If you were involved in a motorcycle accident, you could have suffered horrific injuries such as internal organ damage, traumatic brain injury, spinal injuries, or paralysis.
After obtaining the medical treatment you need, your next concern probably is how to pay for the expensive medical bills and how to live without the wages you count on from your job while you recover. What happens if you didn’t have motorcycle insurance? Can you sue the negligent
driver who caused the crash?
Your Legal Options If You Had No Motorcycle Insurance
Under Florida law, you are not required to purchase motorcycle insurance in certain situations. The following rules apply:
- As long as you have not caused a motorcycle accident, you do not have to purchase motorcycle insurance.
- If you caused an accident that caused injuries when you did not have insurance, you would be responsible for the other motorists’ property damages and injuries. You must also purchase and keep liability insurance for three years after the crash to prevent your license and registration from being suspended.
- If you did not have motorcycle insurance and did not cause the accident, you can still pursue a claim against the negligent driver. The fact that you did not have insurance should not have an impact on the case. In addition, unlike automobile accidents governed by Florida’s no-fault law, you do not need to meet the injury threshold that only allows you to sue the negligent driver if your injuries are permanent, if significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement occurs, or if you suffer a significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function.
What happens if you were required to have liability insurance because you caused a motorcycle accident but did not have it? You should still be able to sue the negligent driver who caused your injuries. Liability insurance is required to compensate accident victims if you cause a crash, not if another negligent driver hurt you.
We Recommend Buying Insurance Anyway
It is always best to obtain motorcycle insurance to fully protect yourself. Uninsured motorist coverage is essential in case an uninsured driver hits you. This could be your best avenue for compensation in that situation, since your automobile insurance would not cover your motorcycle accident.
If you were involved in a motorcycle accident caused by a negligent driver, our experienced legal team is here to help you get the compensation you are entitled to. Start an online chat or call us at 800.556.8890 to schedule a free consultation.