Some insurance companies try to deny or discount claims made by injured motorcyclists. An efficient way to handle insurance company biases against motorcyclists is to enlist a motorcycle accident lawyer.
At William Mattar Law Offices, we've seen firsthand the ways insurance companies will sometimes try to downplay and even deny claims made by motorcyclists.
We empower accident survivors and their families with the knowledge needed to confidently pursue a claim with the help of our personal injury law firm.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
Recent studies from the National Transportation Safety Board show motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in a crash than occupants of cars.
In addition, motorcycle fatalities have been on the rise in recent years despite overall traffic fatalities declining.
Despite these horrifying statistics, some insurance companies still try to unfairly deny or diminish compensation for accident survivors.
What Biases Do Insurance Companies Have Against Motorcyclists
Motorcyclists are reckless.
The bias of recklessness often paints motorcyclists as daredevils or thrill-seekers, disregarding their safety and the safety of others on the road. This misconception isn't just wrong - it is dangerous.
When insurance companies unfairly label riders as reckless, they delay vital compensation needed to heal from injuries sustained in an accident.
Motorcyclists are irresponsible.
The truth is that many motorcyclists prioritize safety, practicing safe riding techniques and following traffic laws.
Many states, including New York, have popular motorcycle education training programs that teach responsible riding.
Despite safe riding laws and resources, insurance companies often try to perpetuate this bias against motorcyclists. This can make it even more challenging to receive compensation without the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer.
Motorcyclists are more at fault due to the proclivity for injuries.
Motorcycles lack the same protective measures as cars, which can result in more severe injuries.
Unfortunately, some insurance companies may try to use this as an excuse to downplay or deny claims, even when another driver's negligence caused the accident. This sort of argument lacks merit, however, because other motorists on the road have to be aware of the relative vulnerability of motorcycle riders.
Combatting this bias is a challenge for motorcyclists after an accident. With an experienced personal injury lawyer, it is easier to prove fault and receive fair compensation for damages and losses.
Motorcycles are harder to see than cars.
While it is true that motorcycles may be smaller, this does not excuse other drivers from their responsibility to drive safely and attentively. However, insurance companies may use this misleading fact to shift blame onto the motorcyclist.
In reality, many motorcycle accidents are caused by other drivers failing to yield or check blind spots properly. Since most riders follow traffic laws and safety measures, it's important not to let this unfair bias sway the outcome of a claim.
What Causes Motorcycle Accidents?
The key to navigating a motorcycle accident claim and combating the unfair bias insurance companies use to deny or downplay injuries is understanding how collisions happen.
The most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Distracted driving: Distracted drivers endanger everyone.
- Speeding: Speeding is a major factor in these accidents, especially when drivers are intoxicated or fatigued.
- Aggressive driving behaviors: Aggressive driving behaviors include tailgating, weaving in and out of lanes, and excessive honking or flashing lights.
These common causes aren't always the fault of motorcyclists, yet insurance companies will often try to blame them.
An experienced personal injury lawyer can make all the difference in proving fault and receiving fair compensation for injuries and damages.
Where Do Motorcycle Accidents Occur?
The accident location may elevate insurance companies' unfair biases against motorcyclists injured by someone else's negligence.
By understanding where accidents are more likely to happen, motorcyclists can be better prepared for the additional challenges they may face in a claim.
Common accident locations include:
- Intersections: This is where many drivers fail to properly yield or check blind spots, leading to collisions with motorcycles. It doesn't matter how small a motorcycle is. If drivers aren't checking their surroundings before turning, they may be financially responsible for accident injuries.
- Highways and freeways: Just like any other type of vehicle, accidents can happen due to speeding, aggressive driving behaviors, or other negligent actions. No matter how fast a motorcycle looks like it's going, other drivers must still be aware and share the road safely.
- Rural roads: These may seem peaceful and less crowded, but they also have their own challenges. Poorly maintained roads, lack of guardrails, and sharp curves can all contribute to motorcycle accidents in rural areas.
- Urban areas: In heavily populated cities, the risk for accidents involving motorcycles increases due to heavy traffic and a higher number of aggressive drivers. Urban areas may also have more hazards, such as potholes or construction zones, that can be difficult for motorcyclists to navigate.
Despite these common accident locations, bikers must remember that collisions can happen anywhere and anytime.
When they occur due to someone else's negligence, consult a motorcycle accident attorney who can aggressively support your right to maximum compensation.
How Can A Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help Me With My Insurance Claim?
Getting an insurance company to take your motorcycle accident claim seriously is often a difficult and stressful task.
However, with the help of experienced accident injury lawyers, you can better protect your right to compensation with:
- Thorough investigation: A lawyer can use their legal acumen to obtain surveillance footage, consult accident reconstruction experts, and verify witness statements.
- Aggressive negotiation: You might not have the energy to fight insurance company biases after suffering accident injuries. However, your lawyer can handle all communication and negotiations so insurers do not exploit you.
- Accurate valuations: Insurance companies often offer low settlement amounts hoping injured parties will accept them out of desperation. With an experienced lawyer working with medical and financial experts to accurately value your claim, you can ensure that unfair biases don't deny you fair compensation.
- Representation in court: You may need to pursue a personal injury lawsuit when insurance policy limits can't cover the extent of damages. A motorcycle accident attorney can represent your best interests in these proceedings, effectively securing the compensation you deserve.
Additionally, an experienced personal injury attorney can ensure all necessary paperwork and deadlines are met, giving the insurance company less room to unfairly deny your claim.
How Much Is a Motorcycle Accident Case Worth?
Insurance company biases don't just exist to impact the chances of you having your claim approved. They also aim to lower any compensation awarded to motorcyclists.
By understanding how accident cases are valued, you can better protect yourself from accepting undervalued settlements.
Factors that determine the value of a motorcycle accident may include:
- the severity of injuries and their impact on your daily life
- the level of negligence exhibited by the other party
- the amount and type of insurance coverage available
Based on these factors, a lawyer can assess the potential economic and non-economic damages, which may include:
- Upfront medical costs, which often exceed $100,000+ after emergency services, ambulance rides, and catastrophic injury treatment are factored in.
- Future medical expenses for home health care, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment. Often, these costs can exceed millions of dollars over a lifetime, especially when traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or loss of limbs are a factor in the accident.
- Lost wages and future loss of earnings due to permanent injuries
- Funeral and burial costs in the event of wrongful death. In the USA, the average cost of these expenses is $7,000+.
- Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. There is no set monetary value for this non-economic damage. However, the more severe the injuries and long-term impact on your life, the higher the potential value of this damage.
- Loss of consortium for spouses or family members impacted by your accident injuries. Studies show that relationships often suffer after an accident, so if you are getting married in the future or have a partner now, these damages should be considered as well.
You'll need an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer to fight the insurance company biases that keep you from receiving the maximum amount for these damages.
At William Mattar Law Offices, we have a decades-long track record of securing settlements for injured motorcyclists across New York State.
Our team of experienced attorneys will guide you through the process, ensuring that your rights are protected and you receive maximum compensation.
Insurance Company Biases and Motorcycle Accidents FAQs
The insurance company is claiming I was partially at fault for my accident. Can I still receive compensation?
Yes, even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you may still be entitled to compensation under the doctrine of comparative fault. Enlist an experienced personal injury lawyer to help maximize your compensation.
Who pays for medical treatment after a motorcycle accident?
New York’s no-fault insurance law does not apply to motorcyclists. Generally speaking, treatment for injuries will be paid by private health insurance companies, which may give rise to a lien or liens at the end of the case. An experienced attorney can discuss what this means for your case.
William Mattar Law Offices | Your Ally in the Fight Against Insurance Company Biases Towards Motorcycle Accidents
Don't let the insurance company try to discount your claim simply because you were injured on your motorcycle. With our experienced lawyers, you can level the playing field and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Schedule a free case evaluation with a motorcycle accident lawyer from William Mattar Law Offices to learn more about your rights and options after a motorcycle accident.