Motorcycle Accidents – Insurance Issues

One of the biggest issues in representing riders involved in motorcycle accidents is the amount of insurance coverage available. Under North Carolina law a driver is required to carry is $30,000 Bodily Injury for each person, $60,000 total Bodily Injury for all persons involved.  Medical bills resulting from a Motorcycle accident can exceed $100,000.00 depending on the severity of the injuries.

The attorneys at Randall & Stump, Criminal Defense Attorneys recommend that every rider has under and uninsured motorist coverage for their motorcycle in an amount of at least $100,000.00/$300,000.00. The last few Motorcycle Accidents that we have been involved with have had medical bills of over $250,000.00.  Fortunately, each of the riders had underinsured/uninsured insurance.  Typically what happens when dealing with insurance companies after a Motorcycle accident is that the at-fault driver’s policy will pay first.  For example, if you have $100,000.00 in medical bills and the at-fault driver has only the minimum coverage of $30,000.00/$60,000.00 the at fault drivers insurance company is only obligated to pay you $30,000.00 leaving $70,000.00 unpaid.

Some riders believe that is they have uninsured/underinsured coverage it will apply when they are in an accident.  This is true, but sometimes not like one would think.

For example, let’s say the at-fault driver has an insurance policy of $50,000.00/$100,000.00 and the injured rider has an uninsured/underinsured policy of $50,000.00/$100,000.00.  The at-fault driver’s insurance would pay the $50,000.00 and your own insurance would get a credit against its policy of $50,000.00 leaving no extra coverage.

If you have questions about insurance coverage or if you have been in a motorcycle accident, Please give us a call and speak with one of our attorneys at (980) 237-4579 for a free consultation.