Massachusetts has a complicated, but thorough, insurance landscape when it comes to car accidents. There are many types of coverage for many types of situations.
One of the types of insurance that is available for most drivers is Personal Injury Protection insurance. This is no-fault insurance that covers up to $8,000.00 for medical bills and lost wages due to an injury. No matter who is at fault, most drivers are eligible for this coverage.
If you were in a motorcycle accident, you are not eligible for this insurance. This stems from the fact that when motorcyclists are injured, the injuries are rarely minor. Instead, bikers often suffer broken bones, herniated discs, and torn ligaments. Therefore, lawmakers thought it would not make sense for car insurance companies to pay for these medical bills.
Even so, motorcyclists who are injured still have other ways to get coverage in case they’re injured on the road.
Insurance to Pay Medical BillsIf you’re injured on a motorcycle, medical bills pile up quickly. Whether it’s an ambulance ride, an emergency room visit, or seeing an orthopedic surgeon, doctors and medical professionals want to get paid. Having the right types of insurance can ensure that these bills get paid without having to wait for a settlement down the road.
Health Insurance
Your health insurance will be the first line of defense to pay your medical bills. Whether you get your health insurance through your job or via a government program like Medicare of Mass Health, your health insurance should pay your medical bills.
However, depending on what types of insurance you have, there could be gaps in coverage. Some health insurance policies have large deductibles. This could mean you owe thousands of dollars before the insurance company pays a dime. There may also be co-pays or co-insurance that you have to deal with.
Med Pay
When you buy insurance for your motorcycle, you have the option to purchase Med Pay coverage. This is no-fault insurance that can cover your medical bills. The unfortunate part is that this coverage used to be the same with every insurance company, but that’s no longer the case. Every insurance company has a different policy. So Med Pay often can’t be relied on.
Supplemental Insurance
There are many companies that offer supplemental insurance, which pays cash when you’re injured. It usually won’t cover the whole bill, but can be helpful if you’re worried about covering out of pocket expenses.
Insurance to Pay Lost WagesGetting your medical bills paid quickly is much easier than getting your lost wages reimbursed quickly. Your options are very limited.
Disability Insurance
One option you do have is to purchase disability insurance. This will cover a portion of your lost wages if you’re unable to work. Keep in mind that every disability insurance policy is different. Some only cover a portion of your wages. Some policies also have different definitions of disability. That can mean that you need to be totally disabled from any type of work to be eligible for benefits.
Experienced Motorcycle Accident AttorneysInsurance is complicated. It’s complicated on purpose. Insurance companies want it to be difficult for you to figure out what coverage you're entitled to. Having an experienced attorney can prevent you from missing out on insurance coverage you’ve paid for and should get.
At Marcotte Law Firm, we have decades of experience. We know insurance, and we know motorcycle accidents. We can help get you the compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, call the attorneys at Marcotte Law Firm for a free consultation.