Does Health Insurance Cover Motorcycle Accident Injuries?

Health insurance policies vary widely, but most offer coverage for medical expenses resulting from motorcycle accidents. However, the extent of this coverage can differ based on the specifics of your policy.

Unlike other types of insurance, this coverage doesn't extend to lost income, non-medical costs, or the physical and emotional suffering that can result from a motorcycle accident.

For motorcycle accidents, health insurance covers:

• Emergency services: Health insurance typically covers emergency room visits, surgeries, and hospital stays related to accident injuries.
• Diagnostic procedures: This can include X-rays, MRIs, doctor evaluations, and other diagnostic procedures.
• Ongoing care: This can include physical therapy, follow-up appointments, and any necessary rehabilitation services.
• Prescription medication: Medications needed for pain management or to treat injuries from the accident are usually covered.

It's important to read the fine print of your health insurance policy, as there may be exclusions or limitations. The most common ones are:

• Deductibles: This is the part of your medical expenses that you must pay out of your pocket before your health insurance plan begins to pay. For example, if your plan has a $500 deductible, you will need to pay the first $500 of your medical bills.
• Co-pays: Co-pays are a fixed amount you pay for a specific service or prescription, regardless of the total cost. For instance, a $25 co-pay for each doctor's visit or prescription.
• Coverage caps: This is the maximum limit that your insurance policy will pay for specific claims or types of claims. A coverage cap means there’s a limit to how much an insurance company will pay for damages or injuries resulting from a motorcycle accident. Any costs exceeding this cap would be your responsibility.
• Exclusions for high-risk activities: These are specific activities or circumstances that a health insurance policy doesn’t cover. If motorcycling is considered a high-risk activity by your insurer, any injuries or accidents occurring while engaging in this activity might not be covered.

In the event of a motorcycle accident, you may decide to file a personal injury claim, especially if another party is at fault. If your health insurance pays for your medical bills, they may seek reimbursement from any settlement you receive from a personal injury claim.

Inform your health insurer about your motorcycle accident and your intent to file a personal injury claim. They can then coordinate benefits and pursue subrogation if necessary.

In addition to health insurance, having motorcycle insurance is crucial. While health insurance covers medical expenses, motorcycle insurance can cover other costs such as property damage and liability.

If you live in a no-fault state, you can use your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage up to the policy. PIP pays for medical expenses regardless of who is at fault. Medical Payments (MedPay) is another option worth considering. MedPay is an optional insurance add-on in many states and pays for your medical expenses in the event of a crash.

What records should I keep when pursuing a motorcycle accident injury claim?

When pursuing any injury claim, it’s best to keep certain records to help make your case. This includes:

• Medical bills and receipts.
• A log of medical appointments.
• Prescriptions.
• Doctor’s notes.
• An official injury diagnosis.

Keeping and maintaining these records helps create a clear link between your injury and the motorcycle accident you were involved in.

To pursue a successful motorcycle accident claim, you’ll need to prove that your injuries are crash-related. If you’re seeking compensation from another party’s insurance company, you’ll need to prove that they were at fault.

Doing this on your own can be challenging. Insurance companies are often more interested in reducing their payouts than compensating you. They may shift the blame onto you or offer a lowball settlement in hopes that you’ll accept it.

When you hire an attorney, they’ll investigate your motorcycle accident and gather key pieces of evidence to support your claim. That includes the police report, witness statements, crash scene photos, medical records, and more.

Once your attorney has gathered enough evidence, they’ll negotiate for fair compensation on your behalf. If negotiations with insurance companies fail, they may go into litigation. That includes possibly taking your case to trial where they’ll fight for a court award.

A Law.com Premier Attorney will be your legal advocate throughout the course of your motorcycle accident case. Hiring a Premier Motorcycle Accident Lawyer won’t cost you any money upfront. They work on a contingency fee basis, so you have access to affordable legal representation and guidance.

To get started on your claim, contact an attorney near you for a free consultation. They will be glad to assist you and answer any questions you have.