Most states require all motor vehicles—motorcycles included—to be covered under liability insurance. Choosing to carry insurance is one of the essential safety precautions that a Tacoma biker can take, not only for him- or herself, but also for the passengers. Read on to find out more about the optional vehicle coverage options for bikers.
Liability Insurance
Vehicle owners must purchase liability insurance in Washington State. Effective July of 2019, motorcyclists are now REQUIRED to purchase the following coverage:
- $25,000 in bodily injury
- $10,000 in property damage liability insurance
- $50,000 for injury per accident
Washington State follows an at-fault system, meaning that the driver—or the insurance company of the driver—who causes the accident is responsible for paying for it.
Medical Insurance Coverage
Medical payments coverage is coverage for medical expenses in the event that an accident occurs, and a motorcyclist or their passengers suffers injuries. Medical payments coverage can be purchased in different amounts and would address things like prescription pain medication and hospital bills.
Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury and Property Damage
While motorists are required to carry insurance in the event that they hit a motorcyclist (or another motorist), they don’t always follow the law, or they may not have enough insurance to pay fully for damages. That’s where uninsured bodily injury and property damage coverage becomes useful. In the event that a motorcyclist is hit by an uninsured/underinsured motorist, uninsured coverage can help to cover the costs of medical bills and property damage.
Comprehensive Coverage
Not all motorcycle accidents are the result of other drivers; sometimes, a Tacoma motorcycle accident happens—or damage to a motorcycle occurs— because of natural forces or unexpected events. In the case that a motorcycle is harmed by a natural disaster (flood, fire, etc.), vandalism, theft, or something else other than a collision, comprehensive coverage will kick in to pay for damages.
What to Do When Motorcycle Insurance Isn’t Enough
Even if you have insurance or are involved in an accident caused by a motorist who has insurance coverage, you may not have enough money to fully pay for your damages, especially if you’ve sustained serious injuries. In Washington, you have the right to file a motorcycle accident claim for damages against the at-fault party when you need compensation to pay for the harm you’ve suffered.
All claims must be filed within three years under RCW 4.16.080, but can yield damages for all losses. Meet with the Tacoma attorneys at Max Meyers Law PLLC today for your free consultation by calling 425-399-7000.
