Make Sure You Have Sufficient Insurance Coverage For Your Motorcycle
Motorcycle accidents typically result in big bills and a lot of worry. Since motorcycles are smaller than many other forms of transportation, they don’t always cause as much property damage as cars and trucks do. Regardless, it is important to be properly insured when riding. Insurance not only can help cover the costs of injury and damage to other parties, it can also help cover the costs of any damage or injury you as a rider might unfortunately experience. That is why it is important to know what is required in the state you are riding in, and why it is equally important to contact a Colorado Springs motorcycle accident attorney if you do get into a collision.
Colorado’s Insurance Requirements For Motorcycles
In Colorado you are required to carry proof of insurance on you while riding a motorcycle. If you do not carry proof of insurance you could face steep penalties. The penalty for a first offense is a minimum fine of $500, 4 points on your driving record, and possible suspension of your license. The penalty for a second offense is a minimum fine of $1,000 and a 4 month license suspension. If a third offense occurs, there is a minimum fine of $1,000, an 8 month license suspension, and a community service requirement.
As a motorcyclist in Colorado, you must carry the following minimum amounts of liability insurance:
- $25,000 per person for bodily injury
- $50,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $15,000 per accident for property damage
Keep in mind that these are minimums, and they may not be enough to fully cover the costs of a serious accident. Getting quotes from multiple insurance carriers before choosing a policy is always a smart move and could save you money while ensuring you have adequate protection.
Optional Coverages Worth Considering
Beyond the state minimums, there are several optional coverages that can provide valuable additional protection for riders:
- Collision helps you pay for repairs to your bike after an accident, regardless of fault.
- Comprehensive helps pay for repairs to your bike for damages caused by things such as theft, fire, vandalism, or natural disasters.
- Medical Payments (MedPay) helps pay for medical expenses after a motorcycle accident. This coverage is highly recommended by Rector Stuzynski Law Firm. Given how vulnerable riders are in a crash, having MedPay can make a significant difference in your ability to get prompt medical care without worrying about upfront costs.
- Towing and Labor provides coverage if your bike breaks down and can provide emergency roadside assistance to help get your bike to a mechanic.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) protects you if you are involved in an accident with a driver who has no insurance or not enough coverage to pay for your damages. This coverage is also highly recommended by Rector Stuzynski Law Firm. Colorado only requires drivers to carry $25,000 in bodily injury coverage, which often is not enough to cover the costs of a serious motorcycle accident. Having strong UM/UIM coverage ensures you are protected even when the at-fault driver is not.
You must carry proof of insurance with you at all times while riding to avoid fines and penalties.
Why The Right Coverage Matters After A Crash
Even with proper insurance in place, dealing with the aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts on motorcycle claims, sometimes arguing that the rider was partially at fault or that their injuries are not as severe as claimed. Having an experienced motorcycle accident attorney in your corner from the start gives you a much better chance of recovering full and fair compensation.
Understanding what damages you can recover after a motorcycle accident, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage, is an important first step. You should also be aware of the statute of limitations for accident claims in Colorado so you do not miss your window to file. If you are still researching your options, our guide on typical accident settlement amounts can give you a ballpark idea of what your case may be worth.
Contact Our Colorado Springs Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Motorcycle accidents can be devastating and often have long-term health consequences. Working with a Colorado motorcycle accident attorney can improve the odds that you will receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries — compensation you can use to pay medical bills and get your life back on track. Contact Rector Stuzynski Law Firm today at (719) 578-1106 for a free consultation. We are attorneys who ride, and we are passionate about serving the motorcycle community of Colorado Springs.
