It's no secret that motorcycle accidents are typically more treacherous than auto accidents. In the U.S., motorcycle accidents causing serious injury occur every 14 seconds according to the National Safety Council. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 4,798 motorcycle riders died in crashes in 2006 (a 5.4% increase from 2005), while another 87,000 motorcyclists were injured in accidents.
The failure of other drivers to detect and recognize motorcycles is the predominate cause of all these motorcycle accidents, and some of the drivers causing accidents are either underinsured, or don't have insurance at all. That's why when buying motorcycle insurance, it's important to consider adding uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to your policy.
Who Causes Motorcycle Accidents?
The Hurt Report (the most comprehensive study of motorcycle accidents and causes in the U.S. to date) found that half of all motorcycle accidents were caused by the driver of the other vehicle. Most accidents occur at intersections when the other vehicle turns into the motorcyclist's lane, violating the motorcyclist's right of way. In most cases, the other driver simply didn't see the motorcycle rider.
Uninsured Drivers Are More Common Than You Might Think
Even though auto insurance is mandatory in the U.S., there are still a surprising number of motorists on the road who drive without auto insurance. Various reports have suggested that up to 15 % of the drivers in the U.S. don't have auto insurance. The Property Casualty Insurers Association of America estimates that unlicensed and uninsured drivers are involved in more than 20 % of the fatal accidents in the U.S.
What Happens If An Uninsured Driver Causes a Motorcycle Accident?
The impact of being involved in a motorcycle accident caused by an uninsured driver can be devastating. If you have health insurance, your medical treatment may be covered. But what about the potential lost wages and the damage to your bike? You could file a lawsuit against the other driver. But if they don't have car insurance, they likely don't have the assets needed to pay a judgment. The other driver may even be able to avoid most or all of the judgment by filing for bankruptcy. So what are you to do?
The Importance of Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance is an important policy feature to consider when buying motorcycle insurance. Sometimes this coverage is included in the policy, while other times you may need to add it as optional coverage. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage protects you and your bike from damages caused by an uninsured driver, or a driver who lacks adequate insurance to cover your damages. It usually pays for not only the medical treatment you may require, but also for lost wages and any pain and suffering you may endure.
There are steps you can take to help reduce the chances of becoming involved in an accident. You can wear bright or reflective colors to make yourself more visible to other motorists. You can avoid weaving through traffic and driving on the shoulder. And you can avoid tailgating and obey the posted speed limits. But beware that there are a lot of uninsured and underinsured drivers out there. The best way to protect yourself in case of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver is to purchase a motorcycle insurance policy that contains uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.