After a Motorcycle Accident, Does the Insurance Company Pay for My Medical Bills Directly?

Riding a motorcycle is inherently dangerous. Motorcycles offer less protection to riders than most other means of transportation, and this can result in catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, amputation, or even death. That’s why it’s so important after an accident that motorcyclists understand how they’ll get compensated for their expensive medical bills.

From New York’s unusual motorcycle laws to the required forms of insurance, The Barnes Firm’s top motorcycle accident lawyers in New York City have everything you need to know.

Understanding NY’s No-Fault Law with Motorcycle Accidents

The state of New York has a no-fault law in place for car accidents, meaning that insurance companies are required to pay for any medical expenses, lost earnings, and incidental costs resulting from a car accident regardless of who was at fault. However, these same protections don’t apply to New York motorcyclists. When a motorcyclist gets in an accident, they’re not safeguarded by the state’s no-fault statute, and medical bills become the responsibility of the person who’s injured.

Likewise, the required New York insurance for motorcyclists is fairly basic and doesn’t protect the rider when they are at fault, unless the accident specifically involves hitting a pedestrian. There are many different insurance policies offered by private insurance companies in New York to provide better protection to motorcyclists, including collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, uninsured motorist coverage, and underinsured motorist coverage.

Even the minimum required insurance for motorcyclists in the state of New York—liability motorcyclist insurance—doesn’t fully cover the costs incurred by the motorcyclist, even if they’re not at fault. Other policies can protect motorcyclists from things like having a passenger on their bike, coverage when the liable party is uninsured, and coverage for additional equipment added to the motorcycle.

Who Pays for Your Medical Bills and Lost Earnings Right After the Accident?

For drivers of passenger vehicles and trucks, New York State requires that most motorists have a severe injury to be able to sue for coverage of financial losses such as lost salary, pain and suffering, and medical bills. A motorcyclist, however, is generally allowed to sue for injuries and damages that are much less severe than those of a car or truck driver in a similar accident. If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident in New York as a result of another driver’s negligence—no matter how minor your injuries are—you may be able to get medical coverage from the liable party’s insurance instead of through your own private insurance company.

However, because these cases can take years to complete, it’s unlikely that you’ll be recompensed by the adverse carrier immediately. So, who pays for your medical bills and lost wages up-front? Until the case is decided, your own health insurance could pay for your medical bills. Certain costs can be covered by other parties who may request to have those payments reimbursed later if the case is won.

Medical bills may be partially or fully covered by your health insurance, and your lost earnings may be paid for by your employer through sick time or disability payments. If you’re self-employed and didn’t make the decision to purchase disability coverage, you won’t be covered for your lost earnings until the end of the claim.

What You Need to Know About Motorcycle Insurance in New York

New York motorcyclists are required by law to carry liability motorcycle insurance to help cover costs related to property damage and bodily injury. Your motorcycle insurance policy must include the following minimum coverage limits per accident:

• $25,000 for bodily injury per person
• $50,000 for total bodily injury if multiple people are hurt in the accident
• $50,000 for death per person
• $100,000 for death if there are multiple fatalities in the accident
• $10,000 for property damage

It’s important to note that these are only minimums requirements. You can always purchase additional forms of insurance that cover things like your bike being stolen or vandalized, a tree branch falling and damaging your bike, damage from a fire, or if you’re hit by another driver who doesn’t have insurance.

Contact The Barnes Firm’s Best Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Regardless of your method of transportation, you have the right to be justly compensated for your injuries, lost wages, and property damage. At The Barnes Firm, we understand how complicated motorcycle accident injury claims can be in the state of New York, which is why we’re dedicated to making this process as easy as possible for you. Our trusted motorcycle accident attorneys in New York have helped clients get millions of dollars in compensation from settlements and verdicts. We serve to help fight for your rights.

With over 100 years of combined legal experience, our team of knowledgeable lawyers can handle your case and are available 24/7 to review your accident and answer your questions. To schedule a free consultation with our knowledgeable auto accident attorneys, call The Barnes Firm or fill out our online contact form today.

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Richard Barnes – President of The Barnes Firm

Richard Barnes: “As President of The Barnes Firm, I have dedicated my career to achieving justice in hundreds of cases for the victims of injuries caused through the fault of others. Additionally, I have been honored to have been elected Best Lawyer and a Super Lawyer”

Years of Experience: 30+ years
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