Motor vehicle accidents can result in costly injuries and property damages. In fact, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, economic losses attributed to traffic crashes totaled more than $17 billion in 2016 alone.
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania requires motorists and motorcyclists alike to maintain insurance coverage in order to drive legally.
State law requires motorcyclists to carry minimum of:
- $15,000 in bodily injury liability coverage for one person
- $30,000 in bodily injury liability coverage for one accident
- $5,000 in property damage liability coverage
Riding a motorcycle on public roads without insurance is illegal in Pennsylvania. Penalties for riding without insurance include fines, suspension of driving license, and forfeiture of license plates and registration. To restore registration and driving privileges, motorcyclists are required to provide proof of insurance and pay a restoration fee.
While carrying the specified insurance minimums keeps motorcyclists in compliance with the law, it may not provide the protection they need in the event of an accident. For example, injuries sustained in even a seemingly minor motorcycle accident can quickly exceed the $30,000 per accident coverage limit. However, higher coverage limits are both available and recommended.
Motorcyclists can also purchase additional insurance coverages—such as uninsured or underinsured motorist coverages—for more complete protection. Uninsured motorist coverage protects motorcyclists injured by an at-fault driver who lacks insurance, as well as those injured in hit-and-run accidents. Underinsured motorist coverage compensates for injury costs that exceed the at-fault driver’s coverage limits.
Consult an Experienced Motorcycle Attorney
Most motorcyclists don’t find out that their insurance coverage doesn’t offer the protection they need until after they’ve been in an accident. If this happened to you, contact the Accident and Injury Law Group right away to schedule an appointment for a free initial consultation. Our motorcycle accident attorneys can review the facts of your case, help you understand your rights and options, and recommend the insurance coverage types and amounts you need to protect yourself.