Why You Should Get UIM Coverage On Your Motorcycle
The high-risk nature of motorcycles means that riders should invest in all possible insurance coverage options. In 2020, there were 83,000 motorcycle accident injuries and over 5,000 fatalities. And as California has some of the worst traffic and the highest registered number of motorcycles, it’s safe to say that a significant number of those injuries and fatalities likely happen in our state.
Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for motorists to decline coverage options, especially in California, which is why it’s so crucial for motorcyclists to opt into UI and UIM coverage. If another driver causes your accident and doesn’t have the insurance to cover you, your own UI and UIM coverage could be your saving grace.
If you are injured in a San Francisco motorcycle accident and have questions or need help filing your personal injury claim to recover compensation, don’t hesitate to reach out to our legal team at Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers for assistance.
What is Uninsured Motorist Insurance / UIM Coverage?
Uninsured motorist (UI) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage are two different things.
UI coverage is a form of insurance that provides financial coverage should you be involved in an accident with another driver that does not carry any liability coverage. If that other driver is at fault but does not have insurance, you can file a claim through your own UI policy to recover compensation for the damages you have suffered. This can include compensation for medical expenses for your injuries, lost wages while you recover, and damage to your motorcycle.
UIM coverage provides financial coverage if you happen to be involved in an accident with a motorist that has some liability coverage but not enough to cover the total cost of your damages. In this case, if the motorist is at fault, their insurance will cover your damages up to their policy limit, and then your UIM coverage will kick in and cover the remaining costs.
Do I Need Uninsured Motorist Coverage or UIM Coverage as a Motorcyclist in California?
All motorists in California are required to carry liability insurance to cover injuries and other damages they may cause to other people in an accident. For this reason, many motorists and motorcyclists opt out of UI and UIM coverage in California, assuming they don’t need it. But just because all motorists are required to carry liability coverage in California does not mean they actually do.
Many people sneak by without paying for liability coverage. Furthermore, even if someone does have liability insurance, California only requires them to carry the minimum, which is only $15,000 of coverage. So if you are hit by a driver, even if they have insurance, it is highly likely that they don’t have enough to cover all of your costs.
Motorcyclists, in particular, tend to sustain more severe damages than passenger vehicle occupants. This is because even if a motorcyclist is wearing a helmet, they have very little to protect their body from impact, and they are often thrown from their bikes in accidents. As a result, they often are the victims of severe, life-threatening injuries that will be very difficult to pay for if the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance or enough coverage.
This is why it is so crucial that motorcyclists carry UI and UIM coverage. If the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough insurance or any coverage at all, UI or UIM coverage can protect you and ensure you are compensated for your damages.
Motorcycle Accident Injuries Are Often Severe — Get the Help You Need!
Not only is it important to have UI/UIM coverage in California as a motorcyclist, but it’s also vital that you consult with an attorney should you be involved in an accident. Simply filing a claim with insurance, whether it’s with your own insurance company or the at-fault party’s, does not guarantee you will get the fair compensation you need and deserve.
Insurance companies often try to find ways to deny claims or downplay the seriousness of the damages. This is a way for them to avoid always having to pay out high settlement amounts. And the best way to avoid this is to have an attorney representing you.
Your lawyer can handle all the complex matters of your motorcycle injury claim for you, including building a strong case and handling negotiations with insurance companies to ensure they pay you the full amount of money you deserve for your suffering and losses.
California Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorney
If you are injured in a motorcycle accident in California and need help filing your claim, our team can assist you.
At Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers, our motorcycle accident attorneys know what it takes to ensure our clients get the full and fair compensation they deserve to help pay for their medical bills and other damages.
For help with your motorcycle accident claim, call us at 877-380-8852 or contact us online today for a free case evaluation.
