Inherently, driving carries some inevitable risks – you are dealing with many other unpredictable drivers while operating a piece of heavy machinery and its critical controls. Yet, driving a motorcycle even further enhances these risks due to the lesser stability, surrounding protections, and lighter weight and that a motorcycle provides. It is important to make sure that you carry the necessary motorcycle insurance for yourself in order to avoid the ramifications and negative consequences of getting caught in an accident uninsured, or with an uninsured motorcyclist.
A potential accident can be more life-threatening to a motorcyclist than a vehicle driver. In fact, the National Traffic Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that in 2016, motorcyclists were 28 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a crash per vehicle mile traveled, and motorcyclist deaths are on the rise every year. Severe injuries or a fatality from an accident can cost up to hundreds of thousands of dollars, which is why carrying insurance is necessary in order to ease those costs on yourself or a loved one.
The main concerning difference between an accident involving two vehicles with only one insured and an accident involving a vehicle and a motorcycle is that the motorcyclist’s injuries and damages will likely be much more serious, thus increasing the need for insurance coverage.
What if I am not at fault for the accident and the other motorist does not have insurance?
The insurance coverage expectations, costs, and faults that are determined after the accident will generally vary by the state of which the accident occurred. All but three states in the United States require motorcycle insurance to some extent. According to Illinois law, “liability insurance policies automatically include uninsured motorist coverage at the legal minimum requirements for bodily injury or death,” which “ensures coverage if you are involved in an accident with a driver who is uninsured.”
But, some drivers are still uninsured or underinsured, which is why it is important to protect yourself if you were to be involved in an accident with a driver like this. By purchasing the minimum limits of Uninsured Motorists Coverage (UMC), you are covered in this scenario for any bodily injury or death that an uninsured motorist causes, as well as in a hit-and-run accident.
Further, purchasing coverage above the UMC minimum limit means that you would be covered for Underinsured Motorists Coverage (UIMC) as well. UIMC provides you coverage in the event that you are injured in an accident with a motorist possessing lower liability limits than you do. Both UMC and UIMC cover bodily injury, not property damage. Coverage for property damage would be a separate purchase in the state of Illinois.
No matter where or how often that you drive, you should purchase any insurance coverage that will protect you in the event that you are involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist. Especially if you are a motorcyclist, the risk for damages rises significantly. By maximizing your coverage, you will maximize your own peace of mind.
If you or a loved one is injured in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist, contact Mike Agruss Law for a free consultation. Helping our clients is about counseling, advocating, and ultimately solving problems. With years of experience successfully representing the people and not the powerful, we will take care of the insurance adjusters, your medical bills, your property damage, your lost wages, and monitor your treatment so you can focus on healing and getting your life back to normal. We will handle your case quickly and advise you every step of the way, and we will not hesitate to go to trial for you. Lastly, Mike Agruss Law is not paid attorneys’ fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. You have nothing to risk when you hire us – only the opportunity to seek justice.
We see you as a person, not just a client – and that makes us better at what we do. We listen. We learn your story. And, as we help you get the money you deserve, we go above and beyond in a way most law firms never could and never would. Because we’re not just lawyers. And you’re not just a client. We’re friends, neighbors, family. We’re all people and here at Mike Agruss Law, we put People, First.
Helping our clients is about counseling, advocating, and ultimately solving problems. With years of experience successfully representing the people, not the powerful, we will take care of the insurance adjusters, your medical bills, your property damage, your lost wages, and monitor your treatment so you can focus on healing and getting your life back to normal. Our unique formula has earned us over 900 outstanding client reviews on our website, an A+ BBB rating, and over 120 five-star reviews on Google. Call 888-572-0176, e-mail us at [email protected] or schedule a meeting with us here. We’re here 24/7.
