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When a motorcycle accident happens, many riders expect their insurance company to help them get back on their feet. But too often, injured motorcyclists face unfair treatment based on outdated stereotypes, unfounded assumptions, and a lack of empathy from adjusters. That bias can cost them their right to full compensation.
At Mueller, Schmidt, Mulholland & Cooling, our Des Moines motorcycle accident lawyers know these tactics all too well. Here’s why insurance companies are biased and what you can do to protect yourself.
Stereotypes Still Sabotage Motorcycle Claims
Motorcyclists are frequently portrayed as reckless, risk-prone, or law-breaking daredevils, even when they follow every rule of the road.
This situation might sound familiar: A rider sitting at a red light, completely still, is rear-ended by a distracted driver. Despite clear fault, the insurance company questions the biker’s visibility and claims they were “too hard to see.”
These snap judgments can lead to:
- Lowball settlement offers
- Unfair shifting of blame to the rider
- Wrongful claim denials
Instead of evaluating the facts of the crash, adjusters may assume the motorcyclist was speeding, weaving through traffic, or failing to wear proper safety gear, regardless of the actual circumstances.
How Insurance Adjusters Stack the Deck Against Bikers
When you’re a motorcyclist, insurance companies are quick to assume the worst. Instead of focusing on the facts, they cut corners and fight to pay out as little as possible.
What it means for you:
- Assuming Fault Without Evidence: Adjusters may automatically assume the rider was at fault, even if the other driver ran a red light or failed to yield.
- Disputing the Severity of Injuries: Motorcycle injuries can be severe and expensive, with more than 218,000 riders being treated in emergency departments nationwide in 2022. Insurers may claim the injuries were pre-existing or question the need for certain treatments.
- Challenging Protective Gear Use: Even if a rider wore a helmet and protective clothing, insurers might try to shift blame by arguing the gear was inadequate or not DOT-approved.
- Using Gaps in Medical Treatment Against You: If you don’t go to the ER immediately or miss a follow-up appointment, they may argue your injuries weren’t serious, even if you were in shock or dealing with delayed symptoms.
Fighting Back With Strong Evidence
Because of this built-in bias, gathering strong evidence after a motorcycle accident is critical.
Here’s what can help protect your claim:
- Police Reports: These reports provide an official, third-party account of what happened. Request a copy as soon as it’s available.
- Helmet Cam or Dash Cam Footage: Video evidence can show exactly how the crash occurred, including other drivers’ reckless behavior or traffic violations.
- Witness Statements: Independent witnesses who saw the crash can back up your side of the story and help prove false assumptions.
- Photos and Scene Documentation: Take pictures of your injuries, the damage to your bike, and the crash scene, including skid marks, road signs, and traffic signals.
- Medical Records: Document every appointment, diagnosis, treatment, and prescription. This builds a clear timeline of your injuries and recovery.
How Our Law Firm Levels the Playing Field
You shouldn’t face pushback from your insurance company while trying to heal. Our Des Moines motorcycle accident lawyers know how to stand up to biased insurers.
To protect your rights and recovery, we’ll:
- Challenge unfair assumptions about your role in the crash
- Build a persuasive claim with solid evidence
- Demand full compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering
- Negotiate with the insurance company so you don’t have to
We know the tricks insurers use, and we don’t let them get away with it.
Don’t Let Bias Stand in the way of Justice
If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle accident in Iowa, don’t let an insurance company twist the story or minimize your pain. You deserve to be seen, heard, and fully compensated.
Contact our law firm for a free, no-obligation consultation. It’s frustrating to fight for what should be fair. We’ll stand up for your rights and work to get you the compensation you are entitled to from the start.
Even if you did everything right, one careless driver can change your life, and you deserve a legal team that won’t let bias stand in your way.
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Providing Unmatched EXPERIENCE On Your Case When you find yourself in a situation where you’ve been treated unfairly or you’re in the middle of a legal disagreement, it can be difficult to know what your rights are and how to proceed.
