If you have been in a motorcycle accident and you're taken aback by how your insurance company is treating you, you're not alone. Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts after accidents, and with motorcycle claims, they can be significantly worse.
At Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Attorneys, we're ready to fight back against insurance companies that play hardball. We know that after a motorcycle accident, you want to recover and move on. That’s why our Des Moines motorcycle accident lawyers work relentlessly to pursue the compensation our clients deserve after a motorcycle crash. Here's a closer look at why insurance companies often make an already arduous process even more difficult.
How Insurance Companies View Motorcyclists
Insurance companies do not have a special place in their heart for motorcyclists. The safety features available to even the most cautious motorcycle riders are stark in comparison to those in the average car. In a business that revolves around risk, every time a motorcycle engine turns on, insurers see a catastrophe waiting to happen. When the momentum of a commute meets the force of a collision, motorcyclists tend to suffer far more devastating injuries than the average driver.
How Insurance Companies Push Back
Insurance companies often look through every detail of a motorcycle accident case, hunting for any reason to reduce a claim. They may:
- Accuse you of being reckless and liable for your accident and injuries, compromising your compensation
- Question your medical treatments and whether they are/were necessary
- Undervalue your damages, including your pain and suffering and trauma
- Point to contradictions between your claims and your daily activities to argue that you are overstating your pain
It can be aggravating to face off against all of these arguments by yourself. That's why reaching out to a motorcycle accident attorney is so crucial. You need a lawyer who not only understands the complexities of motorcycle accident claims but also the unfair biases riders often face. Your story should be heard loud and clear.
How Helmet Laws Factor In
Motorcycle helmet laws exist for most Midwest states. Nicolet Law serves Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, and Iowa:
- Minnesota: Licensed motorcycle riders 18 years and older are not legally required to wear a helmet
- Wisconsin: Licensed motorcycle riders 18 years and older are not legally required to wear a helmet.
- North Dakota: Motorcyclists 18 years and older are not legally required to wear a helmet, whether they hold a license or permit.
- Iowa: There are no helmet laws in place.
Motorcycle riders--helmet or no helmet--can seek compensation. However, the choice to go without can reinforce the insurance company's narrative that you were injured because you were reckless. A motorcycle accident lawyer can help clarify state laws in general and represent your best interests regardless of the circumstances.
How a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help You
An attorney with experience handling motorcycle accident cases can make a huge difference. They're often more familiar with the range of tactics insurance companies employ to justify low settlement offers. For every argument the insurance company makes, your lawyer can counter with their own.
Putting together an accident case that can hold up against an aggressive insurance company takes effort and strategy. An experienced attorney can gather and organize key pieces of evidence like medical records, crash reconstruction data, and witness interviews. The stronger the evidence, the better your chances are of acquiring the compensation you deserve.
Why Contacting An Attorney Quickly Is Important
At Nicolet Law, we understand that you may be dealing with a lot, and the idea of reaching out to an attorney can be stressful. That's why we offer free consultations, so you have the opportunity to talk with us without committing to anything beyond that. We also work on contingency, so you don't pay us unless we succeed with your case.
One important thing to note is that, yes, the statute of limitations for motorcycle accident cases gives you quite a bit of breathing room:
- Minnesota: You have 6 years from the date of the crash to file a claim.
- North Dakota: You have 6 years to file a claim.
- Iowa: You have 2 years to file a claim.
- Wisconsin: You have 3 years to file a claim.
That being said, a key exception to those timelines can be an accident involving state or government property. Those can shrink the timeline significantly.
Regardless of the timeline, the longer you wait to file a claim, the harder it is to assemble the evidence that can build a strong case. The skid marks that punctuated the pavement are going to fade. Accident witnesses are going to be harder to get ahold of.
At Nicolet Law, we pair a rigorous work ethic with a compassionate touch. We know that our clients come to us after life-changing events, and we take that seriously. We pride ourselves on going the distance for motorcycle accident victims in every way we can.
Reach Out To A Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
Motorcycle riders have enough to deal with after an accident, but the insurance company often adds to the stress of recovery. Getting in touch with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help put you on a healthier road to recovery. If you're looking at an uncertain future after a crash, having a Des Moines personal injury lawyer in your corner can be a smart step forward. At Nicolet Law, we proudly represent motorcyclists across the Midwest, in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, and Wisconsin.
Reach out today to a trusted motorcycle accident attorney at Nicolet Law. We’re here to help you understand your rights and start building your case for compensation.