Even those of us who have been riding for decades can go down. All it takes is one distracted, impaired, or otherwise negligent driver to change your life in an instant. If the unthinkable happens, the best thing you can do is know your options in advance. Whether you went down on your own or got hit by someone else, here are the coverages that matter most and what they mean for you.

This article was contributed by Maginnis Howard, a North Carolina law firm that Support Bikers knows and trusts to help injured motorcycle riders.

Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage

North Carolina requires all drivers to carry insurance, but many don’t. A 2026 study found that roughly 11.8% of North Carolina drivers (over 1 million people) lacked coverage. When an uninsured driver hits you, your own uninsured motorist coverage typically provides compensation. Every motorcyclist in North Carolina is required to
carry this type of coverage as part of the state’s mandatory minimums.

Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage

 Having insurance doesn’t mean the other driver has enough insurance. As of July 2025, North Carolina requires drivers to carry at least $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage. But motorcycle wrecks regularly cause severe
injuries like head trauma, broken bones, spinal cord damage, and serious road rash. That can mean mounting medical bills and months away from work while you heal. In the case of a wrongful death, a family may be left with medical costs and burial
expenses, plus the loss of future earnings if the rider was the primary breadwinner. These costs stack up fast, and North Carolina’s minimum limits often don’t come close. That’s where underinsured motorist coverage comes in. UIM applies when the at-fault
driver’s policy can’t fully cover your losses. It’s not required for all drivers to carry, but it can be life-changing when the insurance minimums don’t cut it.

Medical Payments (MedPay)

MedPay covers reasonable and necessary medical and funeral expenses after a wreck, usually regardless of who was at fault. That makes it especially useful: it can get bills
paid quickly while the question of fault is still being sorted out.
The amounts can be around $1,000 to $2,000, although some riders carry $25,000 to $50,000.

To find out what you have, consult your insurance carrier to download your “Declarations Page” or ask your agent for a copy, then look for “Medical Payments.” If you have it, call your insurance carrier, and they’ll walk you through making a claim.

Other Sources of Insurance Coverage

In some cases, a motorcycle accident attorney may also be able to uncover other sources of insurance.

For example, if a drunk driver hit you, you may be able to prove
that a bar owner overserved him. In that case, the bar owner would be liable as well. This provides a victim access to much more than is available from the drunk driver.

📸 Actual photo submitted with a Wrecked Rider Fund application. Shared with permission.

Your coverage can do more than cover the ER bill. In North Carolina, you may be able to pursue compensation for:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost income and any lasting effect on your ability to work
• Pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life
• Repair or replacement of your bike, gear, and accessories

If you have lost a loved one to a motorcycle wreck, you may also be able to pursue insurance policies for the wrongful death of your family member. This type of claim covers some of the same points above, in addition to funeral and burial expenses.

North Carolina is one of only a handful of states that still follows an outdated rule called “contributory negligence.” If you are found even 1% at fault for your own injuries, you can be barred from recovering anything at all. On top of this strict rule, bikers already face a great deal of stigma simply for their choice to ride. These together may seem insurmountable, but an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can guide you through
these obstacles and recover the most compensation possible.

If you’ve been in any wreck, contact an experienced personal injury attorney.

Motorcycle injuries are often serious and can follow you for life, and an experienced lawyer can help you get the settlement you deserve. A good attorney will handle the insurance companies, gather evidence, calculate the full extent of your losses, and identify every party who may be responsible. Support Bikers has a network of attorneys and law offices we trust.

For North Carolina motorcycle accidents, we recommend
Maginnis Howard.

Even with the right coverage, a serious wreck can leave you with bills that pile up faster than any claim can be resolved. Insurance can take months, and sometimes longer, while rent, groceries, and medical bills keep coming due. That’s exactly why Support Bikers created the Wrecked Rider Fund, a financial assistance program for motorcyclists injured in accidents. The fund provides emergency financial support to eligible riders in need, assists with applications, and connects riders with community resources and legal representation. No rider should ever have to face the aftermath of a wreck alone.

Related Recovery Resources

✅ 8 Steps to Get Support
✅ Wrecked Rider Fund
✅ Support-A-Biker Fundraisers
✅ Motorcycle Accident Checklist (Printable PDF)
✅ Find a Support Bikers Facebook Group
✅ Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Directory
✅ Motorcycle Repair Shops Directory
✅ Motorcycle Towing Services
✅ After the Crash Rider Knowledge Base
✅ Contact Support Bikers

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