What Happens If You Get Into a Motorcycle Accident with an Uninsured Motorist?

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In a typical situation, being hurt in a motorcycle accident means you can file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. But what happens if you get into a motorcycle accident with an uninsured motorist? In these situations, there’s still an opportunity to have your losses covered, but it can be more challenging. Uninsured motorist coverage for motorcycle accidents can help cover these losses.  A motorcycle accident lawyer can be a very important asset working on your side. Contact Munley Law’s motorcycle accident attorneys today for a free consultation.

Why Hire an Attorney to Handle the Accident Claim?

One of the best steps to take after a motorcycle accident with an uninsured motorist is to call the police and document the incident, and then work with a motorcycle accident lawyer who can hold the at-fault party liable under the full extent of the law. Your attorney will guide you around your legal options and what steps you should take based on the situation. This could include the following:

• Investigate what happened to determine if anyone else is to blame. There may be a third party that holds some responsibility in your case, like the city, another driver, or the at-fault driver’s employer, if they were on the clock.

• Gather evidence to support your claim details. This includes insight into all of the medical losses you have and will have in the future.

• Evaluate the best course of action. This could include filing a UM claim, seeking a lawsuit against the at-fault driver, or pursuing a third party. It may be a combination of factors that is applicable. You may be able to use more than one process to help you recover fair damages.

Hiring an attorney to help you with uninsured motorist coverage for motorcycle accidents will clear up any confusion you have about the legal process and the timeline. It can also give you some peace of mind so you can focus on your recovery and not on how you will pay for your injuries and losses. Our personal injury FAQs provide you with more details about motorcycle accidents.

What Else Can You Do After an Accident with an Uninsured Motorist?

There are a few other steps to consider taking after an accident with an uninsured motorist as a motorcycle rider. Be sure you minimize further financial losses you face by following these tips:

• Call 911 and report the accident when it happens: Then file a police report in the city where it occurred. This allows for a formal police investigation. This then makes it possible for law enforcement evidence to become available to you in your claim.

• Notify your insurance company: You will need to notify your insurance company of the accident and, ultimately, the losses you have. Avoid waiting too long to take action. Though you don’t have to file a claim during this time, you must report the accident to the insurance company within a few weeks.

• Always get medical care right away: Even when you are in an accident with an uninsured motorist, you should take every step possible to protect your health as a priority. Don’t focus on the cost of getting medical care, but instead on establishing fair compensation for your losses.

The sooner you take action to contact an attorney, the better. Motorcycle riders deserve legal representation they can count on, and the right attorney can make a comprehensive impact on your case. Learn more about our attorneys today.

How Can You Pursue Compensation for Your Losses Through Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

In situations where you cannot recover damages from the at-fault party, you can pursue a claim against your uninsured motorist coverage, if you have a policy in place. Some states require that all licensed drivers maintain uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. Pennsylvania, alternatively, does not. However, all auto liability insurance companies in the state will include UM within it unless you reject it when you purchase a policy.

Many people purchase uninsured motorist coverage as a type of protection from risks like this. Motorcycle riders may also carry this insurance to safeguard against risks. Uninsured motorist coverage has several key factors to keep in mind:

• Who has protection?: A motorcycle rider with uninsured motorist coverage has protection. If someone living with you has uninsured motorist coverage, and you do not, their policy may cover your losses as well.

• When does it apply?: Uninsured motorist coverage covers instances in which the person at fault in the accident does not have insurance coverage. It can also apply if the motorist does not stop and therefore is unidentified.

• What does it cover?: UM coverage pays for the losses you suffer as a result of another person’s negligence. This includes, typically, medical bills, lost wages, and property damage you incurred as a result of being struck by the other driver.

• How much does it pay?: UM coverage limits apply. The amount of coverage you have is dependent on the value of the policy you purchased. You cannot find an insurance claim exceeding the amount of coverage you purchased.

• What is the deductible?: Most UM policies will have a deductible, or a portion you must pay towards your accident. If your deductible is $500, for example, you may pay that amount before the insurance will pay for other losses.

• What are the restrictions?: There are numerous restrictions on when UM may be applicable. First, you need to be sure you have a policy and that you have made all premium payments to keep the policy current. You then need to consider any restrictions or limitations on the policy that may impact your right to seek compensation.

Uninsured motorist coverage will not help you if you are at fault for the collision. In these situations, you can file a claim against your collision insurance to cover the losses you have. Uninsured motorist coverage for motorcycle accidents provides financial protection for you only when you are not at fault. Be sure to review our case results to find out how we have helped people like you in similar situations.

How Do You File a Lawsuit Against the At-Fault Party?

The motorcycle rider can also seek legal action against the uninsured driver to recover damages. In this situation, you will need to file an insurance claim that outlines all of your losses and backs it up with a clear explanation with evidence of what occurred and who is at fault. Then, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party.

In this situation, there is no motorcycle insurance to cover your costs or to haggle with you. However, you will need to seek legal action against those who are at fault with the following in mind:

• You have to know who did it: If a hit-and-run driver struck you, you may not have the evidence to prove who is at fault. The police will investigate and build a case for you, but you could face limitations if there is no way to determine who is at fault.

• You may find they do not have assets. If you have bodily injury and property damage, you expect the at-fault party to pay for all of your losses. However, seeking a lawsuit for all of those losses is only effective if the other party actually has assets to seize.

• The burden of proof is on your shoulders. In all of these situations, you must prove what the losses are and their value. The burden of proof is on you, the victim, and that means you must be able to convince a judge and jury to award you the compensation you deserve.

To file a lawsuit against the at-fault party, you will need to overcome several challenges. That includes:

• Being able to comprehensively determine who is at fault and have evidence of that to present in a court of law.

• Guidance through the entire legal process, which in itself can be intimidating

• If the at-fault party does not have insurance or any assets, it may be difficult to obtain the compensation owed to you

• If you’re awarded damages, but the other party still fails to pay what they owe, you could face an ongoing legal battle

It’s your right as an injured rider to take legal action to hold those who hurt you accountable. When you work with a motorcycle accident attorney, they will help you determine whether seeking a lawsuit is the best decision for you. When you work with a motorcycle accident lawyer following a crash with an uninsured motorist, you will feel protected through every step of your claim.

Seek Legal Guidance from Munley Law’s Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

With or without uninsured motorist coverage for motorcycle accidents, having a motorcycle accident lawyer working for you can be the best investment you make for your future. There’s a lot on the line, and our team at Munley Law has helped victims fight for fair treatment for over 65 years. Contact our motorcycle accident lawyer in Pennsylvania for a free consultation to learn about your rights.