The High Rate of Speed and Minimal Protection on a Motorcycle Crash Creates Serious Injuries
Motorcycle accidents can be some of the most serious injury cases. A speeding car impacting a motorcycle can cause life-altering damage including traumatic brain injuries, paralysis, or death. Unfortunately, damages, medical bills, and expenses can be higher than for a person who sustained injury while in a car. Additionally, a common problem is that a driver does not have enough insurance to pay for the injuries they caused. It is important to have an attorney who is familiar with types of recovery for injuries sustained as a result of a motorcycle accident so you can have the maximum methods of recovery. Members of Goodnow|McKay are experienced with these claims and are here to help. We are committed to helping our clients recover fair compensation. We are often able to negotiate reasonable settlements with the responsible insurance companies, but we are willing to fight for our clients through trial if necessary.
Lawyers You Can Trust.
Common Types of Legal Claims for Motorcycle Accidents
Claims involving a motor vehicle generally have two components: the first is to pay for any injuries sustained in the accident and the second is to pay for any property damage suffered in the crash. Liability, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, medical payments coverage, and personal injury protection are all types of coverage that are meant to help with injuries and injury-related medical treatment.
Liability Insurance: The at-fault driver’s automobile liability insurance covers the physical damage to motorcyclists as well as the damage to their property. Liability insurance can range from state minimum coverage all the way up to eight-figure amounts. Generally, more people carry closer to minimum coverage. Unfortunately, because most drivers carry state-minimum insurance coverage and motorcyclists are likely to sustain larger damages there often is not enough money to compensate a motorcyclist for their injuries. However, a motorcyclist may have other insurance policies available to help provider proper compensation.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Claims: UM/UIM coverage kicks in when the at-fault driver either does not have insurance coverage or does not have enough insurance coverage to fairly compensate a victim. UM/UIM coverage is an optional coverage added onto the injured motorcyclist’s motorcycle or car insurance coverage. Although the coverage is not required, many motorcyclists may have the coverage through their own insurance company. It is worth noting that when you are injured on a motorcycle you may still be covered by any additional coverage you have on your car. If you do not have a car, but live with a relative who has a car you may be covered by their insurance as well.
National Motorcycle Accident Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the United States had the following accident statistics for 2016:
- 5,286 motorcyclists were killed in traffic crashes.
- The fatality rate for motorcycle accidents is six times higher than for those involved in motor vehicle accidents.
- Per vehicle miles traveled in 2017, motorcyclist fatalities occurred 28 times more frequently than passenger car occupant fatalities in traffic crashes.
