Insurance Companies And Motorcycle Accidents
Our law firm will handle your claim - so you can focus on getting better
Being severely injured in a motorcycle accident is a difficult enough experience without having to handle an insurance claim afterward. Unfortunately, the insurance companies tend to take a very biased view of motorcycle riders. They'll come up with all sorts of excuses to deny your claim, which means you may be on the hook for significant expenses.
That's not fair, and that's not the answer you have to take. The Whaley Law Firm fights to help injured motorcycle riders get the compensation you need. We understand the arguments insurance companies make in these cases, and we know how to beat them. We have the experience to fight for a fair settlement for your injuries and pain and suffering.
Some of the arguments an insurance company may make include:
- Assumption of Risk: An insurance company may argue that by getting on a motorcycle, you assumed the risk of getting severely injured. That's a flawed argument. The reality is that while riding a motorcycle can be a dangerous activity, that doesn't mean motorists who cause these crashes aren't responsible.
- Arguments Over Fault: Statistically, the majority of motorcycle accidents are caused by the driver of a car, not the operator of the motorcycle. Unfortunately, that means you'll likely be dealing with the insurance company representing the negligent driver, and their goal is to protect their client, not you. They may argue that you caused the accident by driving in a car's blind spot or making a reckless maneuver.
- Extent Of Your Injuries: The insurance company may try to downplay the extent of your injuries, or argue that you sustained them before or after rather than during the accident. That's why it's so important that you see a doctor right away after your crash to document your injuries.
- Helmet Use: An insurance company may deny your claim because you weren't wearing a helmet. The reality is that helmets are not mandatory in Kentucky for bikers who are at least 21 years old. And while helmet use can affect an injury claim, it's not so open and shut. Even if you sustained a head injury that a helmet may have prevented, you can still recover partial compensation thanks to Kentucky's comparative negligence law.
How to report a motorcycle accident to your insurance company
If you’re in a motorcycle accident, report your accident immediately to your insurance company. Most insurance carriers require prompt notification, or they may deny your claim.
However, you need to be careful. You may be under the impression that your claims adjuster is looking out for your best interest, but most insurance companies take the details of your accident to downplay it and offer you lower than what you deserve. So, say as little as possible to answer their questions and don’t volunteer any information.
If you hire a motorcycle accident attorney right away, we can even handle the notification to your insurance company on your behalf.
Can my motorcycle accident claim be denied?
Insurance companies may deny claims for various reasons such as a lack of sufficient evidence, disputes over fault, policy exclusions or non-compliance with policy terms and conditions. It is important to note that a claim denial does not necessarily mean the end of your options. You can consult with an attorney who can review the details of the denial and help you explore possible options to pursue further legal action.
The insurance companies have a well-known bias against motorcycle riders, and because motorcycle accidents are nearly always high-stakes cases, they'll often use all their arguments to try to deny you compensation. You don't have to let them push you around. Contact attorney Aaron Whaley today. Call (866) 703-7575 to schedule a free consultation.