If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Buffalo, you will want to know if your injuries and medical expenses will be covered under no-fault motorcycle insurance. Unfortunately, New York does not cover motorcycle accidents under no-fault insurance. However, there are other ways you can still receive compensation.
No Fault Motorcycle Insurance | Am I Covered?
I get a number of calls from people who have been injured in motorcycle accidents either operating the motorcycle, being a passenger – or sometimes even as a pedestrian who has been struck by one. The answer to their question, “What benefits are available to me?” differs depending on the questioner’s role in that accident. New York State exempts motorcycle drivers and passengers from receiving no-fault medical insurance benefits because the activity itself is considered to be inherently dangerous. However, motorcyclists are allowed to purchase certain amounts of medical payment coverage on their policy of insurance for a motorcycle, but those amounts are typically very small – generally totaling around $5,000 in medical payments for a rider – as opposed to the basic no-fault medical benefit available to a car operator of $50,000.
There is, however, a specific exception if you’re a pedestrian. In the rare case when a pedestrian is struck by a motorcycle, they actually do have access to New York State’s no-fault benefit. That means a pedestrian’s medical benefits, wages, and mileage to visit the doctor are covered through the insurance company that covers the involved motorcycle.
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No Fault Motorcycle Insurance | Receiving Compensation
As a Buffalo motorcycle accident lawyer, I am often asked by injured motorcyclist if there is any compensation they can seek after an accident. Compensation could include pain and suffering, lost wages, and medical bills since you are not covered under NYS No Fault. I advise clients that we will look to the other vehicle for payment of any unpaid medical bills.
If you have been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, it is important to seek legal representation as soon as possible. Contact our Buffalo personal injury attorneys for a free consultation. Our team of skilled Motorcycle Accident Attorneys will fight to get the compensation that you deserve.