Recovering Lost Wages Following a Motorcycle Accident

When a motorcyclist suffers personal injuries as a result of a motorcycle accident, there often is the loss of income, wages, and work resulting from the inability to work. This can and does put stress on the motorcyclist and the family of the motorcyclist. Depending on the available insurance coverage, there may be a way to recover lost wages as they incur. It is important for the injured biker and the family to understand the available insurance coverage, legal rights, and the manner in which these claims are handled and processed. Unlike motor vehicles in the State of Florida, the owner of a motorcycle is not required to have PIP (Personal Injury Protection) coverage on a motorcycle. Furthermore, in most instances, the automobile insurance coverage in the form of PIP that is in place for a motor vehicle does not extend over to an accident that involved the insured or owner while riding a motorcycle. As such, it is important for the motorcyclist to have the right insurance in place prior to the accident. Otherwise, the payment of wage loss may take as long as the settlement of the personal injury case which can take a few months and in some cases a few years. It all depends on the particular facts and circumstances of the motorcycle accident case and claim.

PIP (Personal Injury Protection) coverage can be purchased for a motorcycle but it is not required in the State of Florida. As such, many motorcycle owner forego this important coverage. If a motorcycle is covered by PIP, the policy will cover up to $10,000 combined / aggregate for medical bills and wage loss. In Florida, PIP will cover 80 % of medical bills and 60 % of wage loss. Unlike other types of insurance, PIP will pay as the medical bill claims and wage loss claims are submitted. Most claims are paid within 30 days of submission. There are a number of forms and questionnaires to fill out to qualify and to process the PIP coverage.

If the injured motorcyclist does not qualify for PIP coverage, another way to collect lost wages would be through a short term disability insurance policy. This type of coverage is, at times, obtained through an employer as a benefit. However, most injury victims do not have such insurance coverage.

Many injured motorcyclists mistakenly believe that the automobile insurance policy for the at-fault driver will begin paying wage loss as soon as the claim is submitted. While wage loss and loss of earning capacity are elements of damages, the bodily injury portion of an automobile insurance policy typically does not provide compensation on an ongoing or frequent basis. If there is a settlement, it is typically a lump settlement - single payment settlement. As such, while wage loss can be collected from the at-fault driver's insurance company, it is typically done so after medical treatment is completed and a final settlement is reached.

Because of the complexities of motorcycle insurance, automobile insurance, claims, and cases in the aftermath of a motorcycle accident, the motorcyclist should reach out to a Florida Motorcycle Accident Attorney for a free consultation, advice, and legal representation. David A. Wolf is a personal injury attorney who has handled insurance claims and cases during his entire legal career spanning 30 years. He is the lead attorney on the file for each of his clients and understands that a client needs a "go-to" attorney in place from the beginning of the case to its conclusion. David A. Wolf is available days, nights, and weekends for his clients and prospective clients. Contact David A. Wolf today. Get D. Wolf on your side at your side. David A. Wolf is the author of 12 books that focus on personal injury and child injury matters.