Article provided by the Karney Law Firm. Please visit our Web site at www.karneylaw.com.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 104,000 motorcycles were involved in traffic accidents in 2006 alone. What is even more disturbing is that the numbers of motorcycle-related injuries and fatalities are on the rise. Simply put, riding can be risky. One of the biggest risks motorcyclists take is failing to adequately protect themselves against uninsured and underinsured drivers.
Increase in Motorcycle Popularity
When economic times are tough, more riders dust off their helmets and hit the road. The North Carolina Highway Patrol suggests that motorcycles' popularity increases during periods of economic crisis because of their high gas mileage. Unfortunately, it is also during these times that other drivers make cutbacks to their insurance in an attempt to save money. These uninsured and underinsured drivers put everyone on the road, especially motorcyclists, at risk.
Accidents Between Motorcycles and Uninsured/Underinsured Vehicles
Even though other drivers cause most collisions with motorcycles, motorcyclists are the ones who sustain the majority of the injuries. Possible bodily injuries include fractures, burns, spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries, even death. Motorcycles can be damaged beyond repair in an instant. In most of these cases, the driver responsible for the accident is also responsible for the expenses incurred as a result of the accident.
If you are in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured at-fault driver, you may find the bills piling up. If you have uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage in your motorcycle insurance policy, however, you can get help. Your own policy will compensate you for at least some of your damages.
Filing a Claim
An attorney can help you determine if you are able to file a claim under your insurance policy. If you own UM/UIM insurance, you are in luck. Uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance is the easiest and most economical way to protect yourself if you are a motorcyclist. This insurance compensates you even if the driver at fault only carried the bare-minimum coverage or, in some cases, none at all.
In North Carolina, the minimum auto insurance coverage requirements are $30,000 for one person and $60,000 for two or more people for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. If you are in a motorcycle accident and sustain serious injuries and property damage, chances are that the damages will exceed these amounts rather quickly.
Even if you own UM/UIM insurance, you may have trouble dealing with your insurance company. Insurance companies have obligations to their shareholders and strive to increase their profit margins. They may challenge your role in the crash or make filing a claim difficult. It is wise to contact an attorney before engaging in negotiations with the insurance company — and especially before signing any documents.
Your attorney will work with your insurance company to secure the compensation you deserve as quickly as possible. Dealing with the aftermath of an accident is hard enough. You shouldn't have to deal with a stubborn insurance company as well.
Protect Yourself
If you are a motorcyclist, be aggressive in protecting yourself. This means wearing protective clothing and driving defensively, but it also means making sure that your insurance has you covered in case of a crash with an uninsured or underinsured driver.