If you have been hurt in a motorcycle accident, you likely face severe injuries, expensive medical bills, and a long recovery. What makes it worse? When you thought you were going to get help, the insurance company that you’re hoping will help you recover is more concerned about their bottom line than about protecting you. Insurance adjusters are professionals who have been specifically trained to employ an arsenal of unfair tricks to decrease, prolong, or deny the compensation you are entitled to.
In this guide, we reveal the dirty tactics insurance adjusters try in motorcycle accident cases and provide battle-tested strategies to ensure that you protect YOU, your health, and your financial future.
Motorcycle Accident Claims - Why They are Handled Differently
Bike accident claims are usually much more hotly contested than car accidents. Why?
Serious injuries: motorcyclists can sometimes suffer catastrophic injuries, meaning higher settlement values.
Prejudice against motorcycle riders: Adjusters seem to automatically believe that motorcyclists are either reckless or liable.
Challenging liability: Poorly maintained roads, blind turns and poor visibility could all complicate fault.
For these reasons, insurers have even greater incentive to lower payouts on motorcycle-related claims.
Standard Tactics Used By Insurance Adjusters in Motorcycle Injury Claims are described below as well as ways to beat them.
Blaming the Motorcyclist by Default
Insurance adjusters frequently think the rider was the one in the wrong, regardless of any proof. They may argue:
You were speeding
You were lane-splitting (even though it might be legal in some states)
The other driver didn't see you
You weren’t wearing protective gear
They take advantage of this inherent bias to push liability upon you even though the other party was obviously at fault!
How to Protect Yourself
Obtain a copy of the police report and witness statements.
Gather any available dashcam or traffic-camera video.
Photograph your bike, injuries, skid marks and the road.
Delaying the Claims Process
Adjusters are aware that people who are injured are in financial distress. They use delay as a strategy to make you so desperate that you’ll take a lowball settlement. They may say:
“We’re still reviewing documents.”
“The adjuster who was working on your claim is out of the office.”
“We need more time to look into it.”
How to Protect Yourself
Record every call//e-mail/letter you’ll be glad you did in the long run!
Give deadlines and keep checking back.
Retain a motorcycle accident attorney who can expedite things and put the pressure on.
OUR CLIENTS ALWAYS COME FIRST
OUR CLIENTS ALWAYS COME FIRST
Offering a Quick, Low Settlement
Following an accident, adjusters have been known to provide quick money typically before you have even completed your medical treatment. They do this to:
lock you into a low settlement. However, it is in your best interest to not provide recordings or make statements.
Prevent the full recovery cost being passed on to you.
Eliminate future liability.
By agreeing to a settlement, you often give up your right to further compensation.
How to Protect Yourself
Do not accept a settlement before you have completed treatment or you have clear information about your prognosis.
Have all settlements reviewed by a personal injury lawyer.
Include other future costs, such as surgeries, rehab, or loss in earnings capacity.
Claiming You Weren’t Wearing a Helmet
Even if you had been wearing a helmet, the adjuster may contradict—or insist your injuries could have been prevented with “better gear.” They might use this to diminish their liability or diminish the value of your claim.
How to Protect Yourself
Show some photography or witness evidence you were actually geared up.
Familiarize yourself with your helmet laws and how they pertain to fault and damages.
Refute baseless allegations with expert medical testimony if required.
We offer free consultations
We offer free consultations
How to Protect Yourself
Don’t ever think the insurance company will give you what’s “fair.”
Get Advice from a Personal Injury Attorney Right Away
Permit your lawyer to deal with these negotiables, document the deal and argue on your behalf
Note: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
FOUNDER & TRIAL ATTORNEY
Meet Shawn Mangoli
“Shawn Mangoli, the founder of Beverly Hills Injury Firm, is a distinguished trial attorney specializing in personal injury law. With a decade of experience in civil litigation, Shawn has successfully championed the rights of those injured due to negligence, securing numerous multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts. Recognized consistently by Super Lawyers and a respected member of the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles and American Attorneys for Justice, Shawn’s commitment to justice is profound and unwavering.”
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California Personal Injury Firm committed to getting maximum compensation.
Don’t settle for less.
Contact
Quick Links
Follow Us