After a vehicle crash in Florida, injured parties typically seek compensation for medical bills and lost wages through their own personal injury protection policy. However, motorcyclists must follow a different process to recoup their losses.
PIP Does Not Cover Motorcyclists
In Florida, personal injury protection coverage is not available to motorcyclists. Some drivers believe that the PIP policy they have for their car or truck will also cover any injuries they sustain while riding their motorcycle. Motorcycles are excluded from the Florida statute requiring drivers to carry PIP.
Other Insurance Options for Motorcyclists
Comparing other types of motorcyclist insurance can spare you substantial pain, anxiety, and expense if an accident does take place. Motorcyclists can obtain medical payment coverage. This type of policy specifically covers medical expenses that arise from an accident. Policies may cover health insurance deductibles, prescriptions, dental expenses, co-pays, and in-home care. Note that this type of insurance does not pay for injuries caused to others in an accident unless they are passengers on your motorcycle at the time of the crash. Your motorcycle insurance policy should be used to cover the other party’s medical expenses if you are at fault.
Riders can also choose a health insurance policy that covers motorcycle-related medical expenses. Many policies have limits for how much they’ll cover after an accident, so you should read the fine print on your health insurance before relying on it as your primary form of protection.
Motorcycle accidents put riders at serious risk of severe harm or traumatic brain injury, since motorcycles offer much less protection than standard vehicles. As a result, you should have substantial coverage before you start riding. Otherwise, medical expenses can quickly become too much to handle.
Holding the At-Fault Driver Responsible
Even with insurance, the expenses of a motorcycle accident add up rapidly. While PIP covers 60% of your lost wages, many motorcycle insurance plans do not offer any compensation for lost income.
If the other driver is at fault for an accident, consider seeking legal counsel to hold them accountable for your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. In this area, you may have more options than someone injured while driving a standard four-wheeled vehicle. A driver injured in an accident can only sue the other party if their medical expenses exceed the limits of their PIP policy. Additionally, they can only sue the other party for pain and suffering if their injury is considered permanent. Motorcyclists can sue the other party even if their health insurance covers some of their expenses, particularly if an accident is severe enough to require long-term or permanent care that may not be covered by a standard health insurance plan.
Don’t Take a Chance With Your Financial and Physical Well-Being
Without a dependable insurance policy and a strong advocate on your side, you could be left with a stack of medical bills and a reduced ability to work after a motorcycle accident. If the other driver is at fault for the crash, a lawsuit could bring you some financial relief. Call the West Palm Beach office of Fetterman & Associates at 561-845-2510 to schedule your consultation.
Additional Resources:
- 5 Safety Tips to Avoid Motorcycle Accidents in Florida
- What You Need to Know About Motorcycle Accidents in Florida
