In Georgia, individuals must have insurance when operating a motor vehicle, including motorcycles.
Proof of insurance is necessary before registering your bike and obtaining a license plate in the state.
Motorcycle insurance in Georgia must meet specific criteria;
- The insurance should provide at least $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person in a motorcycle crash.
- A minimum of $50,000 coverage is required for bodily injury or death of at least two people in an accident.
- Property damage coverage of at least $25,000 is necessary for damages resulting from an accident.
As a motorcycle owner in Georgia, you are required to carry proof of insurance at all times while riding on the road.
What does Bodily Injury Insurance cover?
If you’re responsible for a motorcycle accident in Georgia, the injured party can pursue compensation for various bodily injuries, such as bone fractures, head injuries, back or spinal cord injuries, deep cuts, the loss of body parts, or paralysis.
Your insurance policy will provide coverage for medical expenses related to these injuries, up to $25,000 or more if you have purchased additional insurance beyond the minimum required amount.
What does Property Damage Insurance cover?
In motorcycle accident scenarios, “property damage” typically pertains to motor vehicles. Your insurance company would compensate the injured party with up to $25,000 for the expenses associated with repairing or replacing their vehicle.
It’s important to note that property damage liability insurance doesn’t extend coverage to your own property damage.
If you wish to safeguard your own vehicle, separate policies are accessible for purchase.
Georgia imposes additional requirements for motorcycles
When contemplating riding a motorcycle in Georgia, it’s essential to note that all riders and passengers must wear a safety helmet.
This precautionary measure aims to provide protection in case of a motorcycle crash in Atlanta.
Obtaining Compensation from Motorcycle Insurance
The method of receiving compensation following a motor vehicle accident relies on determining liability for the crash and the types of insurance coverage you possess.
Submitting a Claim with your Insurer.
If you’ve bought insurance policies for personal injuries and property damage, commonly known as medical payments and collision coverage, you have the option to initiate a claim with your own insurance in the event of an accident.
The coverage extent depends on the severity of your injuries and the limits of your policy; it may or may not encompass all your costs.
Unlike liability insurance, collision coverage, and medical payments are not obligatory by law.
To acquire or check if you already possess such insurance, get in touch with your insurance agent.
Submitting a Claim to the Responsible Party’s Insurance
If you can establish that the other driver is responsible for your accident, their insurance will handle your medical bills and property damage.
Although this simplifies matters after a collision, you may encounter issues if:
1. The insurer underestimates your injury’s value and fails to provide sufficient compensation.
2. The policy’s coverage is insufficient to address all your expenses.
3. The other driver contests your assertion that they are accountable for the accident.
Initiating a Legal Action
Insurers typically exhibit a willingness to collaborate, at least to a certain extent, with claimants.
They recognize that reaching a settlement with a claimant is a quicker alternative to allowing a case to proceed to court.
Nevertheless, there are instances where an insurer and a claimant fail to reach a mutually agreeable pretrial resolution.
In such situations, your attorney may:
1. Organize a court hearing with a judge and jury.
2. Present arguments and evidence in the courtroom.
3. Conduct examinations and cross-examinations of witnesses.
4. Adhere to all courtroom procedures and ensure the opposing party’s legal team does the same.
5. Vigorously advocate for you to secure an appropriate financial award.
Consequences for Lacking Insurance Coverage
Not having motorcycle insurance in Georgia can result in various penalties, such as:
– Suspending motorcycle registration for up to six months.
– Imposing a $25 fee and a registration reinstatement fee of up to $160.
– Possible misdemeanor charges if you operate your motorcycle without paying the required fees and without registering it.
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