Laid It Down: What Every Rider Needs to Know After a Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycle Accident Your world just got rocked.

You were riding along fine. Then you got hit. And now life will never be the same…

After the accident.

The terrifying ride to the hospital. The overwhelming recovery process. Dealing with insurance companies.

Trying to keep your head above water can feel like a full-time job after a motorcycle wreck.

But it doesn’t have to be.

Here’s what you need to know:

The motorcycle accident settlement process can be complicated. Most riders don’t know what to expect. But being informed makes all the difference between accepting a fair settlement and walking away with nothing.

Let’s break it down…

Why Motorcycle Accidents Are Different

Motorcycle accidents are not your typical car crash.

The injuries are far more serious. Medical bills can skyrocket. And insurance companies know riders are vulnerable.

Statistics show motorcycles account for 15% of traffic fatalities despite being only 3% of registered vehicles. In fact, motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die than the driver of a passenger vehicle.

Higher risk = higher settlement amounts.

The problem?

Insurance companies aren’t just handing out payouts like candy. When it comes to motorcycle accidents, they know riders need the money and will fight hard to avoid paying up.

That’s why having an experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer on your side is critical if you want to maximize your motorcycle accident settlement.

The average person simply doesn’t stand a chance against an insurance company on their own.

The Motorcycle Accident Settlement Process

Learning how the process works takes the mystery out of settlements.

A motorcycle accident settlement is the amount of money paid by the negligent party’s insurance company to pay for damages. That can include:

Medical bills
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
Property damage

The settlement process usually goes something like this:

Filing the claim against the at-fault party’s insurance company
Investigation by insurance company
Demand letter from injured party (“You owe me this much money to settle”)
Negotiation of demand by insurance company
Settlement is agreed upon or both parties go to trial

As you can see, some motorcycle accident settlements are resolved quickly. Others can take years. It all depends…

What Factors Can Impact Settlement Amounts

Not every accident is the same.

A lot of things can impact how much an injured rider can recover in a settlement. Here are some of the biggest factors:

Severity of Injuries

This is going to be by far the biggest factor in your settlement.

Did you break your leg? Okay.

Were you left paralyzed from the neck down? We’ve got a problem.

Insurance companies throw out minimal settlements for minor injuries, yet accidents causing serious damage tend to receive much higher offers.

Again, details matter.

Police reports, medical records, pictures of your injuries… you get the idea. Keep good records and make sure your attorney knows exactly how the injury affects your everyday life.

Fault and Liability

Who was at fault in the accident? And how much fault do they share?

If Johnny Negligent ran a stop sign and hit you head on, he clearly will carry most, if not all, of the liability.

But what if you were lane splitting at the time? You could be found partially at fault.

Comparative negligence laws allow insurers to reduce settlement amounts by the percentage of fault the injured rider was responsible for.

Insurance Policy Limits

You might be thinking…

“But what if the insurance company offers me way less than I need?”

The answer? Your motorcycle accident settlement isn’t anywhere near what you’ll need to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses.

Insurance policy limits restrict how much money you can actually settle for.

If the party that hit you only carries the minimum liability insurance, they might offer a settlement that doesn’t even cover your injuries, let alone compensate you for pain and suffering.

Proof of Losses

Insurance adjusters love to dispute injuries.

Having proof that validates your injuries, loss of income, pain and suffering, etc will make your case that much stronger.

Photos from the scene. Witness information. Videos. Medical records.

Compile everything you have that can support your claim.

What Riders Should Do After An Accident

The most important actions to take place after the accident actually happen BEFORE you talk to insurance companies.

Immediately following a wreck, be sure to:

Get Medical Attention

Always seek medical attention after an accident, even if you think you’re fine.

Some injuries are not readily apparent. Internal bleeding, traumatic brain injuries… these can take days to show symptoms.

It’s always best to err on the side of caution. Let medical professionals rule out injuries than assume you’re okay and end up hospitalized a week later.

Document The Accident Scene

Take plenty of photos. Gather as much information as you can.

Insurance companies will fight hard to prove you were at fault. Having evidence that supports your claim can make a huge difference come settlement time.

Talk To Witnesses

Take down names and numbers. Ask witnesses what they saw.

If the police show up at the scene, ask for a copy of the police report.

File A Police Report

Always file a police report after an accident.

You’ll need it to prove what happened to your insurance company.

Don’t Accept Fault

You should never admit fault to anyone.

You think you did something wrong? Let your lawyer worry about that. The only person who should accept fault is the insurance adjuster.

Contact A Lawyer ASAP

Insurance adjusters are notoriously aggressive.

They know you need money to pay bills. That’s their leverage. Don’t fall for it.

Talk to an attorney BEFORE you give any statements to insurance companies.

Common Motorcycle Accident Settlement Mistakes

Make sure you avoid these common mistakes…

Settling Too Soon

Insurance companies are betting on you agreeing to their first settlement offer.

They know riders are desperate for cash to pay rent and medical bills. The faster they can pay you, the faster they reduce their losses.

Don’t fall for it.

It’s always ok to refuse a settlement. Let your lawyer negotiate on your behalf and know WHEN to accept a settlement offer.

Posting On Social Media

Had a motorcycle accident and thinking of taking a vacation to the Bahamas?

Think again.

Insurance companies will troll social media looking for angles to dispute your claim. That picture of you jet skiing could come back to haunt you later.

Social media can DESTROY your settlement case. Don’t do it.

Missing Important Deadlines

Negotiating a settlement is a race against the clock.

Each state has different statutes of limitations. Meaning you only have a set amount of time to file a claim against the negligent party.

If you wait too long, you could forfeit your right to pursue compensation.

Talk to a lawyer right away if you were involved in an accident.

Going It Alone

No one wants to spend money on a lawyer.

But motorcycle accidents are serious business.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 62% of motorcycle fatalities occur in multi-vehicle crashes. These complex cases involving multiple parties require professional legal guidance.

You don’t want to be messing around when it comes to legal representation. Hire a lawyer.

Wrap Up

If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, a settlement can provide much needed financial stability throughout recovery.

Knowing how settlements work, what impacts settlement amounts, and avoiding common settlement mistakes will better equip you to take on insurance companies.

Recap:

Motorcycle accidents cause more serious injuries than car accidents
Factors such as injury severity and liability can impact settlement amounts
Don’t give a recorded statement to insurance adjusters without speaking to your lawyer first
Accident recovery can take years. Don’t settle until you know the full extent of your injuries

The post Laid It Down: What Every Rider Needs to Know After a Motorcycle Accident appeared first on Gauge Magazine.