If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash, the aftermath can feel overwhelming. Dealing with physical pain, emotional trauma, medical bills, and lost wages is difficult enough. On top of that, trying to figure out how motorcycle insurance works and how it can help you recover adds another layer of stress.
This guide is here to help you understand the basics of motorcycle insurance after a crash, the steps involved in the claims process, and why having an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer on your side can make all the difference.
Types of Motorcycle Insurance You May Rely On
Motorcycle insurance is designed to provide financial protection for injuries and damages caused by an accident. But the specifics of how it works depend on the types of coverage you have. Here are the main types of motorcycle insurance that may come into play after a crash:
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
PIP coverage is available in some states and provides compensation for medical expenses no matter who was at fault. If your policy includes PIP, it can help pay for medical treatment for you and any passengers injured in a motorcycle crash. It may also cover related costs, like lost wages and rehabilitation.
Medical Payments (MedPay) Coverage
Similar to PIP, MedPay covers medical expenses for injuries sustained in the accident. However, it typically does not cover additional expenses, like lost wages or ongoing therapy. While PIP may not be mandatory in your state, MedPay can still provide critical financial support for immediate medical costs.
Collision Coverage
If your bike is damaged in the accident, collision coverage is what kicks in to pay for repairs or even replacement. This type of coverage applies regardless of who was at fault, although you will likely need to meet a deductible before it covers the costs.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage
Not every driver on the road has sufficient insurance, and some have no coverage at all. If the at-fault party falls into this category, UM/UIM coverage can help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other accident-related costs that would otherwise go unpaid.
Custom Parts and Equipment Coverage
Motorcycles often include custom parts and modifications. If your bike has been enhanced with expensive aftermarket equipment, standard collision coverage might not account for its full value. Custom parts coverage helps you recover the cost of repairing or replacing non-standard components.
These policies work together to protect you financially, but it’s not always straightforward to know which ones apply or how to access the coverage.
The Steps in a Motorcycle Insurance Claim
Every motorcycle crash and insurance claim is unique, but the process typically involves several critical steps. Navigating these correctly can make a big difference in the outcome of your case.
1. Notify Authorities and Your Insurance Provider
Immediately after the accident, call the police to report the crash. An official accident report will serve as a crucial piece of evidence in your claim.
Once the accident has been reported to the authorities, notify your insurance company. Avoid rushing into detailed explanations of what happened. Stating or implying fault at this stage can hurt your case. If possible, wait until you’ve spoken with an attorney before providing an account to your insurer.
2. Provide a Recorded Statement
Your insurer, and possibly the at-fault driver’s insurer, may request a recorded statement. However, you shouldn’t agree to provide a statement without first consulting a lawyer because insurers may use your words against you. Having a lawyer guide you through this step ensures you’re protected and that nothing you say can harm your claim.
3. Allow for Investigation of the Accident
After you notify the insurance companies, they’ll open an investigation. Their goal is to determine what happened and assess who was at fault. However, their findings might not always align with the evidence or your account.
This is where having an experienced lawyer is invaluable. Your attorney will conduct their own independent investigation, securing evidence such as:
- Photographs from the scene
- Police reports
- Eyewitness testimonies
- Any surveillance or traffic camera footage
- Testimony from accident reconstruction experts
Overlooking crucial evidence or failing to act quickly can weaken your claim. That’s why it’s critical to have legal help to ensure every possible piece of proof is collected before it disappears.
4. Obtain Medical Evaluation and Documentation
Your injuries are a key part of your insurance claim, and you’ll need thorough medical documentation to prove their severity. Even if you’ve already seen a doctor, a personal injury attorney may work with medical professionals to ensure your injuries are fully evaluated and documented.
This step involves compiling:
- X-rays, MRIs, and other diagnostic records
- Physician’s notes
- Medical bills
- Records of physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Evidence of pain and ongoing effects on your day-to-day life
Your health and well-being should be your top priority after a crash. Seeking immediate and ongoing treatment not only aids your recovery but prevents insurers from questioning the seriousness of your injuries.
5. Negotiate a Settlement
Once the evidence has been gathered and your losses documented, it’s time to seek compensation. Negotiations with insurance companies can be challenging, as they often undervalue claims or dispute certain damages.
An attorney will ensure the full value of your losses is accounted for, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Damage to your motorcycle
- Reduced earning capacity if you cannot return to work as before
Most cases settle without litigation, but settlement negotiations are rarely simple. Legal representation ensures you’re not pressured into accepting a lowball offer.
6. Take Legal Action, If Necessary
If you cannot reach a fair settlement, you may need to file a lawsuit. A lawyer will guide you through this process, helping you meet deadlines, comply with legal requirements, and prepare to present your case at trial if needed.
While the idea of a trial might seem intimidating, rest assured that the vast majority of cases still settle before reaching this stage. However, having a proven advocate on your side ensures you’re prepared for any outcome.
Why You Should Act Quickly
After a motorcycle crash, time is of the essence. Evidence can disappear, memories can fade, and witnesses can become hard to locate. Additionally, every state imposes a statute of limitations for filing personal injury claims, and missing that deadline could leave you unable to recover compensation.
But legal deadlines aren’t the only reason to act fast. Practical challenges like obtaining video footage or identifying all liable parties become harder the longer you wait. By reaching out to a lawyer immediately, you allow them to begin building your case before critical opportunities are lost.
Why Hiring a Lawyer Matters
Motorcycle insurance claims are rarely straightforward. While you should focus on recovering from your injuries, insurers are working to protect their bottom line. Having an attorney to manage the process levels the playing field and lets you focus on healing.
How a Lawyer Will Help
Here’s what a qualified attorney can do for you:
- Protect your rights: Insurers are known for offering less than what claimants deserve. A lawyer ensures you don’t fall victim to these tactics.
- Handle all paperwork and deadlines: Injury claims involve significant documentation, and errors or missed deadlines can derail your case.
- Maximize your compensation: Attorneys know how to investigate all possible sources of recovery, whether it involves multiple insurance policies or even legal action against other parties.
- Take your case to trial if needed: If a fair settlement isn’t possible, a lawyer can take your case through the litigation process, presenting evidence to a jury to secure justice.
Importantly, most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront, and your lawyer only gets paid if they win your case. You owe it to yourself to take advantage of this arrangement and secure skilled legal help immediately.
How Does Motorcycle Insurance Work After a Crash? Closing Thoughts
A motorcycle crash can turn your life upside down in an instant. When you’re dealing with injuries, expenses, and the stress of putting your life back together, managing the complexities of an insurance claim is the last thing you need.
By hiring a lawyer, you can focus on what matters most: your physical and emotional recovery. Skilled attorneys will handle the legwork, ensuring evidence is secured, deadlines are met, and insurance companies are held accountable.
Talk to an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we pride ourselves on our commitment to protecting injured individuals. With a track record of “Winning Millions for Our Clients,” we’re here to fight for the compensation you deserve. Our team is recognized for its skill and dedication, with honors like the Top 100 Lawyers and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum under our belt.
Contact us for a free consultation today. We’re available 24/7 and work on a contingency fee basis, so there’s no legal cost to get started.
David Abels
Partner
David Abels has carved a niche for himself in the personal injury law sector, dedicating a substantial part of his career since 1997 to representing victims of various accidents. With a law practice that spans over two decades, his expertise has been consistently recognized within the legal community.
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