Motorcycle insurance is a requirement for every rider and it's extremely important that your policy covers what you are expecting. For many riders, they only discover the limitations of their motorcycle insurance after they are involved in an accident and it comes time to determining how much money will be paid out. Knowing the right questions to ask your insurance agent is essential from the first day you go out on the road.
The requirements for each state vary when it comes to motorcycle insurance. Standard policies will cover liability, collision, comprehensive (vehicle replacement), property damage and medical coverage. What many don't consider is what happens when the other driver in a motorcycle accident is uninsured or underinsured. Umbrella insurance covers extensive damages and, overall, a much broader set of circumstances. Without umbrella coverage, you are usually limited to what your insurance covers alone. Drivers who are uninsured or underinsured are frequently "judgment proof" – a term used to mean that they don't have any assets to pay a judgment you might win in court.
Unlike driving a car which has a solid exterior frame, a motorcyclist has no such protection and is far more vulnerable to harm. As a result, brain injuries and death are far more common for riders than for drivers. Given these facts, it is probably a good measure to spend a few extra dollars to purchase the best policy that you can afford. Even if you are confident in your ability and experience as a rider, it is frequently not the negligence of the motorcyclist that causes an accident on the road. You should consider that something as mundane as a driver backing a car out of a driveway without care can result in serious personal injury to a motorcyclist. And in such a case, there is nothing the rider can do to prevent such an accident from occurring.
In general, dealing properly with a motorcycle accident is similar to that of a car accident. You'll need to gather and preserve evidence while it's available and protect your rights. Given the typical nature of the motorcycle injuries, which can be quite extensive, many riders will need help as early as possible. Having a trusted family member is usually important. Speaking to an experienced motorcycle lawyer sooner rather than later is also usually essential in making sure that you are adequately represented with regard to a claim - even when speaking to your motorcycle insurance company. It is important to remember that insurance companies also protect their own interests as well, which includes considering the potential facts of your case and limitations of coverage.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Before going out on the road, be prepared to invest a reasonable amount of time to ensure that the motorcycle insurance policy you buy is the one that will adequately protect you and your family.
Motorcycle Insurance Requirements
The requirements for each state vary when it comes to motorcycle insurance. Standard policies will cover liability, collision, comprehensive (vehicle replacement), property damage and medical coverage. What many don't consider is what happens when the other driver in a motorcycle accident is uninsured or underinsured. Umbrella insurance covers extensive damages and, overall, a much broader set of circumstances. Without umbrella coverage, you are usually limited to what your insurance covers alone. Drivers who are uninsured or underinsured are frequently "judgment proof" – a term used to mean that they don't have any assets to pay a judgment you might win in court.
Unlike driving a car which has a solid exterior frame, a motorcyclist has no such protection and is far more vulnerable to harm. As a result, brain injuries and death are far more common for riders than for drivers. Given these facts, it is probably a good measure to spend a few extra dollars to purchase the best policy that you can afford. Even if you are confident in your ability and experience as a rider, it is frequently not the negligence of the motorcyclist that causes an accident on the road. You should consider that something as mundane as a driver backing a car out of a driveway without care can result in serious personal injury to a motorcyclist. And in such a case, there is nothing the rider can do to prevent such an accident from occurring.
What to do After a Motorcycle Accident
In general, dealing properly with a motorcycle accident is similar to that of a car accident. You'll need to gather and preserve evidence while it's available and protect your rights. Given the typical nature of the motorcycle injuries, which can be quite extensive, many riders will need help as early as possible. Having a trusted family member is usually important. Speaking to an experienced motorcycle lawyer sooner rather than later is also usually essential in making sure that you are adequately represented with regard to a claim - even when speaking to your motorcycle insurance company. It is important to remember that insurance companies also protect their own interests as well, which includes considering the potential facts of your case and limitations of coverage.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Before going out on the road, be prepared to invest a reasonable amount of time to ensure that the motorcycle insurance policy you buy is the one that will adequately protect you and your family.
- Accident & Injury Law
- Motorcycle Accident
