If you are injured in a motorcycle accident, you’ll likely file an insurance claim. California law allows motorcyclists to pursue these claims if someone else is responsible for their accident. To successfully recover compensation from an insurance policy, you will need to show that the policyholder caused your collision.
Dealing with insurance companies after a motorcycle accident can be complex and challenging. It is important to be careful whenever you engage with a company representative—anything that you say could have an impact on your future case.
When you are involved in a motorcycle accident, the at-fault party’s insurance company may reach out to you. The representative may ask for a statement or information about your claim. While you may be tempted to comply with these requests, you should not speak with an insurance representative before speaking to a personal injury lawyer.
It is not beneficial for an insurance company to offer a maximum settlement to each and every person who files a claim. As a result, many companies deploy tactics that are designed to limit the amount of compensation it pays out—some of which fall into the realm of bad faith.
In these situations, you need someone who you can trust to protect your best interests and defend you against bad faith tactics. A California motorcycle accident attorney can represent you during negotiations, present your evidence to insurance representatives, and help you prepare for any statements or meetings.
When you are in contact with an insurance company, the representative may ask you to provide a recorded statement. He or she may claim that you are required to provide this statement or that it will help you recover compensation faster.
Recorded statements could harm your case, especially if they are given in the days or weeks after the accident. Anything you say could be used against you in your future case. If you provide a statement and learn new information later, the company could use any discrepancies in your story as evidence against you.
You are not obligated to provide a recorded statement, and you should decline to provide one. Instead, you should provide the insurance company with your lawyer’s information and ask the representative to direct any questions to your attorney.
Filing an insurance claim can be a challenge, especially for injured motorcyclists. It is common for insurance representatives to stereotype motorcyclists and automatically assume that they are at fault. If you find yourself in this situation, you need an attorney on your side who can fight for your side of the story.
A San Francisco motorcycle accident lawyer can represent you in all conversations with the insurance company and advocate for your right to fair compensation. If the company denies your claim or offers an insufficient settlement, he or she can negotiate for a higher amount, file an appeal, or escalate your case to a lawsuit.
Hiring an attorney is an important step to take when filing a motorcycle accident claim. As soon as possible after your accident, consult with a lawyer to discuss your legal options and initiate your case.
