Motorcycle accidents can be incredibly traumatic, both physically and emotionally. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Orlando, Florida, you might be asking yourself, “Should I hire a lawyer?” I get calls regularly from victims of motorcycle crashes and nine times out of ten, they definitely need my help.
There are unique challenges when it comes to motorcycle accidents.
Motorcycle accidents are different from car accidents. One obvious reason is that motorcyclists are more vulnerable on the road, often leading to more severe injuries.
Reasons Why Motorcycle Riders are More Vulnerable on the Roadways
- Lack of Physical Protection: Unlike cars, motorcycles offer no physical barrier between the rider and the road, exposing motorcyclists to direct impact in a crash.
- Smaller Size and Visibility: Motorcycles are smaller and, therefore, harder for other drivers to see, especially in blind spots or during lane changes.
- Less Stability: Motorcycles are two-wheeled vehicles, so they are less stable than cars. Adverse weather conditions or road hazards, like potholes or debris, increase the risk of an accident.
- Weather Conditions: Motorcyclists are directly exposed to the elements, making it harder to control their vehicle in rain, wind, or extreme heat.
- Risk of Ejection: In a crash, motorcyclists are likely to be ejected from their bike, leading to severe injuries or fatalities.
Unfortunately, this increased risk also means that insurance companies are more likely to downplay your injuries or even deny your claim. Without a lawyer who specializes in motorcycle accident cases, you could be left facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, and a long road to recovery—all without the financial support you deserve.
How a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Make a Difference
Consider the case of Zane (real name left out for privacy), a motorcyclist from central Florida. One afternoon, Zane was riding his motorcycle down a busy street when a car abruptly changed lanes without signaling, hitting him. Zane suffered a broken leg, several fractured ribs, and a severe concussion. After the accident, the negligent driver’s insurance company offered Zane a settlement covering all his immediate medical expenses. However, they argued that his injuries weren’t as severe as he claimed and that he was partially at fault for the accident. Feeling defeated, Zane contacted a Florida motorcycle accident lawyer to help with his case. The legal team got to work gathering evidence, consulting medical experts, and reconstructing the accident. It was discovered that the insurance company’s offer was not only low but also unfairly placed blame on Zane. With this evidence, a larger settlement was made that covered Zane;s medical bills, lost wages, and additional compensation for his pain and suffering. Zane didn’t have to worry about his financial future as he focused on his recovery.
How Insurance Companies Try to Avoid Paying Motorcycle Injury Claims
Insurance companies are businesses. Their primary goal is to maximize profits for their shareholders. Unfortunately, this often means that they will try to pay as little as possible when it comes to motorcycle accident claims. Here are some common tactics that insurance companies use:
Downplaying Injuries
Insurance adjusters may argue that your injuries are less severe than you claim. Without a lawyer to advocate for you, they might convince you to accept a low settlement that won’t cover all your expenses.
Blaming the Motorcyclist
Motorcyclists often face a stigma that they are reckless or dangerous drivers. Insurance companies may try to exploit this stereotype to place some or all of the blame on you, which can significantly reduce or even eliminate your settlement.
Delaying the Claim
Insurance companies know that if they drag out the claims process, you may become desperate for a quick payout—especially if you’re dealing with lost wages and mounting medical bills. They might use delaying tactics to pressure you into accepting a lower offer.
Offering Quick, Low Settlements
In some cases, insurance companies will offer a quick settlement that seems generous at first glance. However, these offers are often much lower than what you would receive with the help of an experienced personal injury motorcycle accident lawyer.
Why You Should Hire a Lawyer After a Motorcycle Accident
Hiring a lawyer after a motorcycle accident isn’t just about getting the highest possible settlement—it’s about protecting your rights and ensuring that you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to under the law. An experienced Orlando auto accident lawyer can:
- Negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to ensure that you receive a fair settlement.
- Gather evidence to build a strong case, including medical records, witness statements, and accident reconstruction.
- If necessary, advocate for your best interests, both in and out of court.
- Provide peace of mind so you can focus on your recovery, knowing that your case is in capable hands.