The truth about motorcycle accident claims.
No, really. If you ride a motorcycle and get into an accident, there are good odds that you’ll be in for a battle.
Insurance companies play by their own set of rules… and they’re not looking out for the rider.
Knowing what those rules are (and how to beat them) is the difference between reaching a fair settlement and getting significantly lowballed.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- Why Motorcycle Claims Are Different
- Insurance Tricks Used Against Riders
- Winning Tactics at Law
- Why Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Get Better Results
- What You Should Do After A Crash
Why Motorcycle Claims Are Different
Let’s be clear…
Motorcycle accidents aren’t treated like car accidents. Insurers don’t treat them that way. Adjusters don’t treat them that way. Often, juries don’t treat them that way either.
Statistics prove it. Motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die from a crash than occupants of a passenger vehicle. This increased risk means injuries tend to be much more serious — and serious injuries lead to higher payouts. Which insurance companies are eager to avoid.
They start pressuring you the moment they assign an adjuster to your claim. Any rider who’s been through a motorcycle accident claim process knows how important it is to have a skilled motorcycle accident attorney involved from day one. Partnering with a bothell motorcycle accident lawyer is one of the best ways to keep insurers from spinning the story.
Don’t roll the dice by representing yourself.
Insurance Tricks Used Against Riders
Insurance companies will settle your claim for as little money as possible.
This isn’t a cynical opinion. It’s just the nature of their business. Below are some of their favorite tricks used against motorcycle accident victims:
Insurance companies will always try to blame the motorcyclist. No matter what. Was he speeding? Crossing lanes improperly? Not wearing a helmet? All that will be used to try and reduce or eliminate their payout.
Insurance companies know injuries like road rash, soft tissue injuries, and psychological trauma are difficult to prove. So they will argue they occurred prior to the accident or are not serious.
Insurance companies love to lowball injured riders with quick settlement offers. Most injured motorcycle riders are not on top of their financial situation and need money quickly. This gives insurers an opportunity to capitalize on your financial distress and save money on your claim.
Insurance companies love getting a recorded statement from accident victims. These recorded statements are made very early on — sometimes before the victim has consulted with a lawyer and well before the full extent of injuries are known. Insurance companies can use what you say here to deny or reduce your claim later.
Insurance companies will try and drag things out whenever possible. They know that most claimants just want to settle their claim as soon as possible and will accept a lower payout to get it done.
Annoying? Yes. Unfortunately, most motorcycle riders don’t realize these tactics are being used against them until it’s too late and they’ve already settled their claim for far less than it’s worth.
Winning Tactics at Law
So, what can you do about it?
The answer is easier than you think.
There are three main legal strategies that work when it comes to motorcycle accident claims. Stay organized, hire a lawyer, and be patient.
Documentation is your best friend. Everything matters starting at the moment of the crash. Medical records, police reports, witness testimony, and scene photographs. Insurers look for holes in your claim. Don’t give them anything to attack.
Hiring an attorney changes everything. Motorcycle accident victims who were represented by a lawyer received four times more compensation than those who didn’t. Experienced lawyers know how to fight back and understand how to value your claim properly.
Don’t rush the process. You’ll never get a fair settlement if you simply accept the first offer from an insurer. A complete and well-documented claim backed by a lawyer will allow you to negotiate for what you deserve.
One more tip:
Never, ever give a recorded statement without consulting with a lawyer first. Your recorded statement can be used against you and your claim. It’s one of the worst mistakes you can make after a motorcycle accident.
How Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Know How To Win
Here’s the thing most riders don’t know…
Motorcycle accident lawyers have to specialize in order to competently represent you and your family. A general practice lawyer won’t know how insurers approach these claims, how to value serious injuries, or how to build a case that holds up in court.
Here are some of the ways an experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help you win your claim:
- Proper filing of your claim with the right documentation
- Negotiating with insurance companies armed with facts and medical evidence
- Preparing (and if necessary) litigating your claim in court
- Knowing how to calculate every last damage related cost
…and did we mention that most motorcycle accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis? Which means you aren’t out of anything by calling today. There is no reason not to speak with a lawyer after a crash.
What To Do After A Motorcycle Accident
The first 24 hours after a motorcycle accident are crucial.
Follow these steps to ensure everything is done correctly.
- Call 911. Always. Get a police report.
- See a doctor. NOW. Even if you think you’re ok.
- Take photos. Of injuries, the accident, road conditions, vehicle damage.
- Get contact info for witnesses
- Do NOT admit fault to anyone. Including yourself.
- Do NOT speak with the other driver’s insurance company.
- Call a motorcycle accident lawyer before agreeing to any settlement.
Each of these steps only takes a few minutes, but they help ensure your claim isn’t denied later on down the road.
Wrapping up…
Motorcycle accident claims are tough. Far too tough for most riders to handle alone. Over 82,000 motorcyclists were injured in 2023 — and they all faced threats of lowball insurance offers.
The good news? Riders who know how insurers try to game the system, stay organized, and hire a lawyer are immensely more likely to prevail.
It doesn’t have to be complicated. Just remember these tips and you’ll be in a great spot to win your claim.
- Start documenting now. And don’t stop until the claim is settled.
- Never give a recorded statement to anyone but your lawyer.
- Know what your claim is worth. Not just current medical bills, but future expenses as well.
- Hire a lawyer that specializes in motorcycle accidents.
- Don’t accept the first settlement offer.
