Will My Insurance Cover My Injuries From A Motorcycle Accident?

Quick Answer

Whether your own insurance covers your motorcycle accident injuries depends on what types of coverage you carry. California law sets minimum coverage requirements for motorcycle operators but does not require personal injury protection or medical payments coverage. If another driver caused the accident, their liability insurance should cover your injuries, but when the at-fault driver is uninsured, underinsured, or denies fault, your own coverage becomes critical. Attorney Damoun Yazdi at Accident Network Law Group evaluates all available insurance coverage for motorcycle accident victims throughout Southern California.

Key Takeaways

• California requires motorcycle operators to carry minimum liability insurance of $15,000/$30,000/$5,000 under Vehicle Code Section 16056 (updated to $30,000/$60,000/$15,000 by SB 1107, effective January 1, 2025)
• Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage on your motorcycle policy, if you have it, pays for your medical expenses regardless of fault
• Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage applies if the at-fault driver has no insurance
• Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage applies when the at-fault driver’s policy limits are insufficient
• Your health insurance covers medical treatment for motorcycle accident injuries regardless of fault disputes

Your Motorcycle Policy Coverage

Liability Coverage

California requires motorcycle operators to carry liability insurance. This coverage protects you when you cause an accident that injures or damages someone else. It does not pay for your own injuries. However, if another rider or driver is at fault in your accident, their liability insurance is the primary source of compensation for your injuries.

Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay)

MedPay is optional in California and pays for your medical expenses and those of any passengers on your motorcycle, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. If you purchased MedPay on your motorcycle policy, it activates immediately after an accident and pays for emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, and related medical expenses up to the policy limit. MedPay provides valuable bridge financing while the liability dispute is resolved.

Not all motorcycle policies include MedPay. Many riders focus on the minimum liability coverage required by law and forgo optional coverages like MedPay. Attorney Yazdi recommends reviewing your policy declarations page to confirm what coverages you actually carry.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)

Uninsured Motorist coverage protects you when you are injured by a driver who has no insurance. Hit-and-run accidents, where the at-fault driver flees the scene, also activate UM coverage in most policies.

Underinsured Motorist coverage applies when the at-fault driver has insurance but their policy limits are insufficient to cover your damages. California Vehicle Code Section 16056 (amended by SB 1107, effective January 1, 2025) sets minimum liability insurance at $30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $15,000 for property damage. Serious motorcycle accident injuries frequently exceed these minimums. Your UIM coverage provides additional recovery up to the limit of your own policy.

California requires insurers to offer UM and UIM coverage, though you can waive it in writing. If you did not specifically waive it, you likely have it.

Your Health Insurance

Your health insurance covers medical treatment for motorcycle accident injuries regardless of who was at fault and regardless of any ongoing insurance dispute. Using your health insurance promptly ensures you receive the care you need without waiting for the at-fault driver’s insurance company to accept liability.

Note that your health insurer may have a right of subrogation, meaning they can seek reimbursement from your personal injury recovery for the medical bills they paid. Attorney Yazdi handles subrogation negotiations as part of your case to maximize your net recovery.

California Laws Relevant to Motorcycle Insurance Claims

California Vehicle Code Section 16056 (amended by SB 1107, effective January 1, 2025) sets mandatory insurance minimums. California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1 sets the two-year statute of limitations. California follows pure comparative negligence (Li v. Yellow Cab Co., 1975). California Vehicle Code Section 27803 requires DOT-approved helmets.

Contact a California Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Attorney Damoun Yazdi at Accident Network Law Group, with 12+ years of experience and a background as a former law clerk at the LA County DA’s Office, can evaluate all available insurance coverage for your motorcycle accident claim. Free consultations, contingency basis. Our team serves Riverside, Costa Mesa, Rancho Cucamonga, Apple Valley, Victorville, and throughout Southern California. Se habla espanol.

Legal Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The outcome of any case depends on its specific facts and circumstances. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Contact Accident Network Law Group for advice about your individual situation.