Motorcycle accidents usually have dire consequences. Because the driver is not as well protected as they would be in a car or truck, the injuries can be much more serious. The driver also has to keep watch for other vehicles that are not paying attention to their surroundings. Since there are so many factors involved, there are many other legal ramifications when an accident happens that go beyond the simple property damage issue.
Essentially the owner is hit twice in any crash. The first hit, of course, is the crash itself. The injuries and property damage can be devastating. The second hit comes from reduced claim payments by the insurance industry. There are many factors that are included in the insurance that may exclude certain claims depending on the circumstances.
Many claims go unpaid or are settled for less. The industry often takes a bigger hit on the claims for injury in this type of crash. Because of this, they often make it much more difficult to receive the claim payment. Often, people simply give up and settle for much less than they should expect to receive. This can leave someone who is permanently injured struggling to pay bills that built up during an extended hospital stay.
There are often special laws that deal with motorcycles and accidents that involve them. The reason is that they are such a different type of vehicle. Some states require helmets, while others do not. Since the laws vary widely from state to state, the insurance process can as well. This puts those involved in a crash in a difficult position as they try to navigate the process.
The extent of the accident plays heavily on the process. Often these types of crashes cause permanent injury or death. Since this can eliminate part of the family income, the insurance company may find themselves in a situation where they will be forced to provide a lifetime of compensation. This is part of the reason they are reluctant to process the claims and look for ways to reduce the payout through a lower settlement number.
Property damage is often total. The motorbike itself may cost as much as a car. When involved in a serious crash it is often totaled. This adds to the cost of the insurance payout. Though reluctant to process a medical claim, this part may be the easiest part to get a settlement on. The insurance company can easily calculate the value of the bike and make the payment. Doing this may also distract the rider from pursuing extensive medical claims.
Finding an experienced attorney involves some homework. Not every attorney is versed in the world of motorbikes. If they are not at least an enthusiast, they are less likely to be appreciative of the entire situation. When looking for a lawyer it is important to find out what involvement they have had with this world besides processing previous claims.
Motorcycle accidents are devastating, but the claims process should not be. The legal ramifications of not wearing a helmet when required can severely reduce claims. The legal system sees these as different types of vehicles and often has a separate set of laws to deal with them.
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