Wheels Of Grace Magazine

Volume 7, Issue 2

Issue link: http://cp.revolio.com/i/515178

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 25 of 74

Unfortunately, his twin brother did not. He only carried the state required minimums of Bodily Injury 15/30 (15,000/30,000), no Medical Payments coverage and no Physical Damage coverage for his bike. In this case, the twin brother sustained major head injuries, among many other injuries. He was in a coma for a significant length of time and, when he came out of the coma, he had permanent brain damage and had to relearn how to do the basic necessities of life. His medical bills were in the six figures and he did not carry any coverage for the injuries he sustained. His passenger was entitled to coverage under the Bodily Injury portion of his policy. Unfortunately, $15,000 is not sufficient to compensate this 5-year-old child for the loss of her mother. While no amount would be sufficient for the loss of a life, a more appropriate amount would have provided for the care of this child. Because the child was a minor, and the amount was so insufficient, that money was tied up pending court approval to confirm whether there were other funds available. Where would more funds come from in a case like this? The attorney represen- ting the estate of the deceased sought the limits of the brother who was following behind alleging that this rider caused his brother to lose control and contributed to the loss. Because the brother's limits were higher 100/300 (100,000/300,000), the insurance company was willing to defend the rider's position that he was following behind his brother at a safe distance and did not contribute to the brother's loss of control. If the brother carried the state minimums, there is a very good Or do you just think you are... GraceRiderMag.com July/August 2015 25 chance the insurance company would have offered the limits to settle the case. Insurance companies, attorneys, fighting with each other and the two brothers caught in the middle. While this topic is difficult to discuss, it is nonetheless important. This is the first of a series of articles where we will begin to discuss the things your insurance agent or company may not tell you. We at Grace Rider Mag want you to be covered and protected in the event the worse case scenario visits you or your loved ones. In this particular case, both riders should have carried a minimum of Bodily Injury Liability of 100,000/300,000 Property Damage of 100,000 Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury of 100,000/300,000 Under Insured Motorist Bodily Injury of 100,000/300,000, Med-Pay of 10,000 or more. Coverage for the bike should have included collision with a $500 deductible, comprehensive with a $250-500 deductible, and – don't forget to make sure your policy includes coverage for After Market parts if you have customized your ride! In future articles, we will provide you with an in-depth discussion on each of these coverages and explain why each is important for you to carry along with other real-life cases. Names and some identifying details have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals. In addition, the opinions and suggestions given within this magazine are not to be construed as legal advice. Email us your real-life-experiences with motorcycle insurance, so others can be educated. Send to Letters@ GraceRiderMag.com subject matter "Insurance". Stacy Kaye

Articles in this issue

Links on this page

Archives of this issue

view archives of Wheels Of Grace Magazine - Volume 7, Issue 2