Are Motorcyclists Required to Carry More Insurance Than Motorists in the State of Texas?

When a motorcyclist is involved in a crash with another motorist, they are far more likely to suffer severe injuries, much worse than those a motorist would sustain who is protected by their vehicle. According to the NHTSA, “per vehicle mile traveled in 2015, motorcyclist fatalities occurred nearly 29 times more frequently than passenger car occupant fatalities in traffic crashes.” The fact is, the aftermath of an accident is always much worse for a motorcyclist than it is for the driver of a car or truck. Now, because bikers are more susceptible to suffering harsher injuries, how does that affect the insurance coverage they are required to carry? Or does it?

The truth is, just like all other drivers in the state of Texas, motorcyclists are only required to carry the following types of coverage with the corresponding limits:

 

• Bodily Injury Liability– Bikers are required to purchase $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident. This type of coverage will help pay for medical and funeral costs, loss of income, and pain and suffering when the motorcyclist is responsible for causing the accident.

 

• Property Damage Liability- Motorcyclists are required to purchase a minimum of $25,000 in property damage liability which can be used to pay for the damage caused by the rider to another individual’s vehicle or property. It also even covers car rental expenses for the other driver while their vehicle is being repaired.

[Source: Texas Department of Insurance].

 

As you can see, the minimum insurance requirements for motorcyclists do not differ from the requirements that are set for owners of passenger vehicles. Now, because bikers are at much greater risk of needing ongoing medical treatment and care after an accident given their injuries are expected to be serious, they should consider purchasing some additional coverages and even increasing their limits as medical treatment is not the most affordable for many. Some additional insurance coverages that are available to bikers and motorists in the state of Texas include:

 

1. Collision Coverage- This will pay for any damage that your bike sustains. Before paying you, your insurer will assess the damage to determine if your bike can be fixed or if it is totaled. Either way, if you have this coverage, which some lenders may require you to purchase depending on the agreement you made with them,your insurer will provide you with a check for the repairs or the actual cash value of your bike, up to the limits you have set.

 

2. Comprehensive Coverage- This type of coverage pays for the damage your bike sustains if it’s stolen or damaged by fire, vandalism, hail, falling objects, or an event other than a collision, says the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI). While the state does not require you to purchase comprehensive coverage, your lender may.

 

3. Medical Payments Coverage– This one is important for motorcyclists to consider purchasing based on all the information we shared above. It will cover medical and funeral bills that arise as a result of an accident.

 

4. Personal Injury Protection (PIP)- PIP will also pay for your medical bills just as medical payments coverage will, however, it will also provide you with80% of your lost income along with the cost of hiring a caregiver if needed.

 

 

5. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage- If you’re involved in an accident with a driver who isn’t insured or doesn’t have enough coverage, this type of insurance will step in and provide you with the coverage the other motorist is lacking. The TDI says that there is a mandatory $250 deductible that will need to be satisfied for property damage which means in order for your insurer to pay you anything, you must first pay this amount.

 

[Source: Texas Department of Insurance].

 

Aside from these coverages, insurance companies may offer you additional types of coverage for your bike. Therefore, it is best you speak with an agent who can highlight what these are and explain them to you in detail so you can determine if it something you need to purchase or add on to your current policy.

 

I was recently involved in a motorcycle accident in Dallas, TX? Can I collect compensation from other parties aside from the insurance company?

 

If you were recently involved in an accident while riding on your motorcycle in Dallas, TX, you may be entitled to recover additional compensation aside from what your insurer can provide you with. Generally, victims will file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver who caused the wreck. However, in order to determine if you are eligible to do this, you need to consult with a Dallas, TX motorcycle accident lawyer. The attorneys at the Lenahan Law Firm would be more than happy to assess your accident and determine if it would be in your best interest to accept an insurance settlement or file suit against the party who caused the crash.

To get connected with a local motorcycle accident lawyer in your area for some free advice, contact this firm by calling 888-828-5630.

 

Lenahan Law Firm is located at:

 

2655 Villa Creek Drive, Suite 204

Dallas, TX 75234

214-380-4095

888-828-5630

Website: www.dallassevereinjurylawyer.com