How Should I Approach Insurance Companies After a Motorcycle Accident?

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident that was someone else’s fault, you deserve compensation for your injuries and other losses. To get this compensation, however, you will likely have to deal with one, if not several, insurance companies. Our Roseville motorcycle accident lawyers at Triumph Law can walk you through the process of approaching the insurance company after your motorcycle accident.

Statistics Regarding Motorcycle Accidents in California

According to the Safe Transportation Research and Education Center (SafeTREC), there are more than 800,000 registered motorcycles in California. Driving a motorcycle can be thrilling; however, it can also be risky. In 2022, there were nearly 12,500 motorcycle accidents in California that caused injuries or fatalities.

There are many factors that lead to motorcycle accidents in California. The most common include speeding and impaired driving. Other causes of motorcycle accidents in California include traffic violations and distracted driving.

Because motorcyclists do not have the safety features of an enclosed vehicle, the injuries they sustain in accidents are often more severe than those suffered in other motor vehicle accidents. Their injuries can be physically and financially devastating. If you have been in a motorcycle accident that has caused such injuries, it is wise for you to contact a motorcycle accident attorney in California prior to speaking to any insurance companies.

California Motorcycle Insurance Information

In California, motorcycle owners and operators must register their bikes with the state in order to operate it on the road. They are also required to insure their motorcycle with minimum policy limits of $15,000 in bodily injury per person, $30,000 in bodily injury per accident, and $5,000 in property damage per accident. There are also other optional insurance coverages that will help pay for damage caused in an accident, regardless of who was at fault.

Because California is an at-fault state, individuals liable for accidents are responsible for paying for the victim’s resulting injuries and property damage. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident that was someone else’s fault, you will likely need to seek compensation for your injuries and other losses from the responsible party’s insurance company. However, in some instances, you may also need to turn to your own insurance company if the at-fault party does not have insurance or adequate coverage.

Regardless of whether you need to seek compensation for your losses through your insurance company or the liable party’s, it is important to know how you should approach these companies. The main goal of all insurance companies is to pay as little compensation to accident victims as possible. Your best opportunity to obtain maximum compensation from the insurance company is by contacting our personal injury attorneys at Triumph Law.

How to Protect Your Rights After a Motorcycle Accident

Dealing with insurance companies after your motorcycle accident can be stressful and complex. It is important that you take certain steps after your accident to protect your rights. If you have been in a motorcycle accident that was caused by another party, here are some of the steps you should take:

• Call the police immediately
• Request an accident report
• Get contact information for anyone else involved in the accident and any potential witnesses
• Exchange insurance information
• Take photos and videos of the accident scene
• Seek immediate medical attention
• Notify your insurance company of the accident
• Document your injuries
• Keep a record of your medical records and bills
• Contact a California motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible

Taking these steps will ensure that the insurance companies will have the information they need to begin their claims process and get you compensated for your losses. Once you notify them of your accident, your insurance and that of the responsible party will likely contact you for additional information and with questions. It is in your best interest to direct them to speak with your motorcycle accident lawyer in California rather than talking to them yourself.

When to Contact the Insurance Company After a Motorcycle Accident

If anyone besides yourself was involved in your motorcycle accident, you need to notify your insurance company. You should notify them because you may want to file a claim if you suffered injuries or property damage. You should also inform them of the accident because the other party involved may file a claim, causing your insurance company to deny any claims and forcing you to pay out of pocket if you do not report the accident.

You should notify your insurance company of your motorcycle accident right away. This does not mean you need to talk to them in depth immediately. You can send them the accident report and then direct them to speak to your personal injury lawyer.

Navigating a motorcycle accident claim can be tricky when insurance companies are involved. Our motorcycle accident attorneys at Triumph Law are experienced in dealing with insurance companies. We know what to say and what to avoid saying.

Tips for Talking to the Insurance Company After a Motorcycle Accident

As mentioned above, the primary goal of insurance companies is to pay as little money as possible. As such, it is extremely important that you do not say anything to them that could hurt your claim. 

What you say to the insurance companies could hurt your motorcycle accident case; therefore, you should consider the following tips prior to talking to an insurance company representative.

What Not to Do:

• Reveal what you believe caused your motorcycle accident
• Disclose who you believe to be at fault for your accident
• Divulge what you did before and after the accident
• Tell what injuries you think you have or do not have as a result of the accident
• Give specific details regarding your accident
• Agree to be recorded
• Accept a settlement offer
• Sign documentation

What You Can Do:

• Confirm your identity and basic contact information
• Verify the contact information for the insurance adjuster
• Provide the basic information included in the accident report
• Remain calm
• Reschedule the call if you do not feel comfortable discussing the accident at that time
• Direct the adjuster to your motorcycle accident lawyer

Insurance company representatives know what to get you to disclose so they can pay out as little compensation as possible. Do not fall into their trap. Contact our trusted and skilled personal injury lawyers at Triumph Law today to protect your legal rights and communicate with the insurance company on your behalf.

Contact Our California Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today

Our motorcycle accident lawyers at Triumph Law have over 20 years of experience in helping accident victims obtain compensation for their injuries and other losses. Before speaking to the insurance company about your motorcycle accident, contact us for a confidential consultation. We will discuss how we can help you get the justice you deserve after your motorcycle accident.