There are several ways that motorcyclists in McKinney can protect themselves before a crash occurs. First and foremost, they should make sure they have a good helmet, safety gear, and equipment. Motorcyclists should also be certain that their bike is in great working order.
However, one of the most important things they can do is confirm that they are adequately insured. Since the risk of injury is much higher on a motorbike, it is much more important for motorcyclists to have coverage beyond health insurance that will protect them in the event of a wreck. Being aware of the motorcycle accident insurance options in McKinney could be the best thing you could do to prepare yourself for the possibility of a crash. A well-practiced attorney could help you decide what option is best for you.
In Texas, approximately half of drivers have no insurance. The state mandates that each driver maintains a minimum amount of coverage for each of their vehicles. Motorcyclists should understand the implications and protect themselves so that if something bad befalls them, there is at least potential for recovery.
Underinsured motorist or uninsured motorist coverage is called UM/UIM coverage. Texas’ mandated minimum is a $30,000/$60,000-policy that will cover up to $30,000 per person and up to $60,000 per incident unless the policyholder specifically rejects it. Some motorcyclists affirmatively reject this coverage to cut expenses, but it could hurt them in the future, given the number of people in Texas who are not adequately insured.
The state’s mandated minimum of $30,000 per person in underinsured motorist coverage is often not enough coverage for injured motorcyclists. If someone is involved in a severe motorcycle accident, they might spend $30,000 in the emergency room alone.
Due to this, it is often important to have enhanced underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage or at least a 100/300 policy, which is at least $100,000 per person and $300,000 per incident. At such levels, the injured motorcyclist could replace income if they are badly injured and miss work. If they sustain long-term disabilities after a motorcycle accident in McKinney, this option for enhanced insurance coverage could also help pay for some of the expenses that they will have.
Another crucial kind of coverage is personal injury protection (PIP). The state’s mandatory minimum PIP is $2,500, which is not much, but it is no-fault insurance. It is meant to bridge the gap between the initial medical bills from an accident and being able to obtain longer-term coverages.
Attorneys almost always suggest that motorcyclists buy more PIP than the $2,500 minimum in McKinney. Policies for $10,000, $15,000, or $20,000 should be bought in Texas because while someone is sorting out what happens after an accident, they will have ongoing expenses. PIP will provide for some out-of-pocket medical bills and lost earnings capacity, which are critical issues in the immediate aftermath of an accident.
Disability insurance is an option that should also be maintained for someone to protect themselves in the event of a McKinney motorcycle accident. There are several different types of disability insurance, and individuals who maintain policies should consider obtaining a policy that protects them when doing what they do for a living. For instance, if they are a dentist, doctor or other person with a specific skill which earns them money, they should make sure that their disability policy is specific to their profession or technical training.
Some disability policies are almost impossible to collect on because they require the injured or disabled individual to demonstrate that they cannot perform any job at all. However, there is a difference between someone being unable to do any job and being unable to do the job that they have been trained for or that produced their income for a long time. Maintaining a professional disability policy should be of the utmost importance if an individual who rides a motorcycle.
Compared to drivers of typical commuter vehicles, people riding motorcyclists are at a much higher risk of serious injury in the event of a traumatic crash, which means they are likely to be facing significant financial expenses. Knowing what insurance options are available in McKinney could help you protect yourself in the event of a motorcycle accident. Discuss with an attorney what kind of coverage would work best for you.
McCraw Law Group