Massachusetts requires personal injury protection (PIP) coverage for most drivers—but how does it apply to motorcycles? Here’s what riders need to know.
PIP Coverage and Massachusetts Auto Insurance Law
Massachusetts is a no-fault state, meaning that if you’re injured in a car accident, your own insurance typically covers medical expenses, regardless of fault. This system is supported by Personal Injury Protection (PIP), a mandatory part of most standard auto policies.
Under Massachusetts law (M.G.L. c. 90, §34M), PIP benefits include:
- Up to $8,000 in medical expenses
- 75% of lost wages
- Replacement services (like housekeeping)
- Funeral costs, in fatal cases
However, these benefits are structured around motor vehicles—not motorcycles. And that distinction is key.
Are Motorcyclists Covered by PIP in Massachusetts?
No, PIP does not cover motorcyclists in Massachusetts. The law specifically excludes motorcycles from PIP benefits, leaving riders with fewer automatic protections after an accident.
This exclusion affects:
- Motorcycle operators
- Motorcycle passengers
- Injuries caused by motorcycles (to pedestrians or bicyclists)
So, unlike car drivers, injured motorcyclists must rely on other insurance types or legal avenues to seek compensation.
Why Are Motorcycles Excluded From PIP?
The reasoning behind this exclusion comes down to risk exposure and premium structure. Motorcycles are statistically more dangerous than cars. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in a crash than car occupants.
Given this elevated risk, insurers would have to charge significantly more for PIP coverage on motorcycles to offset potential losses. Rather than creating a separate and expensive PIP tier for motorcycles, Massachusetts lawmakers simply exempted motorcycles from the requirement.
Alternative Coverage Options for Motorcycle Riders
Although PIP isn’t available, riders have other ways to protect themselves financially in case of an accident.
Medical Payments (MedPay) Coverage
MedPay is optional in Massachusetts but can provide valuable support. It covers medical bills up to the selected policy limit, regardless of fault. Importantly, MedPay can apply to motorcycle crashes, unlike PIP.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage
UM/UIM coverage protects you if you’re hit by a driver who has little or no insurance. This is especially important for motorcyclists, since hit-and-run or minimally insured accidents often leave riders with high out-of-pocket medical costs.
Health Insurance
Your personal health insurance can help pay for crash-related treatment. However, deductibles and copays still apply, and coverage may be limited depending on your plan.
Bodily Injury Liability (Third-Party Claims)
If another driver caused the crash, you can pursue a personal injury claim against their liability insurance. Compensation may include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term disability
However, unlike with PIP, compensation here depends on proving the other party’s fault.
What About Motorcycle Passengers?
Passengers on motorcycles also aren’t eligible for PIP in Massachusetts. Like operators, they’ll need to rely on:
- Their own MedPay or health insurance
- The motorcycle operator’s liability coverage (if the operator was at fault)
- Another driver’s liability insurance (if the accident involved another vehicle)
This makes it even more important for motorcyclists to consider comprehensive coverage—not just for themselves, but for anyone riding with them.
Filing a Lawsuit After a Motorcycle Crash in Massachusetts
Because PIP is not a factor for motorcycle crashes, injured riders don’t face the same lawsuit thresholds as car drivers in Massachusetts. Normally, a car driver must show:
- At least $2,000 in medical expenses, or
- A serious and permanent injury
These thresholds don’t apply to motorcycle accident claims. This means motorcyclists may file personal injury lawsuits even for relatively minor injuries, as long as someone else was at fault.
Tips for Motorcyclists Seeking Compensation
If you’re injured in a motorcycle crash in Massachusetts, take the following steps:
1. Get medical attention immediately. Documenting your injuries is essential.
2. Notify your insurer. Even though PIP doesn’t apply, your other motorcycle insurance may offer benefits.
3. Gather evidence. Photos, witness statements, police reports, and helmet records can all support your case.
4. Consult an attorney. Motorcycle injury claims often involve complex liability questions, especially when PIP is off the table. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you pursue compensation through insurance or legal action.
Why Extra Coverage Matters for Riders
Motorcycle accidents frequently result in serious injury. The lack of PIP coverage, combined with higher medical costs, can leave riders financially vulnerable. Investing in optional coverage—like MedPay, UM/UIM, and comprehensive liability—can make a significant difference in the aftermath of a crash.
Even though Massachusetts doesn’t require PIP for motorcycles, riders shouldn’t rely on the minimum. A robust insurance package tailored to the risks of riding offers peace of mind—and practical protection—when it’s needed most.
Conclusion
Motorcyclists in Massachusetts are not covered by PIP, putting them outside the no-fault protection offered to most car drivers. This gap in coverage makes it essential for riders to explore alternative insurance options and understand their legal rights after a crash. Whether through MedPay, health insurance, or third-party liability claims, proactive planning can help injured motorcyclists get the care and compensation they need.
Injured? The Office of Brandon J. Broderick, Personal Injury Lawyers, Can Help
If the unfortunate happens and you’ve been injured in an accident, don’t go it alone. An experienced lawyer can advocate for your best interest and pursue fair compensation for your damages. At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, you can count on us to work tirelessly for your quality of life. Our long track record of success has helped people like you move forward after sustaining an injury caused by another’s negligence.
Contact us now for a free legal review.