Motorcycle enthusiasts in Alberta revel in the open road, but the thrill of riding comes with inherent risks. Motorcycles provide a liberating and exhilarating experience for the rider and passengers. Unfortunately, however, with negligent drivers on the roads, motorcycle riders and their passengers can quickly become victims of catastrophic injuries resulting from motorcycle accidents. When an accident does happen, having adequate insurance coverage is crucial.
This blog post will delve into the intricacies of motorcycle insurance in Alberta, focusing on essential and additional coverages, understanding accident claims, and navigating the legal landscape.
Understanding Motorcycle Insurance in Alberta
Alberta law mandates third-party liability insurance, with a minimum coverage of $200,000 for all motorcycles. This coverage protects you from financial responsibility if you cause injury or property damage to others. However, it does not cover your own injuries or motorcycle damages.
Beyond the mandatory insurance requirements, motorcycle owners may also want to consider additional coverage for comprehensive protection, such as:
Collision Coverage
This covers damages to your motorcycle in the event of a collision, regardless of who was at fault for the accident.
Comprehensive Coverage
This protects your motorcycle from damages that are not collision-related, such as theft, vandalism, or fire.
SEF 44 Endorsement
Motorcycle riders who are at risk for bad driving should also consider carrying a higher Family Protection Coverage SEF 44 insurance endorsement. Holding an SEF 44 endorsement will allow the rider to access additional insurance proceeds even if the at fault driver does not have enough insurance coverage, has no insurance coverage, or if the at-fault driver is unidentifiable (i.e. a hit-and-run).
Although SEF 44 Endorsements are optional, motorcycle owners should speak with their insurance company to learn more about the benefits of an SEF 44 endorsement. This additional insurance coverage can provide motorcycle riders and their families with peace of mind, knowing that additional liability coverage will be available regardless of the circumstances. To determine the exact cost, motorcycle owners should call their insurance company or insurance broker and ask for a quote to add SEF 44 to their policy.
Potential Challenges in Motorcycle Accident Claims
Motorcycle accident claims can be complicated due to several factors, such as:
- Prejudice against motorcyclists due to the misconception that all motorcyclists are inherently risk-takers. This presumption can impact the claims process and may lead to lower initial settlement offers.
- If the at-fault driver is underinsured or uninsured, your own uninsured motorist coverage might be insufficient to cover your losses.
- Calculating Damages: Determining the full extent of your losses, including future medical expenses and lost income, can involve complex calculations and may require additional assistance from financial professionals.
- Determining Fault: Depending on how the accident occurred, determining who is at fault in a motorcycle accident can be challenging.
For these reasons and more, working with an experienced personal injury lawyer you trust is crucial to ensure that you recover the maximum compensation. At Cuming & Gillespie LLP, we work with our clients to build strong cases and ensure they have the tools and resources necessary to foster a healthy recovery process.
The Role of a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you are in a motorcycle accident, your choice of lawyer is extremely important. Your personal injury lawyer should look beyond the basic insurance coverage and limits that are available, as, in many cases, the catastrophic nature of motorcycle accident injuries means that the claims will exceed the limits available. A skilled injury lawyer specializing in motorcycle accidents can also provide assistance:
- Investigating the accident by gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reconstructing the accident to build a strong case;
- Negotiating with insurance companies and advocating for your best interests;
- Assessing the full extent of your losses and calculating the amount of damages relevant to your claim; and
- Litigating your case in court if a settlement cannot be reached through negotiations.
It is important to remember that every motorcycle accident is unique, which is why it is crucial to seek personalized legal advice from a trusted personal injury lawyer. The experienced motorcycle accident lawyers at Cuming & Gillespie LLP turn over every stone to find and access all insurance policies. In many cases, riders have not been properly advised and we issue claims on behalf of our clients against insurance brokers to recover the shortfall. While it is easy to determine how much insurance is available, our personal injury team goes beyond this to determine what insurance should have been available in the circumstances.
Let the Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Cuming & Gillespie LLP Help You With Your Injury Claim
The motorcycle accident lawyers at Cuming & Gillespie LLP ask the hard questions and strongly advocate for our clients’ interests to ensure that they recover the maximum amount of compensation. Whether you are an injured driver or passenger, we will assess your injuries and damages and will work hard to ensure that you have access to all possible resources to assist in your recovery. Our firm is also a proud supporter of One Broken Biker, a non-profit, volunteer-based organization that provides compassionate services to injured Canadian motorcyclists.
If you have questions about your claim or are seeking new representation, contact us by phone at 403-571-0555 or reach out to us online to schedule a free no-obligation consultation with one of our motorcycle lawyers at our office, your home, or hospital.