Why Motorcycle Accident Claims Often Get Undervalued
Motorcycle accidents often result in serious injuries, yet insurance companies frequently undervalue these claims. At Bednarz & Bednarz, our attorneys represent injured riders across Tennessee and help ensure insurance companies fully acknowledge the extent of their losses. Understanding why claims are undervalued can help you protect your rights after a crash. To learn more about our experience, contact our motorcycle accident attorneys.
Bias Against Motorcyclists
One of the most common challenges in motorcycle accident claims is bias. Insurance adjusters, and sometimes juries, may assume that motorcyclists are inherently reckless or prone to speeding. Even when the evidence shows otherwise, this perception can influence fault assignment and damage calculations.
This bias often leads adjusters to reduce settlement offers or dispute liability. Our firm addresses these assumptions by presenting clear evidence, such as accident reports, witness statements, and expert analysis, to ensure fair treatment for our clients.
Injuries Are More Severe, But Harder to Quantify
Motorcyclists lack the physical protection that cars provide and often suffer more serious injuries as a result. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists face about 28 times the risk of dying in a crash per vehicle mile traveled compared to occupants of passenger vehicles.
While riders frequently experience severe injuries, from traumatic brain injuries to spinal cord damage, parties often struggle to fully quantify these injuries in the early stages of a claim. Insurance companies may try to settle quickly, before anyone can fully understand the long-term impact of the injuries. These actions can greatly undervalue the claim, especially when the rider needs ongoing medical care or faces permanent disability.
Disputes Over Fault and Visibility
Many motorcycle accidents involve disputes about visibility. Drivers often claim they “didn’t see” the motorcyclist, especially at intersections or during lane changes. While this may explain how a crash occurred, it does not excuse drivers from negligence.
However, insurance companies often use these arguments to shift partial blame onto the motorcyclist, thus reducing the overall value of the claim under Tennessee’s comparative fault rules. Our attorneys reconstruct the accident and demonstrate how the other driver’s actions caused the collision.
Insurance Coverage Limitations
Limited insurance coverage also causes undervalued motorcycle claims. Many drivers carry only the minimum required coverage, which often fails to cover the full extent of a motorcyclist’s injuries.
In Tennessee, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage can be critical in these cases. Our firm often helps clients find all available sources of compensation, including their own policies.
Property Damage Misconceptions
Unlike cars, motorcycles are more likely to be declared a total loss even in moderate crashes. However, insurance companies sometimes focus heavily on the motorcycle’s relatively lower cost, rather than on the severity of the rider’s injuries.
This mismatch can skew the perception of the claim’s overall value. Our attorneys emphasize that this mismatch can distort how everyone perceives the claim’s overall value. Our attorneys stress that personal injury damages, medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering often matter far more than property damage in motorcycle cases. Evaluation and strong advocacy. From addressing bias to documenting long-term injuries, each step helps ensure the claim reflects the true impact of the accident.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
At Bednarz & Bednarz, our attorneys take a thorough and measured approach to every case. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, don’t wait to get the help you need. Take the first step toward fair compensation by scheduling a consultation with one of our Tennessee motorcycle accident attorneys. Call (615) 623-8789 or contact us online today.
