The scenic roads of New Mexico offer motorcyclists unparalleled freedom and adventure. At New Mexico Biker Lawyer, we share your passion for riding. As both experienced riders and dedicated attorneys, we understand the thrill of the ride and the potential consequences of crashes. One crucial question that often arises is: does health insurance cover motorcycle crash injuries? Many riders assume their health insurance will fully cover any injuries from a motorcycle accident, but the reality is far more complicated.
When Will Health Insurance NOT Cover Motorcycle Injuries?
While your health insurance can certainly play a role in covering medical expenses after a motorcycle accident, it often falls short in several critical areas. Understanding when health insurance will not cover motorcycle injuries is crucial for every rider. These gaps can leave you facing significant financial burdens at a time when you should be focusing on recovery. Imagine you’re involved in a crash on I-25, resulting in a broken leg and multiple lacerations. You might be shocked to discover that your health insurance, which you thought was comprehensive, leaves you with thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses not covered by your policy.
One of the most significant limitations of health insurance in motorcycle accident cases is the high deductibles and copays. These can quickly add up, especially for serious injuries requiring extensive treatment or prolonged hospital stays. In our hypothetical scenario, you might face a deductible of $5,000, with additional copays for each specialist visit and physical therapy session. Beyond these immediate costs, health insurance doesn’t cover lost wages if you’re unable to work due to your injuries. For many riders, this loss of income can be just as devastating as the medical bills themselves.
New Mexico’s Motorcycle Insurance Requirements
In the Land of Enchantment, all motorcyclists are required to carry liability insurance. The state mandates minimum coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person, $50,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more persons, and $10,000 for property damage. While these minimums keep you legal on the road, they may not be sufficient to protect you financially in the event of a serious crash. Consider a scenario where you’re involved in a multi-vehicle accident on US-70. Your medical bills alone could easily exceed $100,000, and the property damage to the other vehicles involved might surpass the $10,000 minimum coverage. In such a situation, you could find yourself facing potential lawsuits and financial ruin, all while trying to recover from your injuries. This underscores the importance of understanding what motorcycle injuries are covered by health insurance and what additional coverage you might need.
Exploring Additional Coverage Options for New Mexico Riders
Additional insurance options can help cover motorcycle injuries when health insurance falls short. For example, on your vehicle insurance you have the option to get coverage that will pay for your own injuries. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM) is particularly important in our state, where a significant number of drivers are uninsured or carry only minimum coverage. Imagine you’re struck by a driver on a cruise down NM-14, and it turns out the driver was uninsured. Without this UM/UIM coverage, you could be left to cover your own medical expenses and bike repairs out of pocket, potentially facing financial devastation on top of your physical injuries.
Medical Payments Coverage, often referred to as MedPay, is another valuable option for New Mexico riders. This coverage can help fill the gaps left by your health insurance, covering medical expenses regardless of who’s at fault in an accident. MedPay can be particularly helpful in covering deductibles and copays, easing the immediate financial burden after a crash. Picture a scenario where you’re involved in an accident on US-550. With MedPay, you could use this coverage to handle your health insurance deductible and copays for emergency room treatment and follow-up care, allowing you to focus on recovery without immediate financial stress. This additional coverage can be crucial when health insurance doesn’t fully cover motorcycle crash injuries.
When Traditional Health Insurance Falls Short: Medical Liens
In some cases, health insurance may be insufficient or unavailable to cover the extensive medical care needed after a motorcycle crash. In such situations, medical providers in New Mexico may agree to treat you under a medical lien. This arrangement means they’ll provide care now and wait for payment until your case is settled. While this can be a lifeline for injured riders, especially when health insurance doesn’t cover all motorcycle injuries, it’s a complex process that requires careful handling. Imagine you suffer severe injuries in a crash and have no health insurance. Through medical liens, you could potentially secure immediate medical attention, including surgery and rehabilitation, without facing upfront costs. Your motorcycle lawyer can help you arrange these liens and even negotiate for lower rates on your behalf.
The Hidden Catch: Subrogation
Even if your health insurance does cover your initial medical bills from a motorcycle crash, you’re not entirely in the clear. Many riders are unaware of subrogation – the process where your insurance company seeks reimbursement from your settlement. This can significantly reduce your final compensation, making it crucial to have knowledgeable legal representation. Consider a scenario where you receive a settlement offer that seems generous at first glance. However, your health insurance company then asserts a subrogation claim for a huge chunk of the settlement amount. Without proper legal guidance, you might accept an offer that leaves you with little compensation for your pain, suffering, and future medical needs, even though your health insurance initially covered your motorcycle injuries.
How New Mexico Biker Lawyer Can Accelerate Your Recovery
At New Mexico Biker Lawyer, we bring a unique perspective to motorcycle accident cases. As fellow riders, we understand the passion that drives you to the open road. As experienced attorneys, we know the intricacies of New Mexico law and insurance practices. This combination allows us to provide comprehensive support to injured riders, from understanding complex insurance policies to negotiating with medical providers and insurance companies. We strive to help riders maximize their compensation to cover all crash-related expenses, ensuring they can focus on recovery without the burden of financial stress, especially when health insurance doesn’t cover all motorcycle crash injuries.
Our approach goes beyond just legal representation. We see ourselves as advocates for the riding community, working to educate riders about their rights and options before accidents occur. Imagine a scenario where you’re initially offered a settlement that doesn’t even cover your medical bills, despite having health insurance. With proper legal representation, a thorough investigation of the accident, skilled negotiation with insurers, and preparation of a strong case could potentially secure a settlement that covers all your expenses, compensates you for lost wages, and provides for your future medical needs.
Don’t let insurance confusion stall your recovery after a motorcycle crash in New Mexico. At New Mexico Biker Lawyer, we’re here to help you understand your options and fight for your rights, especially when it comes to determining what motorcycle injuries are covered by health insurance. Call us at 505-505-2453 for a free consultation. We’re not just attorneys – we’re riders who understand your passion and your rights. Remember, after a crash, your focus should be on healing – let us handle the rest, ensuring you receive the full compensation you deserve under New Mexico law, regardless of what your health insurance covers.
