Are Motorcycle Riders Less Likely To Receive Compensation Than Other Drivers?
Motorcycle versus vehicle accidents often results in devastating consequences. If a motorcyclist sustained an injury or property damage caused by the negligent actions of another driver, they deserve compensation. However, insurance carriers and other parties can put up a fight when it comes to paying the compensation a motorcyclist rightfully deserves. Here, we want to discuss whether or not motorcyclists are less likely to receive compensation than others.
The Unwarranted Biases Motorcyclists Face
According to data available from the Texas Department of Transportation, there were 482 motorcyclist fatalities during the latest reporting year across the state. Additionally, nearly 2,000 motorcyclists sustained suspected serious injuries, and approximately 2,600 motorcyclists sustained non-incapacitating injuries.
It is not uncommon for people to think that motorcycles are inherently unsafe. This may not seem like a big deal, but it is when it comes to recovery and compensation after a motorcycle accident occurs.
Motorcyclists face significant unwarranted biases regarding their right to be on the roadway and in the aftermath of an accident. If other parties automatically think that you, as a motorcyclist, are a dangerous roadway operator, they may tend to think you are at fault for an accident, regardless of the circumstances.
The reality is that motorcyclists are not any more or less unsafe than other drivers on the roadway. In the aftermath of an accident involving a motorcyclist and another vehicle on the roadway, it is absolutely imperative that a complete investigation be conducted. This investigation should be done without any unwarranted biases toward the motorcycle operator.
We strongly encourage any motorcyclist who has sustained an injury caused by the actions of another driver to contact a skilled motorcycle accident lawyer immediately. A skilled Laredo motorcycle accident attorney can look at the entirety of the claim, gather the evidence needed to prove liability, and handle all communication with the insurance carrier.
Dealing With Insurance Carriers
Insurance carriers are notoriously difficult to deal with, particularly when it comes to paying out compensation for a motorcycle accident. These companies look at their bottom line, which means trying to limit how much money they pay for a claim. If another driver caused a crash, you can be sure that their insurance carrier will look for ways to paint the motorcyclist as the at-fault party.
A Laredo injury attorney will use their resources and present the evidence they have gathered to the insurance carrier. The attorney will vigorously negotiate with the insurance carriers to recover total compensation for their client. This may include turning down the first offer made by the insurance carrier and sending back a counteroffer. This back-and-forth may be necessary in order to obtain a fair settlement.
In the event the insurance carrier refuses to offer a fair settlement, it may be necessary for a motorcyclist and their attorney to file a civil personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party and the at-fault party’s insurance carrier. This brings the claim into the civil court system and possibly in front of a jury. Most lawsuits are resolved before the claim goes to court, but it may be necessary for the jury to hear the case, examine the evidence, and render a verdict.