Some motorcycle accidents that lead to injury do not necessarily end up in a lawsuit. But almost all motorcycle accidents, no matter how minor or severe, involve dealing with insurance companies whether relative to a property damage claim, a bodily injury claim, or both.
More often than not when you’re involved in a crash, one of the first things you may consider doing is calling your insurance company. An insurance company will make settlements to reimburse drivers for vehicle or motorcycle repairs, depending on who they determine is at fault.
No matter the severity of your crash, you will likely be dealing with at least one insurance company—possibly more. The goal of these companies is not to do what’s right or fair. Their goal is to pay as little as possible and close your claim quickly. When you speak with them too soon, or without legal guidance, you may unintentionally make that job easier for them.
If you’ve been in a motorcycle crash, you don’t have to handle this alone. Before calling your insurance company, your best step is to talk with a motorcycle accident attorney who can protect your rights and advocate on your behalf.
Why Most People Call Their Insurance Company First
In the aftermath of a crash, especially if your motorcycle is damaged or you’ve been injured, your first instinct may be to call your insurance company. That seems reasonable. After all, you pay the monthly premiums the insurance company charges to be there for you in moments like these.
Insurance companies often seem helpful in the beginning. They’ll express concern, ask how you’re feeling, and assure you that they just want to get your claim started. But while they might sound friendly, every word you say during that first call can impact your claim in ways that may not be immediately obvious.
An adjuster may record your conversation. An adjuster will take notes. An adjuster may even ask leading questions meant to elicit statements that minimize your injuries or lend to any notion that you were at fault. This is especially true in motorcycle crashes where unfair bias already exists. Insurance companies may assume that the rider was speeding, reckless, or otherwise to blame just by nature of riding a motorcycle.
Insurance Tactics You Should Watch Out For
Even if you have a solid claim, the insurance company may try to lower or deny your compensation using a few common tactics:
- Pushing You to Admit Fault
An agent may casually ask, “Is there anything you could have done differently?” or “Did you see the other driver before the crash?” These sound like simple questions, but how you answer can be used to reduce the value of your claim or deny your claim entirely. - Downplaying Your Injuries
They may ask how you’re feeling or if you’ve seen a doctor. If you respond with something like “I’m okay” or “I don’t think anything’s broken,” that can be viewed as evidence that your injuries are not serious—even if symptoms show up later, which is common with soft tissue injuries and head trauma. - Discouraging Legal Representation
Some adjusters may suggest that hiring a lawyer will just complicate things or delay the process. In reality, they know that an attorney will ensure you’re treated fairly, and that often means more compensation for you. When they advise you to “handle it yourself,” it’s not for your benefit—it’s for theirs and the insurance companies. - Rushing You Into a Settlement
Insurance companies may make a quick settlement offer before you’ve had time to see a doctor or understand the full extent of your injuries. That initial amount is usually far less than what your case is worth. Once you accept it, you can’t go back for more—even if your condition worsens or you require surgery later on.
The Risk of Saying Too Much Too Soon
The truth is, anything you say to an insurance company can be twisted or taken out of context. Even simple, well-meaning statements can damage your claim. Saying things like:
- “I didn’t see the other car.”
- “I’m sorry.”
- “I might have been going a little fast.”
Each of these phrases could be interpreted as an admission of fault. Even if you’re 10 percent to blame, your compensation may be reduced. And if you’re found to be more than 50 percent at fault in Ohio, you will not be entitled to any recovery at all under the state’s comparative negligence laws.
That’s why it’s critical to speak with an attorney before giving a recorded statement or answering detailed questions from any insurance adjuster. An attorney is likely to tell you not to do either.
Why a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Should Be Your First Call
You wouldn’t perform surgery on yourself or argue a tax case without an accountant. In the same way, navigating an injury claim—especially one involving a motorcycle—requires experience and knowledge.
At The Richards Firm, we help injury victims throughout Southwestern Ohio, including our hometown of Hamilton, the rest of Butler County, Cincinnati and the surrounding area, and Northern Kentucky stand up to the insurance industry. We’ve seen firsthand how these companies operate. We know their strategies. And we know how to fight back.
Here’s what we do for you:
- Communicate with the insurance companies on your behalf
You won’t have to deal with the pressure of speaking to adjusters or worrying about saying the wrong thing. - Gather medical records and accident evidence
This includes photos, witness statements, police reports, and more to build a strong claim. - Negotiate a full and fair settlement
We take into account not just current medical bills but future treatment, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any lasting disability. - File a lawsuit if needed
While most claims resolve without going to court, we’re fully prepared to file suit if the insurance company refuses to treat you fairly. - Keep you informed every step of the way
Our clients don’t get passed from person to person. When you work with The Richards Firm, you work directly with attorney Rhys Richards from start to finish.
Common Reasons Motorcycle Claims Are Denied
Understanding the tactics insurance companies use is only part of the picture. They also have several common reasons for denying claims, including:
- Delayed medical treatment: If you didn’t seek medical care right away, they may argue your injuries aren’t serious or weren’t caused by the crash.
- Preexisting conditions: They may try to blame your pain on a prior injury or medical history, even if the crash made it worse.
- Insufficient evidence: If there are no photos, no witness statements, or a vague police report, they might say your version of events can’t be verified.
- Policy exclusions or lapses: If the policy wasn’t active or didn’t cover the type of damage or injury claimed, they may deny it outright.
By working with a lawyer early, you can head off many of these issues before they arise.
When to Contact a Lawyer
If you’re wondering whether you really need an attorney, here’s a simple rule of thumb:
If your motorcycle accident involved injuries, it’s almost always in your best interest to speak with a lawyer before speaking with the insurance company. Having a lawyer by your side can even help scare insurance adjusters.
Even if you’re not sure you want to file a lawsuit, getting a free consultation can help you understand your rights, your options, and what to expect.
You Are Not Alone
After a crash, you’re left hurting, possibly out of work, with a damaged bike and growing medical bills. Meanwhile, the insurance company seems to be moving in the opposite direction—delaying, denying, and trying to diminish the value of what you’ve been through.
It’s not right, but it’s common. The good news is that you do have someone in your corner.
At The Richards Firm, we don’t see you as a claim number. We see you as a person—someone who has been wronged, is navigating uncertainty, and needs real answers. Our job is to provide those answers, protect your rights, and take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on getting better.
We’ve helped people across Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky recover after serious motorcycle crashes, and we’re here to help you too.
When you contact us, you won’t be routed through a call center or pressured to make a decision on the spot. You’ll speak directly with attorney Rhys Richards, who will listen to your story, review your case, and help you understand what to do next.
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t owe us anything unless we recover compensation for you.
To get started, call us at 513-461-0084 or visit https://richardsinjuryfirm.com.
Don’t let an insurance company dictate the outcome of your case. Reach out today for a free consultation. Let us help you move forward.
