Motorcycle Injury
If you or a loved one has been injured on a motorcycle we can
help.
When I purchase a motorcycle do I have to carry insurance?
Yes. You must carry liability insurance to cover others who may
be injured or damaged by your negligent operation of your motorcycle.
We recommend that you purchase liability coverage up to $100,000/$300,000.
This is particularly important due to the serious injuries a passenger
on your motorcycle may suffer if you have an accident.
We also recommend that you carry uninsured/underinsured motorist
coverage of $100,000/300,000
Who pays if my motorcycle is damaged?
If you purchase "collision" coverage your insurance will
pay for the damage over and above your deductible. If another driver
causes the damage to your bike you would have the option of presenting
the claim to that drivers insurance company if he or she had insurance.
Many drivers fail to carry adequate coverage so we recommend you
cover yourself with collision coverage and a deductible you can
afford.
What happens if my motorcycle is stolen?
You should purchase what is known as "comprehensive" coverage
to cover your motorcycle for theft, fire and vandalism -- common
occurences with motorcycles.
Your insurance will pay the book value of the bicycle less a deductible
or the value of the damage. Usually the deductible for fire damage
is less than that for theft or vandalism.
Will my comprehensive and collision insurance cover the amounts
I have spent for extras for my motorcycle, such as chrome and customization?
Probably not. Some policies provide coverage for up to $1,000 in
options. You can purchase insurance coverage for all of your options
by providing your insurance company with itemized proof of the chrome
and extras and paying an additional premium.
When should I report an accident to my insurance company or
agent?
Immediately! You should report all accidents to your insurance company,
broker or agent as soon as possible so that they are not in a position
to deny any legitimate claim that you may have.
When should I contact an attorney?
Immediately! The laws regarding motorcycle accidents are increasingly
complex and can be very confusing. Whenever you have been in an
accident, as a driver or passenger, and have any questions, feel
free to contact attorney Samuel Rogatinsky - free of charge
Who pays my medical bills if I am injured in an accident?
There is no automatic, standard medical payment provision with motorcycles
as there is with private passenger automobiles.
Most motorcycle insurance policies and agents do not offer medical
bill coverage. However, some companies do offer the option to purchase
$1,000.00, $2,500.00, and $5,000.00 for medical coverage.
If you do not have this coverage, the answer to this question depends
on the particular facts of your situation.
If you are riding your own motorcycle or on a resident relative's
motorcycle when you are injured you have no medical coverage from
any source OTHER THAN your personal health insurance.
If you are riding on ANOTHER PERSON'S motorcycle and you also own
a car with insurance then you are entitled to receive medical payments
from a provision of your automobile insurance called "extended
medical benefits".
Am I covered if I am injured by an uninsured driver?
Check your policy. You should have what is called uninsured (UM)
and underinsured (UIM) coverage. You should be sure to carry the
same limits for UM and UIM as your liability limits. This coverage
is imperative since so many drivers fail to carry insurance or enough
insurance. The greater liability limits you have will allow you
to protect yourself with greater UM/UIM limits.
Do I have a case?
Please call attorney Samuel Rogatinsky to discuss your case.
I will remain available to advise you of your legal rights and the
potential remedies available to compensate you for your injury.
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