Motorcycle riders are subject to the same insurance requirements as anyone else on the road, which means they must carry liability protection if they cause a crash. Many motorcycle crashes are actually the fault of people in larger vehicles, which means that motorcycle riders must make claims against the policies carried by the drivers who hit them rather than their own policies.
Unfortunately, those recovering in the hospital after a motorcycle crash or dealing with the aftermath of a loved one’s passing frequently find that the basic insurance required by Texas state law is not enough to address the costs generated by motorcycle collisions.
Liability requirements are relatively low
The minimum insurance mandated by Texas state statutes does not reflect the likely cost of a serious collision that causes significant injuries. Currently, drivers only need to carry $25,000 in property damage coverage, which may not be nearly enough to replace a totaled motorcycle.
The bodily liability coverage is even more likely to fall short of a motorcycle rider’s expenses. A driver only needs to have $30,000 in coverage if they hurt one person or $60,000 per crash, even if multiple people sustain injuries.
That liability coverage pays for medical expenses and lost wages. $30,000 may not even be enough to cover trauma care and surgery expenses, let alone lost income for six months while a rider undergoes intensive rehabilitation.
Reviewing the circumstances of a recent motorcycle wreck with a skilled legal team can help riders and other affected parties understand their options. If insurance falls short, drivers, and possibly even third parties, may be liable for the uncovered expenses generated by a crash.