Insurance Coverage in a Long Island Motorcycle Accident

In Long Island, there are few differences between what a motorcycle accident and a car or truck accident case entail in reference to insurance coverage. A motorcycle is considered a vehicle, just like a car or truck, and motorcyclists must follow the same rules on the road as their fellow drivers.

Just like with other motorists, motorcycle accidents can negatively impact a rider’s insurance rates. Motorcyclists often have higher premiums to begin with because they are more likely to be involved in an accident than someone who drives a car, and motorcycle wrecks tend to result in more severe damage than car accidents.

After a Long Island motorcycle accident, it can be difficult to tell which provisions of your insurance coverage apply to cover the damages. A motorbike crash lawyer can help determine the best way for you to get your compensation.

Minimum Coverage and No-Fault Insurance

Motorcyclists should have no less than $100,000 of insurance coverage, otherwise, they might be inadequately covered if a claim is ever filed against them. In the state of New York, motorcyclists are required to maintain $25,000 of coverage, but that amount would likely not be enough to pay the expenses that accumulate as a result of a collision.

In Long Island, motorcyclists are generally excluded from receiving no-fault insurance coverage. No-fault insurance refers to a contract that covers a driver’s medical expenses if they are involved in an accident, regardless of who was at fault. This coverage may be available for purchase through the rider’s insurance company separately, but usually, insurance companies consider motorcycles to be too dangerous to cover as a no-fault vehicle.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage

In the state of New York, motorcyclists must have at least $25,000 of liability coverage at a minimum, but not all motorists will adhere to this law. Some may drive without insurance illegally or may be underinsured because they are visiting from another state where the required amount is less than $25,000. There is also the possibility a motorcycle accident would be more expensive than $25,000, forcing the victim to resort to their own insurance to cover the rest of the damages, or paying out of their own pockets.

Underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage is a provision in one’s motorcycle insurance policy which covers themselves and anybody in their household in the event they are hit by a driver without insurance or with insufficient coverage. The minimum uninsured and underinsured coverage that a person in Long Island should have is $100,000, though some lawyers recommend at least $250,000. This coverage is often associated with worst-case scenarios, wherein the policyholder or a household member has suffered devastating injuries, and the at-fault driver has limited insurance. Without good underinsured coverage, an injured individual cannot make any claims beyond what they receive from the at-fault driver.

These provisions are also beneficial in the case of a motorcyclist experiencing a hit-and-run where the police cannot track down the offending vehicle. The biker then has the right to file a claim against their own policy under their uninsured motorist provision.

Umbrella Insurance Coverage

Umbrella or excess insurance is typically bundled with one’s auto, home, or renter’s insurance. It protects a biker’s interests in the case they have a claim filed against them, are being sued, or need additional insurance for themselves. This insurance covers everything in their household, including their home, property, and vehicles.

Insurance Rate Impact After a Collision Involving a Motorcycle

After someone is involved in a motorcycle accident, their insurance rates may increase, but insurance prices could vary depending on a few different factors. The type of motorcycle could influence insurance rates based on how expensive the model is. Some bikes are equipped with defense-oriented apparatuses to withstand some of the impacts from an accident, while others are likely to be destroyed if they are hit. If the bike would require fewer repairs after a collision due to the protection features, it may be less expensive to insure. Lastly, having a history of accidents can increase rates, as well.

A Long Island Motorcycle Accident Attorney Could Recover Damages for You Through an Insurance Claim

In a motorcycle accident insurance claim in Long Island, the primary damages that motorcyclists can claim are property damages, bodily injuries (including pain and suffering), future lost wages, medical services, and other miscellaneous medical expenses. A motorcycle accident lawyer could help recover compensation by filing an insurance claim. Call today.