The Truth About Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are businesses focused on profit. Their goal is to:
- Pay as little as possible on claims
- Settle quickly before you know your full damages
- Find reasons to deny or reduce claims
- Protect their insured (not you)
Understanding their tactics helps you protect yourself.
Common Insurance Company Tactics
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Quick Settlement Offers
The Tactic: Offering fast cash before you know the extent of your injuries.
Your Protection: Never accept early settlement offers. Many injuries take weeks or months to fully manifest.
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Recorded Statements
The Tactic: Asking for a recorded statement to find inconsistencies they can use against you.
Your Protection: Politely decline until you speak with an attorney. You're not required to give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance.
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Blame Shifting
The Tactic: Suggesting you were partially at fault, reducing their payout.
Your Protection: Document everything and don't admit any fault. Let the evidence speak.
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Medical Records Fishing
The Tactic: Requesting broad access to your medical history to find pre-existing conditions.
Your Protection: Only authorize release of records related to accident injuries. Consult an attorney before signing releases.
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Lowball Offers
The Tactic: Making an initial offer far below fair value, hoping you'll negotiate up only slightly.
Your Protection: Know your claim's value before negotiating. An attorney can provide a realistic range.
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Delay Tactics
The Tactic: Dragging out the process hoping you'll give up or accept less due to financial pressure.
Your Protection: An attorney can apply pressure and file suit if necessary.
What to Do
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DO:
- Report the accident to your own insurance
- Document everything
- Keep all receipts and records
- Consult an attorney before negotiating
- Be patient - good settlements take time
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DON'T:
- Give recorded statements without an attorney
- Accept the first offer
- Sign broad medical releases
- Post about your accident on social media
- Admit fault to anyone
When to Get an Attorney
Consider hiring a motorcycle accident attorney if:
- You have significant injuries
- Fault is disputed
- Multiple parties are involved
- Insurance is offering a low settlement
- You're unsure of your claim's value
- The insurance company is delaying
Most motorcycle accident attorneys work on contingency - no fee unless you win.