Although states require that all motorists have a minimum amount of motor-vehicle liability insurance coverage or other form of financial responsibility, many motorists on the road do not carry any insurance coverage or only bare bones coverage. These motorists are referred to as uninsured or underinsured motorists.
What Happens After an Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Accident?
Typically, in the event of a motorcycle accident, if you suffered personal injuries and/or other losses as the result of another driver’s negligence, you can file a claim against that driver’s auto liability policy. This becomes more complicated if the driver does not have liability insurance or has too little to compensate you for all of your losses. Fortunately, motor-vehicle insurance companies are obligated to provide coverage should bodily injury and/or property damage be caused by an uninsured/underinsured motorist accident. Without this insurance coverage, you would be personally responsible for your own medical costs, completely or partially.
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Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Statistics
According to the most current Insurance Research Council (IRC) estimates, approximately 14 percent of drivers in the U.S. are uninsured. This estimate is based on the ratio of uninsured motorist insurance claims to bodily injury claims. The percentage is an increase from recent years. Economic downturn is believed to be the reason for the increased number of uninsured motorists. Based on the April 2011 IRC uninsured motorist report, 16 percent of drivers in Indiana were uninsured in 2009.
Indiana’s Uninsured and Underinsured Coverage Law
According to Indiana Code (IC) 27-7-5-2, all motor-vehicle insurers are required to offer uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage in each auto liability or motor-vehicle liability policy issued for any vehicle that is principally-garaged or registered in the state, although motorcyclists and other drivers are not required to purchase it. The minimum amount of coverage for bodily injury or wrongful death in any single accident must equal that of the liability coverage, which is $50,000. It must be provided by insurers for either separate premiums or a single premium.
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Protect Yourself
Motorcycle riders often suffer serious injuries after an accident, which is why it is especially important to make sure that you are fully protected. Purchasing enough uninsured/underinsured driver insurance coverage will make sure that you can get the quality medical treatment you need for recovery. Too often, motorcycle injury claims involve underinsured parties. As a dedicated Indiana motorcycle injury attorney, I know how insurance companies operate. Even with uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, there is fine print, red tape, and other hoops to prevent you from getting the full benefits that you are entitled to. Speaking with a knowledgeable lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve. To learn more, please call me for a free consultation at 800-278-9200.
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