In Delaware, a motorcycle accident happens just about every day, and there are about 15 fatal motorcycle accidents each year. While motorcycle accidents are not as common as car or truck accidents, the resulting injuries are often more severe.
In 2014, there were roughly 380 motorcycle accidents in Delaware, up from about 330 accidents in 2013. However, according to the most recent data from the Delaware State Police, 2014 turned out to be less deadly in terms of the number of fatal motorcycle accidents in this state. In 2014, there were a total of 13 fatal accidents, compared with 21 and 17 in 2013 and 2012, respectively. This isn’t cause for celebration though. In 2014, there were more motorcycle accidents resulting in personal injury than in the prior two years, 2013 and 2012. Below is the most recent data available from the DE State Police.
Delaware Motorcycle Accident & Crash Statistics, 2012-2014
| 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | |
| # of Motorcycle Crashes | 377 | 331 | 353 |
| # of Fatal Motorcycle Crashes | 13 | 21 | 17 |
| # of Personal Injury Crashes (%) | 268 (71%) | 221 (66%) | 247 (70%) |
Data sources: Delaware State Police Statistical Reports 2012, 2013, 2014
Financial Compensation – PIP
PIP claims after a motorcycle accident in Delaware are often barred, i.e., an injured motorcycle operator may be prohibited from making a PIP claim for medical bills or lost wages. This is due to a specific exclusion which is very common in many motorcycle insurance policies issued in this state.
If you own a motorcycle in Delaware and purchased an insurance policy with this exclusion, you are ineligible for PIP benefits if a motorcycle accident occurs on a non-highway road/street, or if an accident occurs without an actual collision with another car (you swerve to avoid hitting a car and crash your motorcycle). Click here to read more about Delaware motorcycle accidents and PIP claims.
Even if you get over the exclusion and are eligible for PIP benefits under your motorcycle insurance policy, you may still be subject to a high deductible. Some policy holders opt for deductibles ranging anywhere from $250 to $15,000. The higher the deductible, the lower the premium. However, when it comes time to make a claim, a high deductible often defeats the purpose of coverage.
How Medical Bills or Lost Wages Get Paid if You Elected the Motorcycle Insurance Exclusion
If you are injured in a motorcycle accident in Delaware and you elected the exclusion, you may still make a claim for medical bills under your own private health insurance plan. This would be subject to any deductibles and co-pays.
If your injuries prevent you from working and you elected the exclusion, you may make a claim under any applicable short term or long term disability policy, such as one provided by your employer.
Financial Compensation – Pain and Suffering
If the motorcycle accident was caused by another party, you may file an auto accident lawsuit to receive financial compensation for your pain and suffering. In addition, you may make claims for financial losses such as medical bills (even those paid by private health insurance), lost pay and other out of pocket expenses, such as child care, home help, etc.
FREE CONSULTATIONS – CALL OUR DE MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT LAWYERS (302) 658-1717
*Disclaimer: This website page does not provide any legal advice or create any attorney-client relationship. Every case is unique and you should not take any action or make decisions in your case without speaking to a qualified car and truck accident lawyer in Delaware. Any discussion of results is no guarantee of the same or similar results in current or future cases.
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