Protect Yourself

Motorcycle Accident Insurance Coverage And Safety Gear

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Motorcycle Insurance Coverage

There are actions you can take to protect yourself before and after a motorcycle accident. For example, it is important to wear the proper safety gear and know what to do at the scene of an accident, If you are involved in an accident and need to file an injury claim with an insurance company, the assistance of an experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.

  • Basic Motorcycle Insurance Protection

    Most states require motorists to purchase a minimum mandatory amount of insurance coverage that will provide compensation to any other person injured in an accident if the insured is determined to be at fault. This liability coverage includes compensation for bodily injury and property damage of others involved in the accident, as well as payment for the legal expenses of the insured. It is recommended that all motorists purchase more than the basic coverage to protect themselves from liability claims and potential lawsuits.

    Both mandatory liability coverage and recommended additional coverage extend to motorcyclists. If a motorcycle rider is involved in an accident and suffers a serious injury, the rider will be covered by the at-fault motorist’s insurance.

    An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help you maximize your claim if you are the victim of another motorist’s negligence. If you have been injured in an accident, contact a Law Tigers attorney* today.

  • Protection Against Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist

    Many motorcycle accident victims lose thousands of dollars because they do not understand the various types of insurance coverage available, or believe they are protected by coverage they do not actually have. In any case, it is advisable to have the right coverage for the greatest amount of protection.

    With a substantial number of motorists throughout the country operating their vehicles without proper insurance coverage, uninsured/underinsured motorist protection is one of the most important types of insurance coverage a motorcyclist can have. It protects the motorcyclist against other motorists who are operating their vehicles without any insurance or without the appropriate amount of coverage. If an individual is involved in a motorcycle accident, this type of coverage allows the person to collect against the person’s own policy if the other motorist is uninsured or underinsured. It may also provide for compensation for injuries and damage sustained in a hit-and-run accident.

    Some states do require vehicle contact to be a component in the accident for the insured to collect from this type of policy. Often, a motorcycle accident results from the rider laying his bike down or swerving into an object to avoid a collision with another vehicle. In these and other situations, direct contact between two vehicles may not occur, and injuries or damage to the motorcycle may not be compensated by the policy. To ensure that you are adequately covered, we recommend that you contact your insurance company to verify your coverage.

    We suggest carrying a minimum of between $100,000 to $250,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Based upon our experience dealing with thousands of motorcycle accident victims, the Law Tigers highly recommends this minimum coverage to adequately protect you. This coverage is reasonably priced based upon the additional protection it gives you. So protect yourself and your loved ones.

  • Your Motorcycle Accident Claim

    As a rule, insurance companies are in the business of making money – not giving it away. In many cases, motorcycle accident victims are victimized by insurance providers who wish to lessen or eliminate their financial responsibility to the policyholder. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help you obtain a settlement from the responsible insurance company.

Importance of Motorcycle Accident Investigations

Unfortunately, there is often a mistaken belief among many in the public that most motorcycle accidents are caused by motorcyclists. For this reason, motorcycle accident investigations can be critical in challenging this misconception during the claims process or in court. A motorcycle accident investigation can accurately establish the sequence of events that led to the accident in order to support the validity of the motorcycle accident claim.

It is important to understand that while motorcycle accident investigations can substantiate victims’ claims, they can also refute these claims. Therefore, it is essential for victims to discuss the details of their motorcycle accident claim with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney who can advise them on the best possible course of action.

Conducting Motorcycle Accident Investigations

The motorcycle accident victim is perhaps the most important source of information about the circumstances of an accident. For this reason, all motorcyclists should know the appropriate steps to take at an accident scene. Following an accident, and after ensuring that all individuals involved in the accident are safe and receive the necessary medical care, including the rider and passenger, the motorcyclists should collect as much information as possible. The information can prove invaluable in assisting an accident investigation and reconstruction team in recreating the most accurate account of the accident.

Notes, photos, sketches, and witness accounts can all be crucial elements in the investigation and reconstruction, and can provide the most solid factual foundations upon which motorcycle accident claims can be proven.

Motorcycle Safety Gear

You’ve probably heard of the saying “Dress for the slide, not for the ride.” Here at Law Tigers, we fully support that line of thinking.  Even if you never plan to get hurt, you never know what will happen. The right motorcycle safety gear can protect you in the event of a fall by saving you from painful burns, cuts and other injuries.

Consider this fact:  You lose 1mm of skin for every 1mph you ride over 30mph if you make impact with a road surface. Now imagine falling off your bike going 60mph. You don’t have to be a math expert to figure out that you’d be in serious trouble if you weren’t wearing quality protective gear.

Wearing proper gear protects you, while also providing comfort in extreme weather conditions. It helps you stay dry when it’s rainy, warm when it’s cold, and cool when it’s hot. Yes, good riding gear can be expensive, but your comfort and safety are priceless.

  • Helmet

    The helmet is the most important component of your riding gear. Not wearing one when you ride is extremely dangerous, as well as wearing the wrong one. Here’s how to know your helmet is the right size: it fits comfortably around your head while also keeping it stabilized. If there is pinching or pressure points, it’s too small, and if it seems loose, it’s too large. If the helmet comfortably stays put, it’s a good fit. Keep in mind that just as every head is a different shape, so are helmets. Be patient when looking around as you will likely have to try on several before you find one that fits your head shape. Your helmet should have a decent ventilation system as well to prevent overheating in warm weather. We recommend you buy a helmet that is Snell certified, meaning the helmet has successfully passed anti-puncture strength testing in a one-time crash. These helmets will be the most durable and protective. Make sure to replace your helmet every 5 years, as they wear down and become less protective over time.

  • Glasses

    If you don’t ride with a full-face helmet, your eyes are exposed to the sun and debris in the air. In addition to keeping dirt, dust, and bugs out of your eyes, wearing eye protection while riding is required by law in many states. We recommend that you have a pair for both day riding (tinted with UV protection) and night riding (clear). Many riders prefer glasses with foam around the rim because it keeps wind out of their eyes. It is also important that your glasses have comfortable straps, a good range of peripheral vision, and fit well underneath your helmet.

  • Jacket

    Motorcycle jackets should fit snug to stay on if you slide off of your bike. However, they should not constrict movement. They should have extra protective padding and stronger seams on the upper back, shoulders, and elbows. Jackets with removable lining allow you to adjust the insulation properties depending on warm or cool weather. If you ride in a warm region, investing in a jacket with mesh panels allows constant ventilation which will cool you down significantly when the weather is hot.

  • Gloves

    Our hands instinctively try to catch our falls, so protection is essential for taking the brunt in the event of an accident. The most sturdy and durable gloves are full grain leather, and have extra material around the palm and knuckles. They should also allow plenty of air flow to prevent sweat and ensure a tight grip. Like a good jacket, a good pair of gloves will be snug, but flexible enough for your fingers to move around with ease.  The longest lasting pairs have strong construction at the seams. Most importantly, make sure they tighten easily at the wrist and have a strong hold; you don’t want those moving and exposing your palm to asphalt.

  • Pants

    Motorcycle pants are much stronger and sturdier than casual pants. Most are denim, Kevlar, ballistic nylon, or leather. All have different weights and maximum resistance against tear and abrasion. The heavier the material, the more protection provided. If you’re looking for textile, Cordura is a good option. Strong stitching and abrasion resistance play a critical role in protecting your legs from an impact with asphalt. Some motorcycle pants have additional riding-specific features, including weatherproof exterior, extra pockets, or reflective material.

  • Boots

    Lastly, you will need a solid pair of boots for support, protection, and traction. Leather is the most popular material for boots, and for good reason; it holds up well to high winds, water, and snow. Make sure to invest in boots that have a Vibram sole, as rubber soles can melt in the heat and tend to break down easily. The bottom of the boot should have a decent tread to provide traction. Be sure that your motorcycle boots fit well, and are comfortable. There should be no pinching, and you should be able to step in and out of them with ease.

Now That You Know How To Properly Gear Up With The Most Protection, You Can Ride With Confidence. See You On The Road!

Helping Riders For Decades

Additional Motorcycle Accident Resources

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