Published on behalf of In the days, weeks and even months after an accident, victims of motorcycle accidents experience a great deal of stress, on top of the often very serious injuries which result, including broken bones/fractures, spinal injuries, head injuries, and severe road rash. Multiple surgeries and extensive physical therapy may be necessary, resulting in many medical bills and time lost from work.
Getting medical bills paid after a Pennsylvania motorcycle accident is not an easy task. That’s because Pennsylvania’s Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Law does not allow motorcycle riders to make claims for medical benefits against their motorcycle/car insurance carriers.
Here’s how medical bills are paid after a car, truck or pedestrian accident: the injured person will make a claim for medical bills under his or her respective car insurance policy, regardless of whose fault the accident was. That is how “no-fault” works. Under Pennsylvania motor vehicle accident law, car insurance companies have to provide at least $5,000 of medical benefits coverage. So, after a car accident occurs, the injured person’s own car insurance company will pay the medical bills, and there are no co-pays or co-insurance. After the policy limit (minimum of $5,000) is exhausted, the person’s personal health insurance kicks in.
Motorcycle riders who are injured in accidents do not get to make any kind of claim for medical benefits against their motorcycle or car insurance companies. Instead, they must go straight to private health insurance and will have to pay co-pays and coinsurance according to their individual plans. This makes it especially difficult for motorcycle riders, especially those whose injuries keep them from returning to work. Financially, a motorcycle accident can have very serious consequences.
In situations where another person or party caused the motorcycle accident, the motorcycle rider would be able to make a claim for medical bills against that person. However, the reality is that due to the length of time it takes to litigate a civil case, it may take a year or more before financial recovery is obtained. If you’ve been injured in a Pennsylvania motorcycle accident and would like to discuss your options, contact our Philadelphia, Pennsylvania motorcycle accident lawyers.
More Pennsylvania Motorcycle Accident Legal Articles:
- Pennsylvania Motorcycle Accidents – Steps to Take After an Accident
- Investigating Pennsylvania Motorcycle Accident Cases for Liability Beyond the Other Driver
Pennsylvania Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Schwartz & Blackman handles motorcycle accident cases in the Pennsylvania and New Jersey area:
- PA: Berks County, Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Montgomery County, Philadelphia County, Allentown, Lehigh Valley, Norristown, Philadelphia
- NJ: Atlantic County, Burlington County, Camden County, Gloucester County, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Camden, Cherry Hill, New Jersey shore cities
*This website does not provide legal advice. Every case is unique and it is important to get a qualified, expert legal opinion prior to making any decisions about your case. See the full disclaimer at the bottom of this page.