THE MCMILLIAN LAW FIRM - PROVIDING AGGRESSIVE AND COMPASSIONATE LEGAL REPRESENTATION FOR MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT VICTIMS IN CHARLESTON, SC AND SUMMERVILLE, SC

Spend any evening or weekend day cruising through channels on the couch and you may come across several ads from the major insurance carriers touting "Motorcycle Insurance." The marketing of these policies lead you believe that these policies are tailored specifically for motorcycle riders and are underwritten to specifically address the risks involved in operating a motorcycle. The marketing suggest that "motorcycle policies" are not only cheaper but are a better insurance product for motorcycle riders.

However, if you take the time to do the homework and explore what is actually covered by "motorcycle" policies, you will see this premise couldn't be further from the truth.

WHAT IS THE "REAL DEAL" BEHIND MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE?

The most common misconception about "motorcycle insurance" that many people have is that the cheaper policies are a result of the relative dangers of property damage caused by motorcycles versus that of passenger cars and SUVs. In other words, "motorcycle insurance" is cheaper because bikes weigh less, have less propensity to cause major property damage, and therefore the exposure to damage claims would be less. The marketing by major insurance companies feeds right into this line of reasoning as well.

Upon closer inspection, the actual reason that "Motorcycle Insurance" policies are cheaper is simple . . . it is because motorcycle insurance policies strip out coverage. Coverages that you will need if you are ever in an accident are removed and limits are reduced. In the end, you have basically purchased skeleton coverage that would serve you no purpose in an accident and the insurance company saves money on potential claims and laughs all the way to the bank. 

The most common policy provision offered on automobile policies that is stripped from a "motorcycle policy" is Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage. Leaving this coverage out will save you about $5.00 - $10.00 per month on the premium. However, if you are ever struck and injured by a motorist who does not have enough coverage to cover your medical bills, you are left holding the bag and the insurance company who sold you the special "motorcycle policy" gets off clean. The insurance company will present you a form to waive this coverage when you are purchasing a policy. If you are presented with a waiver of UIM coverage, do not sign it!

Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM) and Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM) are the most important policy provisions you can have on your motorcycle. The reason for having these coverages is simple . . . motorcycle operators have statistically been proven to be at an exponentially higher risk for serious injury and death than accident victims in passenger cars. Considering that South Carolina law only requires drivers to carry a minimum of $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident liability coverage, any motorcycle accident you may be involved in will blow past the policy limits of an at-fault driver and require you to access coverages from your own policy. 

The McMillian Law Firm is known for compassionate and effective legal representation. Call us now at (843) 900-1306 or use the online form to schedule your free no-obligation case evaluation today.

UNDERINSURED MOTORIST (UIM) COVERAGE AND MOTORCYCLES

Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage is triggered when an at-fault driver has insurance, but not enough to cover all of your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you are seriously injured by an at-fault driver carrying state minimum insurance limits, then when those funds are spent, the next place you can access funds for your damages will be to your UIM coverage. Please add UIM coverage to any policy you may purchase to cover a motorcycle. It is very cheap to add to your policy, for most drivers an additional cost of less than $10.00 a month. Considering the possible injuries that could result from a motorcycle accident, I would recommend, at minimum, $100,000.00 in Underinsured Motorist coverage.

UNINSURED MOTORIST (UM) COVERAGE AND MOTORCYCLES

Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage is triggered when the at-fault driver has no auto insurance or when the at-fault driver commits a "hit and run" and flees the scene of an accident. The important thing to remember about Uninsured Motorist coverage is that, unlike Underinsured coverage, where the at-fault driver does have a policy that allows you to collect "something" (even if it is not enough), when you have to utilize Uninsured Motorist coverage, this will be the only source of funds you can access for your injury! Again, considering the nature of motorcycle accident injuries and the damages that result from them, I would again recommend that a motorcycle owner carry at least $100,000 in Uninsured Motorist coverage.

PERSONAL INJURY PROTECTION (PIP) / MEDPAY AND MOTORCYCLES

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and MedPay are two policy protections that are the most often over looked by motorcycle owners, yet provide an invaluable level of protection and are a source of funds that can be accessed in nearly all motorcycle accidents. PIP and MedPay are no-fault provisions within your own policy. This means that once you have accrued medical bills immediately after the accident, and these bills are provided to your motorcycle insurer, the insurance company will forward you the funds from your PIP and / or MedPay coverage regardless of who was at fault in the accident.

Let me repeat that . . . you can access your PIP and MedPay coverage regardless of whether you are at fault or not. 

Once medical bills are submitted to your insurance company, you can get your PIP or MedPay payment sometimes wthin a few days after an accident. The most common levels of PIP and MedPay I come across is $1,000.00 or $2,500.00. The lesson here is simple though . . . on any motorcycle insurance policy carry as much PIP and/or MedPay as you can.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ABOUT PURCHASING A MOTORCYCLE POLICY, PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT MY OFFICE. I WOULD BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE.

As a Motorcycle Accident lawyer in my solo practice, I will take all necessary steps to protect your rights and earn just compensation for you as a result of your accident. Through my efforts, I can bring about much needed financial relief to a victim who may be suffering from serious injuries and permanent disability. Being a small firm allows you to have direct access to your lawyer during this entire process, with open lines of communication as we work together towards a viable solution to your specific case. 

Being an experienced personal injury attorney, I have experience dealing with insurance companies. I also know where the courthouse is and will not be afraid to call the insurance company to the mat in front of a judge and jury if necessary.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident or due to the negligent or reckless acts of another in Charleston, Summerville, Mount Pleasant, James Island, West Ashley, Goose Creek, Moncks Corner, North Charleston, or any of the other fine communities of the Low Country, and need to meet with an experienced personal injury lawyer, please contact me to set up your free case evaluation today. Let me help prevent you from being taken advantage of by the insurance company. I am serious and I am here for you! Contact The McMillian Law Firm today @ 843-900-1306