The process of seeking compensation for your injuries may feel intimidating, but your motorcycle accident lawyer will deal with the insurance companies for you, so you do not have to communicate with them yourself. Attorneys know how to fight for just financial awards on your behalf and have a commitment to the best interests of those who suffer injuries as the result of someone else’s negligence, some of which can have lasting or even fatal effects.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 5,000 motorcyclists suffered fatal injuries as the result of a motorcycle accident in 2017. Motorcycle accidents led to 27 times more fatalities than passenger car accidents. If a motorcycle collision that occurred at no fault of your own led to the serious or fatal injuries of you or a loved one, a lawyer could help you pursue financial recovery.
Each State Has Different Requirements for Insurance Coverage
In motor vehicle accidents, car insurance typically covers victims’ damages, particularly medical bills, property damage, and sometimes lost wages or funeral expenses. However, whose insurance company must pay depends on your state.
In no-fault states, drivers and motorcyclists must use their own insurance to pay for their injuries. While this eliminates the need to determine fault for the accident, it also prevents the victim from suing the at-fault driver in many cases.
Fault states, on the other hand, require the liable party to recover damages for the victims. In many fault states, the driver who holds primary responsibility for the accident must pay 100% of the damages. Other states use a shared fault system, in which the victim may receive a reduced award amount if they hold partial accountability. Fault states allow victims to sue the driver for non-economic damages, and for the physical, mental, and emotional trauma they suffered as a result of the accident.
Insurance Companies’ Methods
After an accident, the insurance companies of the involved parties will begin their investigations of the accident right away to determine liability, if necessary, and the extent of the victims’ damages. Victims often find that the insurance adjusters will approach them soon after the accident to offer a settlement amount. While it may seem like a good deal, these companies can undervalue your injuries before you have had a chance to calculate your losses to save money and increase their profit.
If you accept the initial settlement, you may end up with less than you deserve. A motorcycle accident lawyer will deal with the insurance companies for you to help you pursue adequate compensation.
Pursuing Additional Compensation
In some cases, you can pursue additional financial awards. While fault states require the at-fault driver to cover your damages, they do not typically include pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of consortium, or other non-economic damages. You can file claims to seek payment for your life-changing trauma in these instances.
Additionally, if your insurance policy or the liable party’s insurance policy reaches its maximum coverage amount and still does not cover your injuries, you may qualify for further financial awards to make up the difference.
Insurance Policies That Can Affect Motorcycle Accident Claims
Depending on the circumstances of your motorcycle accident, you may benefit from one or more types of policies to help you cover your losses and regain financial stability. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), auto insurance includes three basic categories. The types and minimums required vary by state.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
This type of policy covers injuries to the policyholder and their passengers in the event of an accident. Because no-fault states require the driver to cover their own injuries regardless of fault, they mandate PIP insurance.
Bodily Injury Liability (BIL)
If a person in a fault state holds responsibility for an accident, their BIL policy will cover the injuries of the other driver and their passengers. Some drivers choose to purchase higher BIL limits to ensure they have sufficient coverage if they need it.
Property Damage Liability (PDL)
PDL covers the damage a driver causes to others’ property, particularly their vehicles, in accidents. It also includes other objects damaged as a result of the collision, such as:
- Lamp posts
- Fences
- Buildings
- Telephone poles
Dealing with insurance often involves complex processes that can present a challenge to victims and their families. A motorcycle accident lawyer can help by handling all communication with the insurance companies on your behalf and pursuing compensation for your losses.
Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC Today
Motorcycle accidents often lead to serious or fatal injuries, and you deserve compensation for your injuries or the loss of your loved one. Dealing with insurance companies during this difficult time may seem overwhelming, but our lawyers will handle it for you so you can focus on your health and recovery.
You do not have to manage the insurance claims process on your own, and you do not owe us anything for helping you unless we achieve financial rewards in your favor. If you or a loved one suffered serious or fatal injuries in a motorcycle accident, contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC today at 800-959-1444 to speak with our team about your free case evaluation.
