Dealing with Insurance Companies After a Motorcycle Accident

Our firm is dedicated to protecting the rights of injured motorcyclists and ensuring they receive the full compensation they deserve. Trust Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks to provide the experienced legal guidance and aggressive representation needed to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

Dealing with insurance companies after a motorcycle accident can be frustrating and overwhelming, especially when they try to minimize or deny your claim. Insurance adjusters often look for ways to shift blame onto motorcyclists, undervalue damages, or pressure victims into accepting low settlements.

At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, we understand the tactics insurance adjusters use and know how to fight back to protect your rights. Our Utah motorcycle accident lawyers are here to handle negotiations, gather strong evidence, and ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash, don’t let the insurance company take advantage of you. Contact us today for experienced legal representation.

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Understanding Insurance Policies for Motorcyclists

Motorcycle insurance is essential for protecting riders from financial burdens in the event of an accident. Understanding the different types of coverage available and the requirements in Utah can help motorcyclists ensure they have adequate protection.

Below is an overview of the key aspects of motorcycle insurance policies and what riders should know.

Utah’s Minimum Insurance Requirements

Utah law requires all motorcyclists to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance. This coverage is designed to pay for damages and injuries caused to others in an accident. The state’s minimum requirements are:

$25,000 for bodily injury per person.
$65,000 for bodily injury per accident (if multiple people are injured).
$15,000 for property damage.

Unlike car insurance policies, motorcycles are exempt from Utah’s no-fault insurance system, meaning riders are not required to carry Personal Injury Protection coverage. This means that in an accident, motorcyclists must file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance or rely on their own coverage for medical expenses.

Additional Insurance Coverage Options

While Utah’s minimum liability coverage meets legal requirements, it may not be enough to cover damages in a serious accident fully. Riders should consider adding the following coverage options for better financial protection:

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: This covers expenses if you’re hit by a driver without insurance or insufficient coverage.
Medical Payments: Helps pay for medical expenses regardless of fault, filling the gap left by Utah’s PIP exemption for motorcycles.
Collision Coverage: Pays for damages to your motorcycle in the event of an accident, regardless of who was at fault.
Comprehensive Coverage: This covers non-collision incidents, such as theft, vandalism, and weather-related damage.
Accessory Coverage: Protects customized parts, saddlebags, and other modifications made to the motorcycle.

How Insurance Companies Handle Motorcycle Claims

Motorcyclists often face challenges when dealing with insurance companies. Many insurers attempt to minimize payouts by:

Claiming the motorcyclist was at fault to reduce liability.
Offering low settlement amounts that do not fully cover medical expenses and lost wages.
Arguing that injuries were pre-existing or not as severe as claimed.

Steps to Protect Yourself When Filing a Claim

To ensure a fair insurance claim process, motorcyclists should:

Document the accident thoroughly, including photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and injuries.

Seek medical attention immediately and keep detailed records of treatment.

Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters without consulting a lawyer.

Consult an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer to handle negotiations and protect your rights.

Having the right motorcycle insurance policy can make a significant difference in the aftermath of an accident. Understanding your coverage options and legal requirements in Utah ensures you are adequately protected. If you’re facing challenges with an insurance claim, Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks is here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Common Challenges Faced with Insurers

After a motorcycle accident, dealing with insurance companies can be difficult, as they often prioritize minimizing payouts over fairly compensating injured riders. Motorcyclists frequently encounter obstacles that can delay or reduce their settlements.

Below are some of the most common challenges faced when dealing with insurers after an accident.

Bias Against Motorcyclists

One of the biggest hurdles motorcyclists face is the stigma of reckless riding. Insurance adjusters and opposing parties may argue that motorcyclists are inherently risky drivers, even when they are following all traffic laws. This bias can lead to unfair blame being placed on the rider, making it harder to recover full compensation.

Disputes Over Liability

Insurance companies often try to shift blame onto the motorcyclist to reduce their payout. Common tactics include:

Arguing that the motorcyclist was speeding or riding recklessly.
Claiming the rider did not follow Utah’s motorcycle laws, such as failing to wear a helmet (if under 21).
Asserting that another factor, such as road conditions or vehicle blind spots, contributed to the accident rather than the insured driver’s negligence.

Lowball Settlement Offers

Even when liability is clear, insurers often offer low settlements that do not fully cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Adjusters may:

Pressure victims into accepting a quick payout before they understand the full extent of their injuries.
Downplay long-term medical costs by ignoring the need for ongoing treatments, rehabilitation, or surgeries.
Undervalue property damage, offering less than what’s needed to repair or replace the motorcycle.

Delays in Processing Claims

Insurance companies sometimes delay the claims process to frustrate victims and push them toward settling for less. These tactics may include:

Repeatedly requesting additional documentation to slow down the process.
Claiming they need more time to investigate liability before making an offer.
Ignoring or failing to respond to inquiries in a timely manner.

Denial of Claims

In some cases, insurers deny entirely a valid claim, arguing that:

The motorcyclist was at fault and not eligible for compensation.
There was insufficient evidence to prove negligence.
The injuries were pre-existing and not caused by the accident.

How to Overcome These Challenges

To protect their rights, motorcyclists should:

Gather strong evidence, including accident reports, photos, medical records, and witness statements.
Avoid giving recorded statements to insurers without consulting a lawyer.
Work with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney to handle negotiations and legal challenges.

At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, we fight against insurance company tactics and ensure our clients receive the compensation they deserve.

Tips for Communicating with Insurance Adjusters

After a motorcycle accident, speaking with an insurance adjuster can be a critical step in the claims process. However, adjusters work for the insurance company, aiming to minimize payouts rather than ensure you receive full compensation.

Knowing how to communicate effectively can help protect your claim and prevent costly mistakes. Below are some key tips to keep in mind when dealing with insurance adjusters.

Be Prepared Before Speaking

Before you talk to the adjuster, gather all necessary documents, such as:

The police report from the accident.
Medical records detailing your injuries.
Photos and videos of the accident scene and vehicle damage.
Witness statements or contact information.

Having this information ready allows you to stick to the facts and avoid saying anything that could harm your claim.

Stick to the Facts

Insurance adjusters may try to get you to speculate about fault or downplay your injuries. To protect yourself:

Do not admit fault or make statements like “I didn’t see the car” or “I might have been speeding.”
Avoid guessing details—if you don’t know the answer to a question, simply say, “I am not sure at this time.”
Keep statements brief and factual—provide only basic details like the date, time, and location of the accident.

Do Not Provide a Recorded Statement

Adjusters often ask for a recorded statement, which they may later use against you to deny or reduce your claim. You are not legally required to give a recorded statement. If asked, politely decline and let them know you need to consult with your attorney first.

Do Not Accept the First Settlement Offer

Insurance companies frequently offer low initial settlements in the hopes that accident victims will accept less than they deserve. Before agreeing to any payout:

Consult with an attorney to determine the true value of your claim.
Make sure all medical treatment is complete—settling too soon could leave you without coverage for future medical expenses.
Get the offer in writing before agreeing to any terms.

Keep All Communication Professional and Documented

Communicate in writing whenever possible to maintain a paper trail.
Keep copies of emails and letters sent to and from the adjuster.
If speaking by phone, take notes on what was discussed, including dates and names.

Consult a Utah Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Having legal representation can make a significant difference in your case. A motorcycle accident lawyer can:

Handle all communications with the insurance company.
Negotiate for a fair settlement that covers all damages.
Ensure your rights are protected if the insurer tries to deny or delay your claim.

At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, we know how to deal with insurance adjusters and fight for the compensation you deserve.

When to Consider Legal Representation

After a motorcycle accident, you may wonder whether hiring an attorney is necessary. While minor accidents with minimal damage and no injuries may not require legal assistance, many cases involve complicated legal and insurance challenges that make professional representation invaluable.

Below are key situations when seeking legal help is essential to protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.

When You Suffer Serious Injuries

Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries due to the lack of protection compared to cars. If you have suffered any of the following injuries, an attorney can help ensure your medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term care needs are covered:

Traumatic brain injuries or concussions.
Spinal cord injuries, paralysis, or nerve damage.
Broken bones, fractures, or dislocated joints.
Severe road rash, burns, or permanent scarring.

The more severe your injuries, the more medical expenses and long-term care you will require. An experienced attorney can calculate the actual value of your claim and fight for a fair settlement.

When Liability is Disputed

Insurance companies often try to shift blame onto motorcyclists, arguing that the rider was speeding, reckless, or responsible for their injuries. If there is a dispute over fault, legal representation can help:

Gather evidence, including accident reports, witness statements, and video footage.
Work with accident reconstruction experts to prove negligence.
Challenge false claims from insurance adjusters who attempt to reduce your compensation.

Under Utah’s modified comparative fault rule, you can recover damages only if you are less than 50% at fault. If an insurer unfairly assigns you more than 50% blame, you could lose your right to compensation entirely, making legal representation critical.

When the Insurance Company Offers a Low Settlement

Insurance adjusters often lowball victims with settlement offers that fail to cover medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you receive an offer that seems too low:

Do not accept it without reviewing all your expenses and expected future costs.
Consult an attorney to negotiate for the compensation you truly deserve.
Remember that you cannot seek additional compensation once you accept a settlement, even if new medical complications arise.

When the Insurance Company Denies or Delays Your Claim

If an insurer denies your claim outright or delays processing in hopes you’ll accept a lower payout, an attorney can:

Demand timely responses from the insurance company.
File legal action if the insurer acts in bad faith.
Ensure you receive compensation for all damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress.

When a Loved One is Killed in a Motorcycle Accident

If a motorcycle accident results in a wrongful death, family members may be entitled to compensation for:

Funeral and burial expenses.
Loss of financial support and companionship.
Pain and suffering of the surviving family.

Wrongful death claims are complex and require legal expertise to ensure families receive justice.

Hiring a motorcycle accident attorney can make a significant difference in your case if you’re facing serious injuries, disputed liability, or insurance challenges. At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, we fight to protect the rights of injured riders and ensure they receive the compensation they deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Call Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks Today

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, securing the right legal representation can make all the difference in protecting your rights and maximizing your compensation. At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, we understand motorcyclists' unique challenges and are committed to fighting for the justice you deserve. Whether you’re dealing with serious injuries, disputed liability, or an uncooperative insurance company, our experienced Utah motorcycle accident lawyers are here to help every step of the way. Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you. Get the legal support you need now. Call Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks at (801) 500-4000 for a free, no-obligation consultation, or fill out our online contact form to get started. Let us handle the legal battle while you focus on your recovery.

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