Insurance Companies and Motorcycle Accidents

Attorney who understand the dangers motorcyclists face

Motorcyclists often sustain serious injuries when involved in accidents with drivers. Unlike cars, motorcycles don’t provide a protective frame, seat belt or air bag. Motorcyclists can only rely on protective gear and safe riding habits to reduce the likelihood of sustaining a serious injury. When riders are involved in motorcycle accidents, their injuries often take months or even years to fully recover from.

Albuquerque motorcycle accident attorney Andras Szantho understands the dangers motorcyclists face every time they take to New Mexico’s roadways. Motorists don’t always pay attention or see motorcycles. They may be distracted by cellphones or other handheld devices. Some drivers could be impaired by drugs, alcohol or lack of sleep. Others may drive recklessly.

Whatever caused your New Mexico motorcycle accident, attorney Szantho will investigate and fight to hold responsible parties accountable for their actions. Contact us today and find out what we can do for you.

Dealing with insurance companies after a motorcycle accident

After an accident involving a motor vehicle driver, you would think the process would be cut and dry. A motorist caused your accident. You sustained a serious injury. Now you need to take time away from work for medical treatment. You would think the driver’s insurance company would cover the cost. After all, that’s what insurance companies do, right?

Unfortunately, it’s often not that simple. Insurance companies are often only interested in protecting their bottom line and will often go to great lengths to do that. Insurance companies love motorcycle accidents. That’s because they often take advantage of a common bias against motorcyclists. They might claim that you were the one taking a risk by riding your motorcycle, or that you were riding recklessly. But the evidence doesn’t lie. If you didn’t do anything to cause your crash, we will search tirelessly to find the facts that prove your innocence.

You may get a lowball settlement offer from the insurance company – one that doesn’t even come close to covering the damages you suffered. We fight for the compensation you deserve.

Secure your claim from the start

After a motorcycle accident, you should take the following steps if you are able to do so in an effort to secure your claim:

• Exchange insurance and contact information with the driver.
•  Call the police so they can investigate the crash scene and check camera footage (if there is any).
• Take photos of the crash scene.
• Speak to witnesses.
• Seek immediate medical attention and get an in-depth medical evaluation of your injuries.

After you have followed those steps, you must file a claim with your insurance company, but keep your comments to a minimum. And you should never speak to the driver’s insurance company. They might attempt to downplay your injuries or deny your claim by asking trick questions. The answers you provide them could later be used against you.

Tell the insurance companies that you have consulted with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney and for them to direct all their questions to us. Attorney Szantho can handle your claim so you can focus on recovery. He can gather crucial evidence from the police report, witness accounts and your medical evaluation to help you build a strong claim. He knows how to negotiate with the insurance companies. And if they refuse to budge, he’s prepared to take them to trial. Your claim isn’t just about money. It’s about holding insurance companies to the highest standard to do the right thing.

What to do after a hit and run motorcycle accident

In some cases, drivers who cause a crash leave the scene. They may not have had a valid license, or lacked insurance, or were trying to avoid dealing with police. Call the police and get medical attention. Then get legal advice. If the driver can’t be located, you have the option of filing an uninsured motorist (UM) claim with your insurance company. An attorney can help you recover fair compensation.

Don’t hesitate to contact the Szantho Law Firm for a free, confidential case evaluation, or call 866-853-2462.