If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, filing an insurance claim can be stressful. Unfortunately, many claims get denied, leaving victims without compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Understanding why a motorcycle injury claim might be denied and how an attorney can help is crucial to protecting your rights.
Here are the top five reasons why claims get denied and why you need an experienced motorcycle accident attorney if you’ve been injured.
Top 5 Reasons Motorcycle Injury Claims Get Denied
- Medical Treatment Delays
Insurance companies often deny claims if there’s a delay in seeking medical treatment. They may argue that your injuries are not as severe as you claim or weren’t even caused by the accident. If you can’t produce immediate medical records linking your injuries to the crash, it becomes easier for insurers to dispute your claim. Therefore, seek medical attention and contact a motorcycle attorney immediately, even if you feel fine.
- Liability Disputes
Motorcycle accidents often involve disputes over liability (fault). Insurance companies may argue that you were partially or fully responsible for the accident, especially if there isn’t enough evidence to prove otherwise. Since motorcyclists are sometimes unfairly stereotyped as reckless drivers, this bias can work against you when establishing liability.
- Inadequate Insurance Coverage
Sometimes, the at-fault driver’s insurance policy may not cover all the damages. Your claim might be denied or underpaid if their coverage limits are too low or their policy has lapsed. In such cases, it’s crucial to explore other options for compensation, such as uninsured motorist coverage or filing a lawsuit.
- Pre-Existing Conditions
A pre-existing condition similar to your motorcycle injury may lead the insurance company to deny your claim and argue the injury isn’t related to the accident. This tactic is often used to reduce or deny compensation. Share information about your pre-existing condition with your motorcycle attorney during your free consultation.
- Failure to Report the Accident on Time
Most insurance policies have strict requirements for reporting accidents, including deadlines to file a claim. If you do not report the accident promptly, it may increase the risk of your claim being denied. Always report accidents as soon as possible and keep detailed records.
Why You Need an Attorney if You Have Been Injured in a Motorcycle Accident
Hiring a motorcycle accident attorney can make all the difference when dealing with denied claims. Here’s why:
- Attorneys offer expert legal guidance.
Motorcycle accident attorneys understand the complexities of personal injury law and insurance policies. They can navigate much more swiftly through tricky legal processes than you can and will ensure your rights are protected.
- Hiring an Attorney increases your chances of maximizing compensation.
Insurance companies usually try to settle claims for as little money as possible—especially if you’re on your own, without a lawyer. A skilled lawyer who is an expert negotiator knows how to handle insurers.
- An Attorney Will Handle Disputes About Liability
If liability for the accident is disputed, you will be relieved to have an attorney to sift through the complications and ensure you are protected. Attorneys know precisely when and what additional evidence is needed, such as expert testimony.
- An attorney provides relief from legal burdens while you heal.
Dealing with insurance companies while recovering from injuries can be overwhelming. An attorney takes over all communications and negotiations on your behalf, including filing paperwork, meeting deadlines, and representing you in court if necessary.
Skilled and Aggressive Legal Help is Available
The skilled team of motorcycle accident attorneys at Eason & Tambornini brings decades of legal experience to every case. We fight for every client’s right to fair, maximum compensation for damages.
FREE Consultation and NO Upfront Legal Fees
We offer a free, no-risk consultation to discuss the facts of your case. We also accept cases on a contingency basis, which means you pay nothing until we win a settlement.
Schedule a free consultation today by calling Eason & Tambornini at (916) 438-1819.
