You may have seen these motorcycle safety awareness stickers on the bumpers of passing cars on the road: “Look Twice, Save A Life”. Indeed, the slim profile of a motorcycle can impact its visibility, and your ability to see it coming! Unfortunately, the same freedoms that come with riding a motorcycle, like the wind on your face and the sunshine on your back, also mean an increase for injury in the event of an accident. In fact, according to the 2016 Florida Statute regarding motor vehicles, only riders over 21 years of age are able to operate or ride upon a motorcycle without protective headgear, like a helmet.
Our attorneys have represented hundreds of motorcycle accident victims due to another’s negligence, including:
- Drunk driving
- Drowsy driving
- Texting while driving/Distracted driving
- Improper lane change
- Hit-and-run
- Pedestrian crossing
- Projectiles
The required coverage for a motorcycle is quite different from that required for a private passenger vehicle in Florida. In fact, there is currently no need to have insurance coverage on a motorcycle in order to register or operate the motorcycle.
This creates quite a problem for the motorcyclist involved in a collision with a passenger car, another motorcycle, or a person who loses control of his/her motorcycle. In these cases, medical bills are usually paid by the injured party’s health insurance, if the claimant is lucky enough to have such coverage.
If not, a motorcyclist’s bills could remain outstanding until the conclusion of his or her case, at which time medical bills can be paid out of settlement proceeds if an adequate settlement is obtained.
Motorcycles are not covered under PIP benefits. Even if you own a vehicle with PIP, you cannot claim these benefits if you are involved in a motorcycle accident. Medical Payments coverage, which differs from PIP, is available to motorcyclists. We recommend that all motorcyclists purchase medical payments coverage on their motorcycle. This coverage will pay reasonable and necessary medical bills as incurred up to the policy limit of coverage.
In the event you or a loved one is injured in a motorcycle accident. The Arreaza Law Firm can help. Alex Arreaza at the Arreaza Law firm has been representing the injured for almost three decades. Let our experience and Knowledge work for you. Remember the solution to your injury problem begins here.