Motorcycle accident injuries can have a traumatic impact on your life. If you hope to recover maximum compensation for the damages you sustained, you will likely need to file both insurance and tort claims.
However, dealing with the insurance company is one of the most challenging aspects of the claims process for motorcyclists across Washington. If you were involved in a motorcycle accident here is what you can expect from the insurance claims process.
Filing Your Motorcycle Accident Insurance Claim
Washington state follows a fault base system for car accidents and insurance purposes. This means when you are involved in a motor vehicle collision of any kind, you will need to file a claim with the liable party’s insurance company. Unfortunately, pursuing insurance claims against the at-fault party can be challenging.
This is often true in cases where a driver is uninsured or underinsured or flees the scene. Take the recent Everett motorcycle accident involving a pickup truck. This case will likely be investigated as a hit and run after the pickup truck driver fled the accident scene.
If you purchased your own personal injury protection (PIP) coverage as part of your auto insurance policy, you may be able to file a claim with your own auto insurer when you are hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver or a driver who flees the scene. Once the driver’s identity has been revealed, you may be able to hold them accountable by pursuing civil claims against them.
How Insurance Companies Take Advantage of Injured Motorcyclists
When dealing with the insurance company after filing your motorcycle accident claim, you can expect them to look for opportunities to reduce or deny you the benefits and compensation you are entitled to.
Motorcyclists in particular are at an increased risk of being taken advantage of by insurance companies. If the insurance company can utilize the biker stigma to make it appear as though you are an unsafe or reckless driver who does not have regard for their safety or others, they may be able to reduce your injury settlement under RCW 4.22.005, the state’s comparative negligence laws.
Protect your injury settlement by having your motorcycle accident attorney handle the insurance negotiations on your behalf. Your motorcycle accident attorney will have experience handling advantageous insurance companies. With our firm by your side, you do not have to worry about being pressured into accepting an injury settlement that is far less than what your motorcycle accident damages are worth.
Contact a Washington Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for Help Today
Although dealing with the insurance company can be one of the more tiresome elements of the claims process, when you have an experienced Washington motorcycle accident lawyer at Russell & Hill, PLLC handling the negotiations on your behalf, you can rest easier.
Our team will work tirelessly to ensure that you are not wronged by the insurance company in your greatest time of need. Schedule your free, no-obligation consultation today when you fill out our quick contact form or give our office a call at 800-529-0842.