It's overwhelming to face insurance adjusters after a motorcycle accident. If you're dealing with this in Pennsylvania, knowing how to communicate effectively can make a huge difference. This guide offers practical tips to help you interact confidently with insurance adjusters and protect your rights.
Insurance Adjusters & Motorcycle Accident Claims: What to Expect
An insurance adjuster’s job is limiting the insurance company's payout. They gather police reports, medical records, and witness statements to evaluate your claim. They may also dig into your background or medical history.
Pennsylvania uses a "modified comparative negligence" rule, meaning you can still recover damages if you’re less than 51% at fault. But your payout will be reduced based on your share of fault.
So all the information gathered by the insurer will be used, ultimately, to assign you the blame and reduce the insurer’s liability. This is true whether you’re talking to your own insurer or the insurer for the person at fault, especially if you share the same insurance company.
All you can do is be honest and consistent in your conversations. Provide well-organized documents like repair estimates, medical bills, and proof of lost wages. Solid paperwork prevents adjusters from using gaps or missing info to downplay your claim.
How to Strengthen Your Motorcycle Accident Claim
When talking to adjusters, stick to basic facts—the accident's date, time, and location. Avoid guessing or overexplaining. If you're unsure about something, say so.
Refer all medical questions to your healthcare provider. Keep detailed records of all phone calls and emails. Adjusters are trained to protect their company's interests, so stay informed and firm.
To prove the other party’s fault, gather strong evidence: scene photos, vehicle damage, visible injuries, and witness statements. The police report is especially valuable if it indicates the other driver was at fault. These elements can help clarify what happened and support your version of events when dealing with the insurance company.
Preparing for an Independent Medical Examination (IME)
An Independent Medical Examination (IME) is a medical evaluation requested by the insurance company, typically performed by a doctor selected by them. The IME is used to verify your injuries and assess whether your treatment is reasonable; you might be familiar with them if you’ve ever filed a workers’ comp claim in Pennsylvania. The insurance company may use this report to dispute your injury claims or try to reduce what they owe you, which makes the IME a critical part of your case.
Review your medical records ahead of time and communicate clearly and truthfully during the examination. Avoid exaggerating or downplaying your symptoms.
Remember: You have the right to bring a representative or legal advisor to the exam to make sure everything is done properly and to protect your interests.
What If You Get a Low Settlement Offer?
Insurance companies often start with low settlement offers. These amounts may not fully cover your medical costs, lost wages, or pain and suffering. Don’t accept the first offer without reviewing it carefully.
Back up your demand with thorough documentation. If needed, talk to a Pennsylvania motorcycle accident attorney to push for a fair settlement.
If Your Claim Gets Denied
A denial letter can be frustrating, but our lawyers have overcome claim denials countless times before. Start by reviewing the reasons carefully. Collect additional evidence to directly counter each denial point.
If appeals don’t work, consult an HHR attorney. Our team can help you challenge the denial and navigate the appeals process.
When to Consult a Pennsylvania Motorcycle Accident Attorney
You’ll want to speak with a motorcycle injury lawyer in Pennsylvania as soon as possible after your accident. A personal injury attorney is the only professional trained to counter an insurance company’s attempts at putting the blame for your injuries on you.
But even if you’ve already started talking to an adjuster, it’s in your interest to call a lawyer to advocate for you in those discussions. As soon as liability is unclear, settlement offers stay low, or policy details seem complicated, give our firm a call. The PA motorcycle injury lawyers at Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC can guide you from start to finish, making sure to maximize your compensation and make sure your rights are protected.
Common Adjuster Tactics to Watch For
Adjusters may ask leading questions to make you downplay your injuries or admit fault. They might casually suggest that you were speeding, not paying attention, or not wearing the right gear, hoping you'll agree without realizing the legal impact.
Another tactic is delaying responses. Adjusters know that financial pressure builds over time, and by dragging things out, they can push you toward accepting a lowball offer just to get the process over with. They may also pressure you to settle quickly, offering what sounds like fast cash to prevent you from fully understanding the long-term value of your claim.
Adjusters sometimes act like hiring a lawyer will only slow things down or reduce your payout. This is designed to keep you isolated. Don’t fall for it. Proper legal advice can help you handle these tactics and get a better outcome.
HHR Has Recovered Tens of Millions for Plaintiffs
The best way to protect yourself is to stay calm, take your time before answering questions, keep detailed notes of all conversations, and contact a Pennsylvania motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible.
Dealing with motorcycle accident claims isn’t easy, but Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC is here to help. We’re committed to fighting for fair compensation and guiding you through every step.
Call us at (888) 498-3023 or contact us online to see how we can fight to get back what you’ve lost.