Although no one expects to get in a traffic accident, it is important to understand your insurance coverage in the event of a crash, particularly for motorcyclists. Motorcycles tend to be more expensive to insure because insurance companies evaluate the risk of the vehicle, so this is important to note when choosing a policy based on what you can afford and what you want in terms of liability coverage.
If you were recently in a traffic collision while riding, contact the legal team at O’Connor, Acciani & Levy. If a negligent driver caused your injuries, one of our skilled motorcycle accident lawyers can help you claim damages from the other party. However, if the reckless motorist was unidentified, uninsured, or underinsured, our knowledgeable attorneys can also guide you through insurance claims for Columbus motorcycle accidents.
Minimum Insurance Coverage for Motorbike Crashes in Columbus
In Ohio, minimum liability coverage for motorcycle accidents is typically $25,000. The state requires Columbus motorists to carry this insurance, although it is not much. In addition to this, most bikers also have some uninsured (UM) or underinsured (UIM) motorist coverage. This helps cover damages in the event of a traffic collision with a driver who does not have sufficient insurance.
After an accident, an injured motorcyclist would first go to the insurance policy of the at-fault party to recover for their losses. However, if that person only had state minimum insurance, the biker could then look to their own UIM coverage to pick up the remaining damages.
Due to the risk of underinsured drivers, it is crucial for motorcyclists to carry enough insurance in the event of a traffic crash. A seasoned attorney at our firm can further advise Columbus motorcyclists on pursuing insurance claims for accidents with uninsured drivers.
Excess and Umbrella Coverage in Insurance Claims
Excess and umbrella liability insurance policies are both meant to fill coverage gaps. Excess policies can help cover auto collision costs when the underlying coverage runs out, such as when an at-fault driver is underinsured. Umbrella insurance is coverage above that and often extends to a holder’s home as well as auto insurance policy. If it is within a motorcyclist’s budget, umbrella coverage is recommended in case of catastrophic injuries that may not be covered by someone else's insurance.
Additionally, policies that extend beyond underlying coverage are advantageous because it is often easier to deal with one’s own insurance company after a traffic accident. It is typically advised that someone injured in a Columbus motorcycle crash first file their medical bills under their own healthcare policy before making a claim against another party’s insurance company with the help of our diligent attorneys.
Common Damages in Motor Accident Insurance Claims
There are many potential losses stemming from a motorcycle accident that our legal team could help recover in an insurance claim. Some examples of common economic and non-economic damages of a traffic wreck include:
- Lost wages (including expected losses for the future)
- Property damage to the motorbike
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Losses related to pain and suffering
If a motorcycle crash injury is severe enough, a dedicated Columbus attorney at our firm could help the victim’s spouse or loved ones make a claim for loss of consortium.
Contact a Columbus Attorney to Help with Insurance Claims for Columbus Motorcycle Accidents
It can be difficult to pursue damages for a motorcycle accident, especially one involving an unidentified or underinsured driver, but the attorneys at O’Connor, Acciani & Levy are well-versed in settling insurance claims to help victims recover. We can review your coverage policies and discuss what may be most beneficial for your situation. Call today for a free consultation.
