Motorcycle Accident Insurance Issues
After an accident, Ohio motorcyclists are more likely to deal with insurance issues than “caged” drivers. In addition to problems such as uninsured/underinsured drivers, bikers are more likely to exhaust policy limits because the bodily injury they often suffer is much greater than passenger car injuries.
It is no secret that there is a perception that bikers claims are worth less than other claims because bikers engage in risky behavior by riding a motorcycle. This is not supported by the law and should be dealt with aggressively.
Despite the common stigma motorcycle accident injury victims face, our Cincinnati attorneys have been able to successfully recover damages for the fair value of injuries for our motorcyclist clients.
The At-Fault Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance
You have been hit by a motorist and learn that he or she does not have insurance. Hopefully, you are insured and have good uninsured/underinsured (UM/UIM) coverage. Even if you do not have UM/UIM, you may still have options.
Employer automobile insurance policies, other household automobile insurance policies, and the motorcyclists UM/UIM policy should all be examined. Further, an attorney can help ascertain whether the insured at-fault motorist has money or assets that could help satisfy a judgment.
Your Medical Expenses Exceed Your Liability Insurance
Motorcycle collisions can cause catastrophic injuries and permanent disability. It is not uncommon for medical costs to exceed liability coverage. At no time is it more important to have an experienced attorney advocating on your behalf. There may be other options available to you. In addition, medical expense liens can be negotiated down to help put more money in your pocket despite low liability limit coverage.
The Insurance Company Has Offered You a Settlement
When personal injuries are involved, never accept a payment from an insurance company without first consulting a motorcycle accident lawyer.
Insurance adjusters/agents attempt to minimize payouts. You only have one chance to recover for your injuries. If you accept a settlement prior to knowing the extent of your injuries, you could be forced to deal with future medical bills and lost wages without coverage from liability insurance.
Are they compensating you just for medical bills and the damage to your bike? Does the offer consider the physical pain you have suffered or the long-term impact the injuries have on your quality of life? Did you sustain scarring or disfigurement and does the insurance offer fairly compensate you for it?
Feel free to visit our page discussing the tricks that insurance companies play in accident claims.
Discuss Motorcycle Insurance Issues With a Cincinnati Attorney
It is not sufficient to hire a lawyer. You need to hire a lawyer who has experience taking motorcycle cases to trial and success settling motorcycle cases. To see more about the verdicts and settlements our firm has achieved, please visit our Sample Cases page . Sit down with a top-rated attorney prior to speaking with your insurance company. Once you accept an insurance offer, you generally forfeit your right to file suit.
At Rittgers Rittgers & Nakajima, we’re experienced in handling the unique challenges that Ohio motorcyclists face. With offices in Cincinnati, Lebanon and West Chester, we help injured bikers throughout southwestern Ohio. Contact us for a consultation.
