A motorcycle crash can leave you dealing with a hospital bill, missed paychecks, and a bike sitting in a tow yard. One insurance claim may not resolve all three. The coverage that pays for the motorcycle may be different from the coverage available for your injuries.
Start by obtaining the policies in effect on the crash date. “Full coverage” is not a defined package of benefits, and an insurance card does not show all the limits or exclusions.
What each coverage may do
Scroll horizontally to see all columns. Use the arrow keys when the table is focused.
| Coverage to investigate | What it may address | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| The responsible driver’s liability coverage | Injury and property losses caused by that driver’s fault | Covered driver and vehicle, exclusions, limits, and other injured claimants |
| Motorcycle collision coverage | Covered crash damage to the bike | Deductible, valuation terms, accessories, and exclusions |
| Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage | Covered bodily-injury losses caused by an uninsured or underinsured motorist | Insured status, selection forms, vehicle restrictions, and limits |
| Medical payments coverage | Covered medical expenses without awaiting a fault determination | Whether purchased, who qualifies, dollar limit, and treatment period |
| Health coverage | Treatment under the health plan | Network rules, patient balances, and possible reimbursement rights |
Comprehensive coverage generally concerns specified losses other than collision, such as theft or certain weather damage. It should not be confused with collision coverage. The Louisiana Department of Insurance consumer guide explains common auto coverages, but the motorcycle policy must establish the actual benefits.
The other driver’s policy still requires a fault investigation
If another driver caused the crash, identify that driver’s insurer and the vehicle owner’s insurer. A work-related trip may also warrant investigation of an employer or business policy. Ownership or employment alone does not settle liability or coverage.
Louisiana’s minimum liability limits are $15,000 for one person’s bodily injury, $30,000 for all bodily injuries in one accident subject to the per-person limit, and $25,000 for property damage. A policy may have higher limits. Obtain written confirmation rather than estimating coverage from the driver’s insurance card.
Insurance does not establish who caused the collision. Preserve video, witness details, vehicle damage, and the scene evidence. Our motorcycle fault guide addresses that investigation.
For claims governed by the version of Civil Code article 2323 effective January 1, 2026, a claimant’s negligence of 51 percent or more bars recovery; below that threshold, damages are reduced proportionately. Earlier events require consideration of the earlier law.
Read the UM forms as well as the declarations
R.S. 22:1295 generally requires bodily-injury UM coverage in personal motor-vehicle liability policies unless the named insured makes the prescribed rejection or selection of lower limits or economic-only coverage. Economic-only UM excludes noneconomic losses such as pain and suffering.
Commercial automobile policies follow a different selection rule. Do not apply the personal-policy default without first identifying the type of contract.
Ask for the signed selection or rejection form and the complete policy. A declarations page marked “no UM” is a reason to examine the underlying documents. It is not a substitute for them.
Household car policies also need careful review. Louisiana has a specific restriction for injuries sustained while occupying an owned vehicle not described in the policy, with stated exceptions. Paying for UM on a car does not automatically establish coverage on a separately owned motorcycle.
Keep the claims organized without assuming they all pay
For each potentially relevant policy, record the carrier, policy period, named insured, vehicle, coverage, limit, deductible, claim number, and unresolved question. Listing a policy means it deserves review, not that it provides another layer of recovery.
Keep medical bills, explanations of benefits, wage records, repair estimates, accessory receipts, and coverage letters together. Track payments by source so a health payment, MedPay payment, and liability offer are not confused with one another.
Give timely notice and address reasonable policy duties. Do not delay necessary medical care while an insurer investigates fault. Before accepting a settlement, review the release and any reimbursement claims so you understand what the payment resolves and what you will receive.
The uninsured-driver claim guide discusses the proof needed when liability coverage is absent or insufficient. Our Baton Rouge motorcycle-accident practice can review the policies alongside the injuries and crash evidence. Contact us or call (225) 500-5000.
Editorial & Legal Accuracy Notice (Louisiana)
This article provides general Louisiana legal information, not advice about an individual case. Event dates, policy language, responsible parties, and the evidence may change the analysis.