Protecting Your Life And Property

Given that nearly 50 percent of drivers are deemed underinsured, that figure goes up drastically when it comes to motorcyclists. People drive their cars, surrounded by steel cages and air bags. The motorcyclist does not have that luxury. Two automobiles having a fender bender typically isn’t fatal, but risks increase exponentially when it’s just a person sitting atop two wheels.

The Law:

If you do not wear a helmet, you are required by law to carry $10,000 in property damage and $10,000 in PIP (personal injury protection).
If you do wear a helmet, you are not required to carry any insurance at all to drive a motorcycle.

Recommendations:

In either case above, the coverage is insufficient and you will be responsible for any damage you cause, in addition to any medical bills incurred.
Even if you have the $10,000 PIP insurance, the very first emergency room visit will likely wipe that out, leaving you without any coverage for other needs.
A motorcycle injury attorney can help you seek the maximum amount you are owed, but without insurance, you are relying on the other motorist’s assets. This can take a long time and ultimately result in not getting much.
Motorcycles bring a far greater risk of injury than automobiles and those injuries are likely to be more severe; therefore, insurance for catastrophic injury or death should be purchased.

Be Sure To Carry Uninsured Motorist Coverage

The big advantage of uninsured motorist coverage is that you can “stack” uninsured motorist coverage with a car that you own, so that you get the total coverage of both vehicles together in the event of an accident and injury. Stacked insurance totals the uninsured motorist coverage of multiple vehicles to cover injuries in an accident with either vehicle.

Seek Medical Attention

If at all possible (this is obviously not always the case), go to your own doctor first to assess your injuries before proceeding to a hospital. This can significantly reduce the overall cost of treatment and give you the advantage of seeing a physician you know and who knows you.
Even if you don’t think you have been injured, go see your doctor and consult with a motorcycle insurance dispute lawyer to know your rights.