You’ve just gotten back from the dealership after buying a brand new bike. You’re feeling exhilarated, invincible. You’ve even been responsible and paid your insurance premiums and purchased protective gear before hitting the road. You’re covered and ready to ride. The question is “Is it enough?”
Minor Motorcycle Accidents Can Cause Substantial Losses
Sadly even with proper gear, motorcycles leave riders dangerously exposed. Even a relatively minor motorcycle versus automobile accident can cause a rider to incur tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills. If you’re lucky and not injured, count your blessings and be thankful your biggest concern is what color your next new bike is going to be. But, what if the worst happens and you are injured in a motorcycle accident?
Seek Help for Your Motorcycle Accident Claim
Motorcycle claims are rarely simple and getting insurance companies to pay out on claims can be difficult. You’re going to need experienced representation. Many times, people only take into consideration short-term expenses. Medical expenses from hospital visits, ambulance fees, and surgeries can add up quickly and likely exhaust the at-fault party’s insurance limits. Injured parties neglect to account for long-term expenses, which often can be more costly than the initial treatment costs. Follow-up visits, prescriptions, rehabilitation costs, loss or reduction of wages all factor into a settlement. Frequently, an attorney needs to dig deep to find proper compensation to fully cover a claim. This may include looking at the at fault driver’s assets and underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage under your motorcycle policy or possibly under your automobile policy. Keep in mind, insurance companies seek to pay the least amount that they can. Claims adjusters are not employed to help you find coverage. If you approach a claim without guidance or without an attorney who understands how to find the additional assets that could contribute to your overall compensation, you’re leaving valuable dollars undiscovered. These dollars can make an impactful difference for both you and your family. An experienced attorney understands how to navigate through the complexities of insurance claim processes and fight for what is rightfully yours.
Beyond The Basic Policy
When it comes to your protection, expect the best but prepare for the worst. Arizona mandatory insurance limits are simply outdated. The $15,000/$30,000/$10,000 bodily injury and property damage limits have not been updated since 1972. More times than not, these limits are not enough to cover a claim, leaving you to fill in the gaps even if the accident was not your fault.
Be Responsible, Protect Yourself
After an accident, it’s too late to increase your coverage. If you can afford a motorcycle, you have to be able to afford quality insurance coverage. Don’t depend on the at-fault party’s insurance. Protect yourself and buy the best policy possible. Always purchase the maximum limits available and match your liability limits with uninsured (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage. If you purchase an umbrella policy, many reputable insurance companies will add $1,000,000 in UM and UIM coverage over-and-above your auto policy limits. Insurance is one area where you can’t afford to skimp. When you purchase the minimum policy, or worse yet no policy at all, you’re only putting yourself and your family in jeopardy.
Hire an experienced attorney. Hire Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer.
Although you might you think you’ll save money by avoiding costly attorney fees, what you gain is immeasurable. In the end, an attorney will save you time, energy and most represented victims receive larger settlements than they would have going it alone even after the fees are paid. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, we have the experience you need. Contact or call us at 602-535-5899 for a free case evaluation.
