Personal Injury Lawyer

A motorcycle accident is a potentially devastating and harrowing experience. Any motorcyclist understands the increased risk of riding, and they also know that injuries are almost guaranteed after a collision.

After a crash, the last thing that should be on your mind while lying in a hospital bed or recovering at home is money or financial hardship. Unfortunately, for most people, rest does not come easily, especially when you are the head of the household or the primary provider. Therefore, it is understandable the temptation you feel when an insurance representative for the at-fault driver offers a settlement to resolve the matter and keep it out of court. While the temptation is understandable, do not give in.

The Insurance Company Is Not an Ally

Insurance companies care only about reducing their liability risk. An early settlement offer is not about bringing peace to you and your family, but instead, it is a ploy to limit the insurer’s expense and avoid any bad publicity.

While an insurance adjuster may approach you respectfully, even seeming empathetic, do not trust the tactic. An adjuster is only at your home to do their job. Their job is to get you to settle for significantly less than your claim is worth.

Too many people underestimate the value of their claim. Insurance adjusters approach accident victims often too early for them to know the full extent of their injuries and expenses. If you choose to take the initial settlement offer, you will need to sign away any right to future lawsuits involving injuries stemming from the accident.

Trust Your Own Attorney

Find a local and experienced lawyer to argue on your behalf. While you may not be familiar with the tactics used by insurance companies, your lawyer is. As a layman, you also may not understand when an insurance company acts in ill-faith or illegally, but your attorney will know.

Find a lawyer you trust, especially if the insurance company is reaching out for information or to make settlement offers. Do not leave your financial health in the hands of a company trying to save a buck.

Insurance adjusters are experts at showing empathy, and some may even feel that they are doing you a favor by offering a settlement for your injuries. Unfortunately, most early offers from insurers are significantly lower than victims can receive in settlement negotiations or a trial. A local attorney or law firm, like the motorcycle accident lawyers, at David & Philpot, PL, likely have the resources to help you choose the best course of action for recovery.