Before ever being involved in a motorcycle accident, there are basic precautions that every rider must take to ensure their safety and have their rights protected. It is important to wear the proper safety gear when driving a motorcycle, know what to do at the scene of an accident, as well as invest in the appropriate insurance policy.
Motorcycle Insurance Coverage
To protect yourself before and after a motorcycle accident, it is imperative that you invest in the appropriate motorcycle insurance coverage.
- Basic Motorcycle Insurance ProtectionMost states require motorists to purchase a minimum mandatory amount of insurance coverage that will provide compensation to any other person injured in an accident if the person insured is determined to be at fault. This liability coverage includes compensation for bodily injury and property damage of others involved in an accident, along with payment for legal expenses of the person insured. This basic coverage is the recommended minimum for all motorists in order to protect themselves from liability claims and potential lawsuits.Both mandatory and recommended additional coverage extend to motorcyclists. If a motorcycle rider is involved in an accident and suffers serious injuries, that rider will be covered under the at-fault motorist’s insurance coverage.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist ProtectionWith a substantial amount of motorists operating their vehicles without adequate coverage, uninsured/underinsured motorist protection is one of the most important types of insurance coverage that a motorcyclist can have.If an individual is involved in a motor vehicle accident, this type of insurance coverage allows the person to collect against their own policy if the other party is uninsured or underinsured.
Motorcycle Accident Investigations
A common misconception amongst motorists is that many motorcycle accidents are at the fault of the rider. When, in fact, that is not necessarily accurate. For this reason, a motorcycle accident investigation is a critical part of the claims process. After seeking any necessary medical attention, it is important to make notes, take photographs of the scene, and document any witness accounts in order to provide the most accurate information to substantiate your claim. Read more about what you should do following an accident.
Motorcycle Safety Gear
You lose 1mm of skin for every 1mph you ride over 30mph in the case you make contact with the road surface. If you make contact with the ground riding at 60mph, that can cause some serious damage.The most important way to protect yourself in the event of a motorcycle accident is to “Dress for the Slide, not for the ride”, meaning always dress in the appropriate motorcycle gear when going out for a ride. Proper gear can save you from cuts, burns, and other major injuries if you ever find yourself involved in a fall.
- Helmet
- Jacket
- Glasses
- Gloves
- Pants
- Boots
How can an Attorney Help
At Kwartler Manus, our team of attorneys know exactly how to approach a motorcycle accident case. We know the reality is that many drivers on the roadways often tend to overlook or discount motorcyclists, leading to many serious accidents; and we are here to stand up for your rights. Contact us online or by phone at (267) 457-5570 to discuss your situation and determine your options in pursuing a case.