After covering Part I of Arizona Motorcycle Accident FAQs last week, we wanted to continue with part II. There can be a lot of variables in a motorcycle accident case, thus many questions. In this version, we'll cover questions about dealing with insurance companies after your accident, financial concerns surrounding the facts of your case, and damages you may recover after a motorcycle wreck.
If you have questions we haven't answered, contact our motorcycle accident lawyers in Phoenix today by call or text at (602) 345-1818. You can also fill out our convenient online form to set up a consultation.
Dealing with Insurance
Going back and forth with insurance companies can be a pain, especially if they are trying to lowball you or put unjust fault on you for the accident. Here are a few questions you may have about dealing with insurance after your accident.
How Do I Handle the Insurance Company?
Insurance companies are notorious for trying to offer lowball settlement claims. This is especially the case when it comes to motorcycle accidents, sometimes arguing that a motorcycle rider assumed the risk by getting onto the bike in the first place, so they can decrease the claim accordingly. An experienced insurance attorney can help you get the settlement you deserve, instead of the runaround. Keep reading for information on specific insurance situations.
Should I Accept the Insurance Company's Settlement?
If you think the settlement is lower than you deserve, it probably is. Consulting a motorcycle accident lawyer can help you make the right decision in your particular case. Be aware of suspiciously early settlement offers, as the insurance company could be trying to offer you money before all expenses are known. Carefully review any insurance offers with an attorney to understand if you're potentially being short-changed. Don't accept an offer without knowing the extent of the damages you've suffered, meaning medical bills, lost wages, emotional/physical pain, etc. Typically the first offer is a lot less than the offer you deserve.
Can I Negotiate with Insurance for More Compensation?
Yes, and you should absolutely negotiate with the insurance company after an accident, with the help of an attorney. The insurance company will most likely try to offer you as little as possible to save themselves costs, which means negotiation is a must to get the compensation you need in order to get your life back on track. It's advisable to consult and bring in an attorney to do this negotiation for you, as it can be a very sensitive situation. There are some vital things to remember when negotiating with the insurance company, including the following:
- Remember your manners - What you say and how you say it really matters when negotiating an insurance settlement. Being polite may make it more difficult for the adjuster to offer you a lowball settlement offer.
- Be confident - Confidence ensures that the insurance company doesn't sense vulnerability that they can try to use against you.
- Say only what's needed - Much of the time, people say too much when under pressure. This is especially harmful in an insurance negotiation situation. Anything that you say can later be used against you.
Financial Concerns Due to the Accident
Unfortunately, a motorcycle crash can lead to compounding bills, lost wages, and worse. Here are some answers to a few questions you may have about the financial impact of an accident.
Can I Get Compensation If My Insurance Company Paid for My Treatment?
If you were injured because of the other driver's negligence, the other driver is liable for the expenses that resulted because of the accident, despite your access to other resources to pay for the damages yourself, like your own insurance coverage. It's likely that your health insurance company will request you reimburse them if you do recover damages from the defendant down the road.
My Injury Caused Me to Miss Work. Can I be Compensated for Wages Lost? What If I Used Paid Sick Time at Work?
Sometimes a motorcycle accident injury is so severe that it hinders the sufferer from earning income. When this is the case, the at-fault party is responsible for lost wages. The amount you can recover will depend on the specifics of your case. If you've used paid sick time from an employer-provided health insurance plan, it does not impact your ability to collect damages from the at-fault party. Note that your insurance provider may expect you to pay back any insurance money used if you should be rewarded damages in the future.
How Do I Pay My Medical Bills?
The at-fault party is responsible for all of the medical bills you incur as a result of the accident. You should not have to pay medical bills due to another person's negligence. You and your attorney will need to prove who the at-fault party is in your particular case. If you are concerned about your medical bills, call our motorcycle accident lawyers today to make sure you have the means to get your health and life back on the right track.
What Type of Damages Can I Recover?
An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Phoenix can help you determine exactly what type of damages you may recover according to the specifics of your case. However, some typical damages include medical expenses, physical therapy, property damage, rehabilitation, physical and psychological pain and suffering, and lost wages.
Potential Compensation
The amount of compensation you can be rewarded after an accident depends on the specifics of your case. It's nearly impossible to determine the average amount of compensation you can expect after an accident. This answer depends on the wide array of variables, discussed above. However, an attorney can help you determine how much you may be able to recover. Contacting an attorney today can help you better understand how much your settlement is worth.
Next Steps: Should I Contact an Attorney?
Yes, having a motorcycle accident law firm on your side is advisable. Insurance companies may try to offer you incredibly low settlements, proving liability in motorcycle wrecks can be strenuous, and dealing with all of this and the injuries you may be suffering from is a lot to do alone. Getting your life back on track is the priority, and it's what we can help you do at Impact Legal. Call or text us today at (602) 345-1818, or fill out this convenient online form to set up your free consultation. We are ready to help you and your family recover.