How Do Motorcycle Collisions Affect Insurance Rates?
Causing an accident that obligates your insurance company to compensate the other party could cause your motorcycle accident insurance rates to increase. Your rate could also rise if any portion of the accident cause is assigned to you. That makes it important to conduct a thorough investigation into the accident and to build a compelling evidence file.
If you were involved in a recent collision, a motorcycle accident lawyer will investigate your accident and use your evidence file to accurately apportion fault and liability. They will explain why this step is important because of how fort lauderdule motorcycle accidents lawyer impact insurance rates. Your lawyer will also pursue appropriate monetary damages for your injuries and related expenses. They can also explore the types of coverage the fault driver has under their auto policy, such as comprehensive coverage.
Does Who Was At-Fault Determine Whether or Not Insurance Rates Go Up?
According to the Insurance Information Institute (III) research and guidelines, your accident history is a key factor that insurance providers use to determine the rates you will pay. Unfortunately, a poor driving record could mean your rates will go up regardless of whether or not you bear any of the fault for the accident.
Other factors could also affect your motorcycle insurance costs, including:
- How often you use your car or motorcycle
- Where you live or where you park your car or bike
- Your age and gender
- The value of your car or motorcycle
If a lawyer represents you after the accident, they can help you prove the other involved party was at fault. They can also help you understand the insurance laws and regulations in your state, as well as how these will affect your motorcycle insurance policy.
What You Need to Know About Motorcycle Collision Insurance Cost
Motorcycle collision insurance is designed to provide financial responsibility after an accident. According to Investopedia research, the average cost of motorcycle insurance is less than $100 per month. Like auto insurance, the factors that affect the cost of your monthly premium can include age, location, and the make and model of your motorcycle.
As a motorcyclist, you should insure your bike for a variety of reasons. It can protect you from exorbitant out-of-pocket expenses after an accident by covering the costs of any portion of the accident attributed to you. Insurance will also protect you in the event of an accident where the other party does not have insurance or is underinsured.
The impact of claims history on motorcycle crashes and insurance rates is also a factor. In many states, a motorcycle safety course is required before you can get a license. It, along with your claims history, plays a huge role in the cost of obtaining insurance.
How to File an Insurance Claim After a Motorcycle Accident
Auto and motorcycle insurance is in place for a reason. Even if the at-fault party is concerned about the motorcycle accident’s impact on insurance premiums, the injured party is entitled to compensation. The at-fault party’s insurer would be compelled to cover the costs of:
- The injured party’s medical expenses
- The injured party’s income loss
- The costs of repairs to the injured party’s property
- Physical, mental, and emotional pain and suffering
Compensation for the injured party will also include lasting disfigurement and disability and wrongful death damages for surviving family members if the accident resulted in a fatality. Wrongful death damage can include the costs of the decedent’s funeral and burial and the family’s loss of their financial support and domestic services.
If you are represented by a Miami motorcycle accident lawyer, they will take care of all the details of filing your claim. They will obtain, complete, and submit insurance claim forms. They can also review both insurance policies to understand their limitations and exclusions.
How to Prove Fault and Liability After a Motorcycle Accident
If you file a claim after an accident, your insurance rates are likely to increase, even if the accident was not your fault. It is still important that you accurately document the fault for the accident in order to recover appropriate damages. The lawyer handling your case can:
- Obtain the official accident report
- Review your medical records
- Interview accident witnesses
- Consult relevant experts
- Commission an accident reconstruction report
- Canvass for photos and video footage
If your state follows comparative negligence laws, fault will be assigned to each party in percentages. Any compensation you recover will be reduced by the percentage of fault, negligence, and liability attributed to you. A local motorcycle attorney can review your case and avoid a miscalculation.
Contact Our Motorcycle Accident Team at (954) 633-8270
If you or a loved one was injured in a motorcycle accident, you can recover damages from the at-fault party. Even after recovering compensation, you need to understand how motorcycle accidents impact insurance rates.
Do not let a potential rate increase prevent you from getting the compensation you need and deserve. Learn more about the aftermath of an accident by contacting our consultation team at the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato today. Call us today at (954) 633-8270.
