What Every Pennsylvania Motorcyclist Needs to Know About Insurance Claims

If you are a Pennsylvania registered motorcyclist, then there are some things you should know about insurance and filing a claim should an accident happen. A Pennsylvania motorcycle accident lawyer at Edelstein Martin & Nelson, LLP explains more below.

Selecting Insurance Coverage

It is essential and a wise move to select underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) and uninsured motorist coverage (UM) if you ride a motorcycle in Pennsylvania. Riders on a motorcycle are at high risk of suffering catastrophic and severe injuries when an accident happens. Ensuring that you have enough coverage is essential. 

With UIM coverage, you can safeguard yourself against a negligent driver who does not have enough insurance coverage to pay for your damages. So, suppose a negligent driver only has the minimum amount of coverage, in this situation, $15,000 liability. In that case, a serious injury will likely require medical treatment and care with costs that far exceed $15,000. With UIM insurance coverage, an injured rider can claim their insurance and another claim against the negligent driver. 

With UM coverage, you can safeguard yourself against a negligent driver who has no insurance coverage. Here, an injured rider would claim with their insurance provider.

Full Tort Status

Motorcycle riders with a motorcycle insurance policy will be fully tort. This is essential because if an accident happens, a rider will be able to recover costs for their economic damages, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. Motorcycle insurance policies usually do not allow for limited tort where non-economic damages are not covered.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Benefits

In general, motorcycle insurance does not provide PIP benefits. PIP benefits are medical benefits. Medical providers who care for a rider after a motorcycle accident should bill your private health insurance. Because of this, an injured rider may have to do more paperwork so that their bills are processed without delay. If you don’t have private health insurance, it could be possible to use Medicaid. An attorney can determine the options you have when an accident happens and help you with a claim.

Speaking to the Insurance Adjuster

When you are making a claim, you will have to engage in communications with the insurance company. It can be difficult to speak to the insurance agent and not jeopardize your claim. The insurance agent may try to say that you are responsible for the accident and get you to accept the blame. You do not have to, and should not give a recorded statement or begin speaking with an insurance agent without first talking to an attorney who can either manage communications on your behalf or advise you of how to do so yourself.

Speak with an Attorney at Edelstein Martin & Nelson, LLP

Pennsylvania motorcycle accidents often result in serious and devastating injuries for riders. Navigating the claims process can also be complicated. 

For assistance with your claim, please call Edelstein Martin & Nelson, LLP at (215) 731-9900 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced attorney.