Motorcycle riders and drivers alike have to carry liability insurance coverage that at least meets the standards enshrined in state law. Many people trust that insurance can cover their losses after a crash.
However, motorcycle riders may find that insurance does not adequately address their financial exposure after a collision. When a driver in a larger vehicle causes a crash that injures a motorcycle rider, civil litigation is sometimes necessary to recoup the costs of the wreck.
California’s minimum requirements are too low
California recently increased the amount of liability coverage that drivers need to carry. Even after increasing baseline insurance requirements, the minimum amount of insurance is still far lower than the likely total cost of a crash involving a motorcycle.
Many drivers have just $15,000 in property damage coverage. That may not be enough to replace a totaled motorcycle and the valuable gear that protects the rider. Even though bodily injury coverage amounts are higher, they are still too low given the risk of catastrophic injuries and a motorcycle collision.
Drivers only need $30,000 of coverage for incidents that involve one person and $60,000 of coverage per crash, regardless of how many people may have sustained injuries. Bodily injury coverage should pay for medical expenses and lost wages.
Motorcycle riders recovering from significant crash injuries may quickly realize that minimum insurance coverage may not be enough. When insurance coverage is too low given the losses generated by a crash, motorcycle riders may need to look into their options for personal injury litigation.
Filing a lawsuit can help cover the major expenses generated by a motorcycle collision. Riders may need assistance as they estimate their losses and evaluate their different options for compensation.