in motorcycle accidents where injuries tend to be more severe.
At Allen & Allen, we’ve seen cases where insufficient liability coverage left our clients personally responsible for damages exceeding their policy limits. This can lead to significant financial hardship, including the potential loss of personal assets.
Make sure you have adequate insurance coverage before you face the reality of a collision with a motor vehicle. Don’t wait to find out your car insurance isn’t enough after an accident. Know all your coverage options and make sure you carry liability insurance.
Motorcycle injuries are often severe and can involve an inpatient hospitalization or at least a battery of diagnostic tests checking for broken bones and internal bleeding. Hospital bills add up quickly. In order to make sure that you and your loved ones are protected in the event of a motorcycle accident, check your insurance coverage and make sure that your coverage is as high as you can afford.
Legal implications of liability coverage
If you’re involved in an accident where you’re at fault, your liability coverage offers personal injury protection. A motorcycle accident lawyer can help navigate the claims process, negotiate with the other party’s insurance company, and work to protect your interests. If you’re underinsured, an experienced lawyer can be invaluable in exploring all possible avenues for coverage and protection.
The role of a personal injury lawyer after a motorcycle accident
Navigating the claims process after a motorcycle accident can be complex and overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with an injured rider and emotional trauma. This is where the skill of a personal injury lawyer familiar with handling claims involving motorcycle accidents becomes invaluable.
Understanding your policy and coverage insurance
A skilled personal injury attorney can thoroughly review your insurance policy, explaining your coverage in plain language. They can help you understand the nuances of your policy, including any exclusions or limitations that may affect your claim. This knowledge helps determine the strength of your case and the potential compensation you may be entitled to receive.
Negotiating with the insurance provider
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, even to their own policyholders. A personal injury lawyer serves as an advocate for motorcycle riders in insurance claims. They handle communications with the insurance adjuster and the other driver or drivers and their insurance carriers. They have the experience to counter lowball offers and negotiate effectively for fair compensation that covers your accident-related expenses, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Identifying all potential sources of compensation
Motorcycle accidents can sometimes involve multiple parties or insurance policies. An experienced attorney will investigate your case thoroughly to identify all potential sources of compensation. This might include the at-fault driver’s insurance, your own insurance company (including uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage), and possibly third-party claims if a vehicle defect or road condition contributed to the accident. Your lawyer understands the situations motorcycle insurance cover and how to negotiate to make motorcycle insurance work in your favor.
Advocating for motorcycle accident victims
If your motorcycle accident claims are denied or undervalued by the insurance company, a personal injury lawyer becomes your strongest ally. They can dispute unfair claim denials, gather and present evidence to support your case, and, if necessary, file a personal injury lawsuit and go to court to protect your rights. Your attorney will ensure that all required documentation is filed correctly and within the statute of limitations, preserving your right to seek compensation.
Providing legal support after a motorcycle crash
Beyond these key areas, a personal injury lawyer offers comprehensive support throughout your case. They can:
- Coordinate with medical professionals to ensure you receive proper treatment and that all injuries are thoroughly documented in your medical records.
- Investigate the scene where the accident occurred, document the vehicles involved, and identify the at-fault driver.
- Calculate the full extent of your damages, including future medical needs and long-term impacts on your quality of life.
- Represent you in court if the insurance claims adjuster refuses to provide a fair settlement offer through negotiation.
- Provide guidance on how to protect your insurance claim, such as advising you on social media use and interactions with insurance adjusters.
- Offer peace of mind, allowing you to focus on your recovery while they handle the legal complexities of your case.
Let Allen & Allen fight for your rights after a motorcycle crash
Motorcycle accidents can be life-altering events, often resulting in severe injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and significant emotional trauma. In the aftermath of such a devastating incident, you need more than just legal representation – you need a dedicated advocate who understands the unique challenges faced by motorcyclists.
At Allen & Allen, we’ve been advocating for injured riders for decades. Our experienced attorneys are passionate about protecting motorcyclists’ rights and ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve. We know insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or shift blame onto riders, and we’re prepared to fight these tactics head-on.
When you choose Allen & Allen, you’re not just getting a lawyer – you’re gaining a tenacious ally. Let our skilled team shoulder the legal burden while you focus on your recovery. Your rights matter, and your story deserves to be heard.
Contact Allen & Allen today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us put our experience, resources, and dedication to work for you. Call us at 1-866-388-1307 or schedule a consultation online.
