The potential injuries following a motorcycle collision run the full spectrum, from minor cuts and bruises to fatalities. These collisions are often much more serious than other traffic accidents, however, due to the unprotected nature of a motorcycle. A severe injury could radically alter the victim’s quality of life and potentially affect their ability to earn a living.
If you have sustained a severe injury in a Beaufort motorcycle accident, you might be able to obtain compensation by pursuing an insurance claim. However, the claim process is rarely easy. Even when coverage is available, it may not be enough to meet your needs. Thankfully, in that situation, you have the right to pursue payment from the person responsible for your injuries.
Beaufort Motorcycle Insurance Requirements
In Beaufort and throughout South Carolina, riders must carry a minimum amount of liability insurance coverage on their bikes. This is a requirement for getting and maintaining a driver’s license. The minimum coverage required is:
- $25,000 in bodily injury coverage per person
- $50,000 in bodily injury per crash
- $25,000 in property damage coverage
These are only minimum limits, however, meaning a motorcyclist can obtain more coverage if they choose. A rider could also purchase uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage to protect themselves in case they collide with an uninsured driver. Without this coverage, a rider’s only option for compensation is by pursuing monetary damages from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Unfortunately, medical costs can be astronomical, and the insurance minimum’s listed above may not be sufficient to cover the full costs of a crash.
For a free legal consultation with a insurance claims lawyer serving Beaufort, call 1-803-366-0333
Filing a Beaufort Motorcycle Accident Insurance Claim
If the driver in a motorcycle accident has insurance, their carrier will review a claim to determine if their insured is at fault. Unfortunately, insurance companies routinely reject valid injury claims to help their bottom line. An attorney experienced in handling Beaufort motorcycle accident insurance claims can go a long way in resolving a dispute.
The first step in the process of a motorcycle injury claim is for the injured rider to notify their own insurance company. Insurance policies require their drivers to notify them of a crash right away. They will request an array of information, including police reports, witness contact information, and a description of how the accident occurred.
If a rider has comprehensive coverage, their own carrier might cover the damages. In that situation, the insurance company would then pursue the at-fault driver and their insurance carrier to recoup the value of the claim.
Beaufort Insurance Claims Lawyer Near Me 1-803-366-0333
The Necessity of a Civil Lawsuit
In some cases, an injury claim will require the filing of a civil lawsuit. If the at-fault insurance company refuses to accept responsibility, filing suit against their driver could be the only path to compensation.
A lawsuit is also frequently necessary when another driver lacks insurance, or if their insurance limits do not cover the full amount of a plaintiff’s damages. A Beaufort lawyer could help an injury victim pursue compensation by filing a lawsuit against the uninsured driver.
Click to contact our Beaufort Motorcycle Accident Lawyers today
Maximizing Recovery from a Beaufort Motorcycle Accident Claim
If you suffered an injury in a Beaufort motorcycle crash, you could obtain the compensation you need through an insurance claim. In many cases, the at-fault driver’s insurance will agree to pay for your losses, but others require the help of experienced legal counsel.
If you are in a position where an injury lawsuit is necessary, you do not have to take on that challenge alone. Contact the Beaufort legal team at Schiller & Hamilton for help with your insurance claim.
Call or text 1-803-366-0333 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form