Looking for a guide to motorcycle accident claims? Insurance claims are often the next step after getting into a motorcycle accident, after all. When the victim of the collision handles their claim thoughtfully, they may receive compensation covering all accident-related losses.
However, if an insurance company engages in bad-faith tactics, the accident victim could suffer financially. That’s why it’s important to contact a Lafayette motorcycle accident lawyer who can help you obtain the compensation you deserve from liable insurers.
The Motorcycle Accident Insurance Claims Process Involves Several Steps
Though the claims process is unique based on the details of each individual accident, it’s not uncommon to encounter similar steps as other motorcycle accident victims. Let’s take a look at what you can expect when pursuing an insurance claim.
Filing Your Claim
Shortly after your motorcycle crash, you should contact your insurance company and file a formal claim. The three primary ways of filing a motorcycle accident claim are as follows:
- Filing through your phone-based insurance app
- Calling the insurance company and reporting your accident
- Submitting a claim online through the insurer’s website
After submitting your claim, you can usually expect a representative from your auto insurance carrier—and possibly another motorist’s carrier—to contact you.
Discussing the Details of the Motorcycle Collision
When insurance representatives contact you, they will likely ask you for the following information:
- When the accident happened
- Where the accident happened
- Why you believe the accident happened
- Whether you could have contributed to the accident in any way
- Whether or not you believe your actions directly caused the accident
It’s important to note that insurance representatives typically record their conversations with motorcycle accident victims. That’s why it’s wise to have your lawyer speak with you prior to the call or talk to the insurance company on your behalf.
Coordinating any Necessary Inspections
An insurance adjuster will likely evaluate your covered losses, which may require them to do the following:
- View and photograph any property damage caused to the motorcycle
- Evaluate your accident-related medical bills
- Determine any future medical care you will require
- Calculate the cost of your expected care
- Consider any other covered losses resulting from your motorcycle accident
During the inspection process, you must remain careful about what you say to an insurance representative. The adjuster may use your words against you if they deem it necessary or appropriate.
Always speak with your attorney prior to the inspection. Your lawyer will make sure your rights are protected to the fullest extent of the law.
Calculating the Monetary Value of Accident-Related Losses
The insurance company will take measures to determine the exact monetary value of your covered losses. Your lawyer will also calculate a fair value for your losses. This process may require the following steps:
- Reviewing all relevant details of an insurance policy
- Identifying which losses are covered by the insurance policy
- Evaluating your accident-related losses
- Working with professionals to calculate an accurate value for each loss
Negotiating With Insurers
The motorcycle insurance claims process often ends with a settlement. However, it is not a given that insurers will offer you a fair amount of money. In order to obtain the compensation you deserve, we may need to negotiate fiercely with the at-fault party’s insurers.
An attorney from our law firm will provide you with the motorcycle accident claims advice you need to successfully proceed with your case. We have helped thousands of motorcycle accident victims secure fair compensation, and we will strive to achieve the same outcome for you.
Laborde Earles injury was great for me they took care of me very fast and professional. If for any reason I need legal help they will be who I use.
ClientWhat a Motorcycle Accident Victim Should Know About the Claims Process
There are several realities you must face in order to protect yourself after a motorcycle accident. Let’s take a look at what some of these measures entail.
The Insurance Company Has Its Own Financial Agenda
While an insurer may ultimately provide you with compensation, that does not mean it wants to, especially when you consider that insurance companies are a business first and foremost. As such, they want to pay out as little as possible.
After all, insurers typically benefit when they don’t have to pay money to motorcycle accident victims. Therefore, you may face the following when pursuing fair compensation:
- Lowball settlement offers
- Delays in the claims process
- Confusion tactics
- Attempts to use your words or actions against you
However, if you hire a Louisiana motorcycle accident attorney from our firm, you won’t have to face these tactics alone. We will defend your rights, fight against malicious practices, and pursue compensation in your case.
The Slightest Error Could Cause Immense Financial Harm
We have seen it time and again. Motorcycle accident victims make the slightest error, often with good intentions, and end up compromising a settlement. Simply saying “my fault” or “I’m sorry” to the wrong person could jeopardize your financial recovery.
However, when you hire our firm, our personal injury attorneys will advocate for you and protect you against bad-faith insurance tactics. We will also tell you what you should and should not say.
Plus, you won’t have to interact directly with insurance representatives. We’ll do that for you as we guide you through the motorcycle accident insurance claims process.
I thank God for Digger & David. I don’t know what we would have done if it hadn’t have been for them.
Rick Smith | ClientRecoverable Damages for a Motorcycle Accident Victim
Motorcycle accidents often cause major injuries. In fact, the National Safety Council (NSC) has explained that the average auto accident causing disabling injuries amounts to $155,000 even before totaling non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
When you retain a lawyer from our firm as your legal counsel, we can calculate the total cost of your damages, which may include the following:
- Lost income and diminished earning power
- Medical expenses
- Vehicle repair costs and temporary transportation expenses
- Pain and suffering
- The cost of losing a loved one
Keep in mind that this is a short list of common damages. We may find that your list of damages is far longer. Either way, we will work to secure a settlement or verdict that covers your accident-related losses.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientCall Our Lafayette Motorcycle Accident Law Firm Today for More Information About Collision Insurance Claims
If you were hurt in a collision, don’t hesitate to reach out to us—we’re here to help. We don’t want you to miss your opportunity to seek justice or pursue compensation in your case, so it’s crucial that you call us as soon as possible.
For Louisiana Attorneys That Care, contact Laborde Earles today. The sooner we speak with you, the sooner we can work toward your financial recovery.
And if you find yourself thinking, “I wish I had someone On My Side,” our Lafayette motorcycle accident attorneys are the ones to call. We have over 350 years of combined experience, and since 1995, we have recovered over $1 billion in compensation for people just like you.
