Insurance might cover injuries caused by a motorcycle accident up to a certain limit. However, this varies based on your individual policy and the policy of the other driver– if they were at fault. If you sustain serious injuries in a motorcycle crash and the other driver was responsible, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit against them to fully cover your injuries. If this has happened to you, contact our team of Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyers at Salamati Law.
Coverage Provided by Motorcycle Insurance
As most bikers already know, a standard auto insurance policy does not cover motorcycles. If you own a motorcycle, you must purchase separate motorcycle insurance to cover it. Similar to car insurance, there are minimum coverages mandated by the state of California, but it is often wise to pay more for better protection. Minimum requirements for motorcycle insurance here in California include the following:
- $15,000 for bodily injury sustained by one person
- $30,000 for bodily injuries suffered by more than one person
- $5,000 for property damage that is caused by a crash
Why We Recommend UIM/UM Coverage
The minimum policy discussed above pays for another vehicle occupant’s injuries or property damage if you are at fault. Unfortunately, many common motorcycle injuries are serious and lead to medical bills that quickly surpass these minimum requirements. If the other driver is at fault, then you can pursue financial compensation for your injuries from them in a personal injury lawsuit. However, if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, that may limit how much you can recover.
As you can imagine, severe injuries sustained in a bike crash can easily result in medical costs that quickly skyrocket past $15,000. At Salamati Law, we recommend that you spend a little more to purchase Underinsured/Uninsured Motorist (UIM/UM) Coverage to cover your expenses when the at-fault driver cannot.
Comprehensive and Collision Coverage
While it is not required by law, one option you have as a motorcycle owner is to purchase comprehensive and collision coverage. If you are involved in a serious motorcycle accident, your bike may be totaled. This type of coverage will pay in full for– among other things– the costs to repair your motorcycle following an accident, even if it was your fault. Without it, your policy will likely not cover any costs you incur if the crash was your fault, whether these costs are related to serious injuries or property damage.
What is Medical Payments Coverage?
Another optional form of motorcycle insurance coverage is medical payments coverage. This will help you pay medical bills when you sustain injuries in an accident. It supplements your health insurance. It will help ease your financial stress in the aftermath of a crash. You would not have to be concerned about how the medical bills will be paid in the period before your health insurance deductible is met or after your health insurance limit has been reached.
An Experienced Lawyer Can Make This Much Easier
Determining what your insurance will cover among your injuries sustained in a bike crash can be overwhelming, confusing, and stressful in the aftermath of the accident. At Salamati Law, we suggest that you consult with an experienced Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorney to gain an understanding of what is– and is not– covered, know your rights as an accident victim, and become equipped to decide what your next steps should be.
Contact Our Team of Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Since 1995, we have taken pride in reducing the stress and worries of personal injury victims and then relentlessly fighting for justice on their behalf. Additionally, we work tirelessly to maintain close communication with our clients throughout litigation. If you have questions about insurance coverage for injuries incurred in a motorcycle accident here in California, call Salamati Law today to arrange a zero-cost consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will never pay legal fees unless you win your case.
