Common Types of Claims:

 

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.

 

Medical Payments Coverage: Medical payments coverage (often called Med Pay) is an optional add-on for your own insurance policy that provides additional funds to pay for medical care for injuries sustained in a motor vehicle wreck. This coverage may allow you to instantly pay for treatment related to a crash.

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.