Motorcycle accidents are often disorienting, leaving riders unsure of the steps to take, particularly when an injury is involved. While many people are familiar with the insurance process involved in a car accident, the rules for motorcycle collisions could be confusing. Different insurance rules apply to motorcycles and the process for filing a claim might not be straightforward.
St. Augustine motorcycle accident insurance claims do not have to be stressful. With the help of a practiced personal injury attorney, pursuing these claims and obtaining benefits under your policy may be simple and you may actually get a larger award then filing the claim on your own. A motorcycle accident attorney could guide you through the process, starting with collecting evidence from the crash to finalizing your claim with your insurer.
St. Augustine Motorcycle Accident Insurance Laws
In auto accidents, liability insurance and “no-fault” personal injury protection insurance are the two main policies that come into play. These policies play divergent roles in motorcycle accidents.
Liability insurance requirements for St. Augustine motorcycles are no different from the rules for cars or trucks. To register a vehicle, you must maintain a minimum level of liability insurance. These policies cover the damage you cause to another driver when an accident is your fault. The minimum amount of coverage required in Florida includes:
- $10,000 for a single bodily injury
- $20,000 for multiple injured people
- $10,000 for property damage
The rules regarding personal injury protection (PIP) are very different. Unlike car operators, motorcycles are not required to maintain PIP coverage. This type of insurance provides the insured rider with medical benefits following an accident, regardless of who was at fault. Because PIP coverage is not available, motorcyclists will often rely on the other driver’s liability coverage. If the opposing St. Augustine driver’s insurance company denies the motorcycle accident claim, a lawsuit or aggressive negotiation with the help of a lawyer could be the last resort.
Important Evidence for Motorcycle Accident Claims in St. Augustine
Whether an insurance claim leads to a settlement or jury trial, a rider should recover as much evidence as possible. With a strong case, a rider or their attorney could convince the opposing insurance company to pay out on a claim they might otherwise deny.
Police reports are often a good place to start. These documents provide a view of the collision from an unbiased police officer. The report could identify important witnesses, record the nature of a rider’s bike damage, and potentially even hold a record of admissions of fault made by the other driver. The report also usually includes helpful diagrams of the accident scene.
Photographic evidence of the scene and the rider’s injuries can go a long way towards proving the claim as well. They could also record important details, like the condition of the road or whether the rider was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
Medical records are, in many cases, the most important form of evidence. These records reflect the severity of a rider’s injuries and provide the basis for a claim for compensation. Without supporting medical records, obtaining compensation for an injury may be impossible.
An Attorney Could Help with Insurance Claims After a St. Augustine Motorcycle Wreck
The best course of action in the wake of a severe motorcycle accident may be unclear and while relief from insurance is often available, the process typically differs compared to filing a car accident PIP claim. The responsible driver’s insurance company will probably delay paying you for the damages or offer a settlement that is far less than your case is worth. The right attorney could help you build a winning claim that gets you the compensation you need and the justice you deserve. Call as soon as possible to schedule a case evaluation.
