Motorcycle accidents can cause catastrophic injuries and high medical bills. The insurance company is not on your side when you make a claim. They want to save money, even if it means giving you a lot less than you deserve of insurance Companies. They employ a lot of different tactics to reduce or deny what you’re owed.
Fresno, located in California’s fertile Central Valley, is known for its vibrant agricultural industry and warm, inviting climate. With miles of open highways and scenic routes, it’s a popular destination for motorbike enthusiasts looking to enjoy the ride all year round. However, the busy roads and heavy traffic can sometimes lead to serious accidents.
If you find yourself in a situation where you’ve been injured in a crash, it’s essential to have someone who understands both the local roads and the insurance tactics used against riders. A Fresno motorcycle accident lawyer can help you fight the insurance company’s tactics and protect your claim if you get hurt here.
Common Tactics Insurance Companies Use
Often, insurance companies blame the motorcyclist first. Even if it’s not true, they can say you were speeding or riding recklessly. If they can prove that you were largely to blame, this might reduce or even cancel your payout. This is why they look for even the smallest mistakes to blame you for.
They also dispute how badly you were injured. Adjusters can say that your injuries aren’t that bad or that they already existed. They can request your full medical history to determine if there is any information that could be used against you. Their goal is to prove that the accident didn’t cause your injuries.
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Quick Offers and Pressuring You to Settle
One common deception is to promise to offer you money quickly. They know that the crash might have made it hard for you to make ends meet. However, the first offer typically only covers a small portion of what you actually need. If you accept, you usually can’t ask for more later, even if your condition gets worse.
This is why being patient is important. Your long-term needs may include therapy, surgery, or lost income. The insurance provider won’t include those unless you request them. They often hope you don’t have a lawyer who can tell you how much your claim is truly worth.
Delaying Tactics and Lowballing Damages
Another way that insurance companies reduce payouts is by causing delays. They might not answer your calls or say they lost the paperwork. Even if they already have the papers, they’ll insist they need more. The more they stall, the more pressure you feel to settle.
They also make pain and suffering seem less important. Adjusters might declare that emotional trauma isn’t covered or isn’t worth much. They might question how injured you are based on what you do every day. This makes it more difficult to obtain full compensation if you don’t fight back.
Misleading You About Your Own Policy
The insurance company may not be entirely honest about what your coverage entails. They can say that some benefits don’t apply or that there are limits on what you can get. They might not inform you about elements of the policy that could result in additional compensation. This could prevent you from receiving everything you’re legally entitled to.
Insurance companies know that most customers don’t read the fine print. This is the reason they use complex and unclear terms to confuse you. You’re bound to suffer this tactic if you’re handling your claim on your own. It’s just another way they try to keep payouts low.
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