Why are motorcyclists excluded from No-Fault coverage?
Why are motorcyclists excluded from No-Fault coverage?
When the New York No-Fault law was enacted, the insurance companies were able to successfully argue that motorcycles are inherently dangerous and motorcycle accidents cause serious injuries with expensive medical treatment that would cause auto insurance policies to be too expensive. Find out why No-Fault insurance coverage is listed on your motorcycle insurance policy.
It’s ironic that the problem with No-Fault billing which insurance companies face today is extensive and fraudulent medical treatment billed by doctors, in a few counties, for treatment of soft tissue injuries sustained by people in cars. The amount paid out on many No-Fault claims can cost as much as the hospital and surgical treatment provided to an injured motorcyclist.
Additionally, while insurance companies claim that there is much fraud with medical treatment for soft tissue injuries, there is probably never any fraud involving medical treatment for an injured motorcyclist with a fractured ankle, leg or a broken arm. Fractures (broken month) and required treatment including surgery are easily documented.
Furthermore, many motorcycle accidents result in minor injuries and I have yet to see a motorcycle accident client with a minor injury receive anything more than a couple of doctor visits. Motorcyclists tend to have the type of personality that avoids medical treatment if possible.
Finally, there are far fewer motorcycle accidents than car accidents because there are fewer motorcycles than cars and because most motorcyclists do not ride in the winter.
In summary, while motorcycle accidents often cause more serious injuries, they are not always more expensive; there would probably be no medical billing fraud; and there are far fewer motorcycle accidents.
The law should be amended to require insurance companies to sell No-Fault coverage to motorcyclists, even if it would allow insurance companies to charge an additional premium which would likely be a very small amount.