Motorcycle Insurance Coverage and Accidents

While a motorcycle is generally small and relatively light, it has extreme performance capabilities. It can maneuver and navigate even the busiest and narrowest roads. Sadly, these characteristics make motorcycles dangerous and prone to accidents.

A motorcycle is less stable than a car especially in emergency braking. It is also less visible to other motorists. Motorcyclists are more prone to injuries than other vehicle occupants because they are exposed leaving the riders vulnerable to contact with hard surfaces.

All things considered, a responsible motorcyclist must not miss out on procuring a Motorcycle Accident Insurance Coverage.

Significance of Insurance for Motorcycle Accidents

Acquiring an insurance coverage protects an insured from future financial liabilities. In case of accidents involving the motorcyclist, the coverage will shield him from financial losses.

In some states like California, insurance coverage is required such that driving without proper insurance is equivalent to breaking the law. As a consequence, strict penalties such as confiscation of driver’s license, impoundment of the motorcycle, payment of fines and probably sale at the auction are imposed.

Specifically, California motorcycle drivers are required to maintain 15/30 liability insurance. The insurance coverage will answer most of the medical expenses, which includes the transportation used in taking the victim or driver to the medical facility, and any type of physical rehabilitation or treatment after the injury. An optional insurance for towing and roadside assistance coverage may also be taken. This type of insurance is convenient if the accident takes place in an unknown location.

For other states like Florida where motorcycle insurance is not mandatory, Florida motorists are required to have personal injury protection (PIP) insurance.

Statistical Data on Motorcycle Accidents

Riding the motorcycle is a dangerous mode of travel compared with other vehicles.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has revealed that the year 2007 is the year with the highest motorcycle accident related deaths. Moreover, the number of deaths on motorcycles in 2006 was about 35 times the number in cars per mile traveled.

Meanwhile, one of the ways of preventing fatal motorcycle crash is by wearing a helmet. Wearing proper crash helmet can save lives. Almost all states in the United States adopt helmet laws, which may have been triggered by its necessity.

According to the Fatality Analysis Reporting System reports, helmet use among fatally injured riders is 46 percent while more than 500 lives have been saved due to helmet usage. Further, the NHTSA has estimated that using helmet can reduce the probability of fatality by 29% in a crash.

Regardless of the advantages a motorcycle offers, riders must not grumble and gripe on securing motorcycle insurance. Aside from engaging the services of a motorcycle accident lawyers in filing a claim, riders can rely on their insurance for financial assistance.