After a motorcycle accident, there are many potential insurance difficulties that riders or motorists may face. For instance, how will insurance companies and the courts determine liability? What happens if a San Antonio rider gets injured in a motorcycle accident without insurance? Why is it so important to have an attorney?
Below, our San Antonio bike accident attorneys at Carabin Shaw will answer some frequently asked questions about insurance difficulties after your San Antonio motorcycle accident.
How Will Fault be Determined?There are many different ways that fault can be determined in an accident—and since Texas is a state where parties can share liability, there is a possibility that both parties may be at fault. Although insurance companies rely on police reports to determine fault, it’s essential to understand that police reports have limitations and are not the last word on this issue. Photo evidence, doctors’ reports, and witness statements can all be used to prove fault in court. If necessary, your motorcycle injury attorney can hire an accident reconstruction expert to take a closer look.
It’s important to note that biases against motorcyclists can complicate your case. Even if you, the rider, were not at fault, the driver’s attorney may try to question you about the condition of your bike or claim that you were not wearing the proper leather attire.
Will My Insurance Rates Go Up If I Submit a Claim to My Insurance Company?If you are found to be at fault, your rates will increase. But if you are found to not be at fault, they may or may not increase, depending on your policy details and the circumstances surrounding the accident and your driving history.
Do I Need to Be Careful When Talking to the Insurance Company?Yes! After a motorcycle accident, insurance difficulties can arise for many reasons, and it’s important not to say the wrong thing when speaking to insurers. Insurance companies are not your friends—and this includes your own insurance company. It’s crucial to be cautious when talking to them in the wake of a motorcycle accident. Saying something as innocuous as “I’m fine” in response to questioning about injuries can be used against you in the future—and you should know that many injuries (such as whiplash) do not always manifest immediately after a wreck since symptoms can take days or weeks to appear.
Similarly, do not apologize for the accident because the opposing party may view this as an admission of fault. The best course of action is to let your San Antonio motorcycle accident lawyer deal with the insurance companies, so you don’t have to.
Were You in a Motorcycle Accident With no Insurance and not at Fault?If you were driving uninsured at the time of your motorcycle accident in Texas, there is a good chance you will receive a ticket from the police and will have to pay a fine. There is also a chance that your license may be suspended. Even if you don’t have insurance, you may still be able to collect damages. Our attorneys will review your case details during your initial consultation and let you know what your options are.
Properly handling a motorcycle accident case—especially one that involves insurance difficulties—requires an experienced lawyer. Fortunately, our Carabin Shaw team has experience dealing with the most difficult insurance companies and the most complex cases. Whether your case involves negotiations or a jury trial, the way your counsel presents the evidence is crucial to the outcome, which is why you’ll want a San Antonio motorcycle accident lawyer on your side.
Our attorneys are committed to working with you. After a motorcycle accident, insurance difficulties come up, and we want to ensure you get the best possible motorcycle accident injury settlement. Call our San Antonio office at 210-222-2288 for your free consultation with one of our lawyers today or reach us toll-free at 800-862-1260.