There are tens of thousands of registered motorcycles traveling on U.S. roads every summer. Motorcycle riders are often very careful about complying with the law and using the best safety equipment available. They understand that if a crash occurs, they face far more risk than those inside larger vehicles.
In many cases, motorcycle riders injured in collisions caused by larger vehicles must file personal injury lawsuits. Despite mandatory insurance requirements that apply to all motorists, any insurance available may not be enough to cover a rider’s losses.
Why litigation is often the best option
After a serious motorcycle collision, there are multiple sources of financial pressure that affect the motorcycle rider. Emergency medical expenses after a motorcycle crash can be enough to burn through all of the no-fault coverage on the rider’s personal policy.
They may then need to file a claim against the liability coverage of the driver at fault for the incident. However, the combination of low insurance requirements and especially serious injuries can result in an insurance shortfall of tens of thousands of dollars.
Then, there are lost wages and lost earning potential to consider. Riders may miss weeks of work while undergoing rehabilitative care. If their injuries cause permanent medical complications, they may never return to their chosen profession. If they can eventually return to work, the wages they command may be substantially lower.
Assessing insurance coverage for the rider and the driver at fault can help the people affected by a motorcycle collision understand their options. A lawyer can assist with insurance negotiations and can manage the process of filing a lawsuit to pursue additional forms of compensation when insurance coverage isn’t adequate.