Insurance Companies and Motorcycle Accidents

An experienced attorney holding negligent drivers accountable

Motorcycle accidents are very different from crashes involving passenger-vehicles. Since motorcyclists don’t have the protective structure of a passenger vehicle, injuries sustained in a crash can be severe and even deadly.

Coby L. Wooten, Attorney at Law understands that many passenger-vehicle drivers fail to show regard for motorcyclists. They may refuse to yield to motorcyclists or fail to see them at all. If the negligence of a motorist caused your motorcycle accident, you shouldn’t have to suffer. Wooten will fight to hold negligent drivers, and their insurance companies, accountable for your losses. Contact us today and find out how a motorcycle accident lawyer can help. Coby has extensive experience handling motorcycle crashes in Fort Worth, Dallas and other surrounding areas.

The severity of motorcycle accidents

Motorcyclists often suffer the most devastating injuries, largely because of the lack of a protective structure and stability in the event of an accident. Motorcyclists can be flung into the air, suffer road rash, or collide with another vehicle. While using protective gear can reduce the likelihood of suffering a severe or fatal injury, it doesn’t always prevent them entirely.

Common motorcycle accident injuries include:

• Head injuries
• Broken bones
• Spine injuries
• Contusions
• Abrasions from road rash
• Organ injuries
• Paralysis
• Death

If you were hurt in a motorcycle crash, you may need diagnostic tests, imaging test, surgery, hospitalization, medication, physical therapy and multiple follow-up appointments with doctors. Medical expenses for treating your injuries can add up very quickly and become overwhelming.

The driver who caused your accident may have been speeding, operating recklessly or texting behind the wheel. But holding negligent drivers accountable can be a long and complicated process. These drivers often deny doing anything wrong.

Dealing with insurance companies after a motorcycle accident

Following a motorcycle accident, you may expect the negligent driver’s insurance company to compensate you for any damages, injuries or suffering caused. Unfortunately, it’s not that easy. Insurance companies often take advantage of the biases against motorcyclists by offering a low-ball financial sum. They might even try to claim that you were at fault or that you were reckless. But evidence from the crash scene can tell a different story, especially if a detailed police report is available.

Hit-and-run motorcycle accidents can also be complicated. If you can’t identify the at-fault driver, you can’t file a claim with their insurance company. Even if you have uninsured motorist coverage, your own insurance company may try to minimize your compensation. They may question the seriousness of your injuries or argue that they were pre-existing.

If you’re wondering whether insurance will pay your medical bills, the answer is “it’s complicated.” The medical expenses for a motorcycle accident can be substantial, and insurance companies know it. There are numerous tricks they can use to try to get out of paying for your medical expenses. An attorney can protect your rights and advocate for the full compensation you need for your medical bills and other costs.

What to do if your insurance claim is denied

Getting a claim denial from the insurance company after a motorcycle accident can be frustrating and overwhelming, especially when you're dealing with serious injuries and mounting medical bills. But a denial doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Insurance companies often look for any excuse to minimize or reject claims, even when they’re valid. If your claim has been denied, here’s what you need to do next:

• Review the denial letter: Insurance companies must provide a reason for denying your claim. Look for specifics in their explanation – are they claiming you were at fault? Do they say your injuries aren’t as serious as you claim? Understanding why your claim was denied is the first step to fighting back.
• Gather evidence to challenge the denial: If the insurer disputes liability, collect any evidence that supports your case, such as:
  • The official police report
  • Witness statements
  • Photos or videos from the crash scene
  • Medical records that prove the extent of your injuries
  • Expert opinions (such as accident reconstruction specialists)
• Check your insurance policy: If you’re filing through your own insurance (such as an uninsured/underinsured motorist claim), review your policy to confirm your coverage. Sometimes, insurance companies wrongfully deny claims based on misinterpretation or bad faith tactics.
• Appeal the decision: Many insurance companies have an internal appeals process. If your claim was denied unfairly, you may be able to challenge the decision by providing additional documentation and a strong legal argument.
• Don’t accept their first offer: If the insurance company isn’t outright denying your claim but is offering far less than you deserve, don’t accept it without speaking to a lawyer first. Insurance adjusters know injured motorcyclists may feel financial pressure, and they often use this to push lowball settlements.
• Get a lawyer involved: If your claim has been denied or undervalued, don’t try to fight the insurance company alone. An experienced Fort Worth motorcycle accident lawyer knows the tactics insurers use and can negotiate aggressively on your behalf. If necessary, your attorney can file a lawsuit to demand the compensation you deserve.

Insurance companies always put their bottom line before your recovery. If your motorcycle accident claim was denied, Coby L. Wooten can help you challenge the decision and fight for the compensation you’re entitled to.

We are on your side throughout the process

Insurance companies, including your own, aren’t interested in your recovery. The only thing they want to do is reduce their own costs. They may be willing to offer you a small settlement, but it is rarely enough to compensate you for the full extent of your medical bills, loss of wages and suffering.

That’s why you need an experienced motorcycle accident attorney on your side who will discuss your options and aggressively pursue your claim. Attorney Coby L. Wooten will launch a thorough investigation into what caused your motorcycle accident. He’ll gather  evidence needed to build a strong case and hold the driver, and his or her insurance company, accountable for your losses.

Our legal team takes nothing for granted and knows where to look for evidence that a driver’s negligence caused your crash. We carefully review accident reports and medical records. We identify and interview witnesses. If needed, we consult accident reconstruction experts and other specialists.

A motorcycle accident law firm that knows how to get results

Our experienced attorneys know the tactics that insurance companies use to minimize compensation and don’t put up with them. We determine the total damages you have suffered, including current and future medical expenses, lost wages if you couldn’t work, and other damages such as pain and suffering.

We are determined to help you recover maximum compensation after your motorcycle crash, whether that’s from a negotiated motorcycle accident settlement or a jury verdict.

You owe us nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Because we work on a contingency fee basis, there are no upfront fees or other charges that you need to pay. We pay all the costs of moving your case through the legal system. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing. A lawyer will personally handle your case every step of the way. There are no case managers here.

Don’t delay. While Texas law gives you two years from the date of your accident to take legal action, it’s important to get legal advice as soon as possible.

Put more than 30 years of legal experience to work for you. Contact Wooten today for a free case evaluation, or simply call our Fort Worth office at 817-632-8400 and find out how we can help you.