Riding a motorcycle is an amazing experience. It’s cheaper than a motor vehicle to buy and run, and for enthusiasts, the feeling of cruising down the motorway is incomparable.
However, these two-wheelers are also dangerous. They account for about 15% of traffic deaths and injuries that occur every year, so it’s not uncommon for riders to find themselves in accidents. This also means that motorcycle accident lawsuits are common.
If you’re entitled to compensation after an accident, you might need to go to court and fight for your rights. Insurance companies are a key player in these lawsuits. Continue reading to learn the role these companies play.
How Do Insurance Companies Get Involved?
In many states, motorists are legally required to have liability insurance. In the event of an accident, the party at fault is typically required to compensate the other party. After a successful claim, the offending party’s liability insurance provider will compensate the claimants.
Even in no-fault states, a person involved in a motorcycle accident will need to file a personal injury/property loss claim from their insurance provider. So, whichever side of a motorcycle accident lawsuit you’re on, one or more insurance companies will inevitably get involved.
How Do Insurance Companies Affect the Claims Process?
If you’ve never been involved in a road accident, you might think getting compensated (or issuing compensation) is easy. After all, if liability has been established, all that remains is for the responsible party’s insurer to write the cheque.
Well, that’s how the process should work in a perfect world, but in the real world, insurers are in the business of making a profit. They have a long record of rejecting claims, and where that’s not possible, going the extra mile to pay out as little as possible.
Knowing how insurance companies behave, claimants are often forced to hire an attorney. For example, you might need to hire a Los Angeles motor vehicle accident attorney if you were involved in an accident with a motorcyclist in LA.
Having an attorney has consequences on your final payout. Although an attorney will increase your chances of filing a successful claim, they will take 10-30% of the settlement amount as their fees.
Protecting Your Claim
If you file a claim, you want it to be successful. While not everything is in your hands, there are steps you can take to protect yourself.
For instance, if you live in a no-fault state, your insurance provider will compensate you. As such, start by choosing a reputable insurance firm. Do extensive research to find a provider with a credible record of ensuring motorcycle riders don’t frustrate clients when it comes to motorcycle accident settlements.
After an accident, try to collect as much evidence as possible and hire a motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible to represent you, especially if you’ve been hurt.
Know How to Win Motorcycle Accident Lawsuits
Insurance companies have a central role in motorcycle accident lawsuits. If you’re a claimant, knowing how to deal with these companies is key to filing successful motorcycle accident claims. Keep reading our blog for more helpful tips and insights.