Have you sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident? It's easy to allow suffering and rage to overwhelm you. Medical expenses and other costs related to a motorcycle accident can rapidly accumulate. There are legal options available for recovering these losses.
You may seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, diminished quality of life, and property damage or loss in a Pennsylvania motorcycle accident claim. If a family member was killed in the collision, you may also recover damages for wrongful death, such as funeral and burial expenses.
Injured in a Pennsylvania motorcycle accident? In this article, we will discuss the compensation process. However, it is your responsibility to pay close attention to our recommendations in order to improve your chances for success. This includes retaining a PA personal injury attorney's services.
The mission of Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, is to help each client pursue full compensation from the responsible party. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with one of our motorcycle accident attorneys in Pennsylvania. You have the right to seek compensation for your losses if you have been injured due to someone else's negligence, and we will assist you in doing so.
Will My Motorcycle Insurance Cover My Medical Bills Following a Motorcycle Accident in Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Law does not require motorcycle insurers to provide medical coverage. This differs significantly from Pennsylvania's auto insurance regulations, which require insurance companies to provide a minimum level of medical coverage for drivers who purchase insurance.
In Pennsylvania, all drivers with auto insurance carry PIP "Personal Injury Protection" coverage, a fact that is not widely known. In Pennsylvania, all auto and vehicle insurance policies include Personal Injury Protection. Even the state minimum auto insurance policy provides $5,000 in coverage. Motorcycle insurance is the only exception.
Personal injury protection coverage is not included in motorcycle insurance policies by default. Even fewer insurance companies offer it for motorcycles. However, full tort coverage is provided for motorcycle accidents by default. This means that if you are injured by another driver, you can sue them for pain and suffering.
In cases in which a motorcyclist is injured due to the negligence of another driver, filing a personal injury lawsuit is frequently the best way to recover all damages. It is very important to consult with a skilled Pennsylvania motorcycle accident attorney in order to estimate the total cost of your expected expenses.
What Does Personal Injury Protection Insurance Cover?
You are immediately eligible to utilize your PIP coverage after an accident. You are not required to wait for an insurance settlement from the negligent driver. Even if you are responsible for the accident, you are still covered by your own insurance. However, you must file a claim with your insurance company. Before filing a claim, you should seek legal counsel in order to protect your rights.
In the event of an accident, PIP coverage can help pay for medical expenses, lost wages, essential services, and funeral costs for you and your passengers, regardless of fault. As Pennsylvania is a no-fault state, drivers must carry PIP coverage to help pay for injuries sustained in a covered auto accident. Your PIP coverage would pay first while the fault is being determined in the accident.
Pennsylvania requires some form of PIP insurance. However, drivers are only required to carry $5,000 in PIP-like medical benefit coverage. Regardless of who caused the accident, this pays up to $5,000 in medical expenses for you, your passengers, and anyone else covered by your policy.
Pennsylvania mandates that drivers carry additional minimum coverage in addition to medical benefits. This includes:
- $15,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $30,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $5,000 property damage liability per accident
A negligent driver with the minimum state-required insurance will cover up to $15,000 in medical expenses. That is it! Consider the cost of emergency surgery, hospitalization, and ongoing treatment. This does not even account for income loss and other expenses. Frequently, insurance companies attempt to accuse the motorcyclist. However, you need not fight insurance alone. An experienced PA motorcycle accident attorney will defend your rights to fair compensation.
How Long Do I Have to Settle a Motorcycle Accident Claim or File a Lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
The statute of limitations is a time limit for filing lawsuits, mandating that claims be made within a specified time frame. Motorcycle accident victims in Pennsylvania have two years from the date of their injuries to file a personal injury claim for damages. You must adhere to this deadline or risk losing the right to file a legal claim and seek compensation.
You have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit if a family member or loved one was killed in a motorcycle accident.
Contact an Experienced Pennsylvania Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today at Brandon J. Broderick for a Free Consultation
Accidents involving motorcycles frequently leave victims and their families with a lengthy physical recovery and substantial medical expenses. Unfortunately, although your health insurance may cover the majority of your expenses, it will not cover all of them. Due to the fact that your insurance provider must approve treatment, you are up against a steep hill. The Pennsylvania Personal Injury Lawyers at Brandon J. Broderick will assist you in recovering not only your medical expenses, but also other losses, such as lost wages and property damage.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation if you were injured in a motorcycle accident. We look forward to assisting you in this difficult time.