Riding a motorcycle is an enjoyable hobby for many, but the activity has inherent risks that all should be aware of. In Washington State, motorcycle liability insurance is not required, but it is still a good idea to carry it to protect yourself or someone else in the event of an accident.
Note: Every motorcyclist should carry sufficient uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Even minor collisions can cause catastrophic injury or death. While UM/UIM coverage is considering an “extra” layer – i.e. it is not required – it’s still a good idea to carry as much UM/UIM insurance as you can afford.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, who’s responsible for paying for medical expenses and other bills might be the last thing on your mind. Familiarize yourself with the insurance implications before you’re in a crash, as insurance cannot be purchased retroactively.
If You Have Health Insurance, Use It
Motorcycle insurance generally does not offer “first-party” benefits, meaning it won’t cover your medical expenses in the event of an accident. This means that your medical bills will go through your health insurance policy – if you carry health insurance – which will pay what it deems correct. The rest of the bills will be passed on to you, unfortunately.
Seeking Damages From The At-Fault Party
Victims of motorcycle accidents can pursue damages from the person or party that caused the accident. Because car versus motorcycle accidents can result in severe injuries to the motorcyclist, you may get some pushback from the other driver’s insurance company about the extent and severity of your injuries and the amount of money you need for recovery and palliative care. Therefore, it’s a good idea to speak with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after an accident if you have severe injuries.
The bad news is that if you do receive a settlement from the at-fault person’s insurance, your own health insurance company is likely to pursue a “subrogation of benefits.” This means that they’ll ask you to repay any benefits you receive for your medical bills.
The right personal injury attorney will help prevent your health insurance company from profiting off your injuries. Even if you’ve paid your monthly premiums, they might say you owe money even after your settlement. Your attorney will fight for you and make sure the health insurance company doesn’t get more money than they deserve.
Contact A Motorcycle Lawyer After An Accident
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident and are wondering how you will pay for medical treatment, call the Seattle-based Davis Law Group, P.S. We can also help if your insurance company is denying medical treatment that your doctor says you need.
We will work to ensure that you receive the medical care you need to recover and that the party responsible for your injuries is held accountable. To speak with an attorney from Davis Law Group, simply complete the form below or call (206) 727-4000 to schedule a free case evaluation.
