Motorcyclists are vulnerable. A comprehensive report cited by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) concluded that an estimated 81 percent of motorcycle crashes result in injuries to the rider. If you are hurt in a motorcycle accident, it is imperative that you take proactive steps to protect your rights. You need to know how to take on the insurance company, and that starts with knowing what not to say. Here, our Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyers highlight five things that you should never say to an insurance adjuster after a motorcycle wreck in Georgia.
Involved in a Motorcycle Crash? Five Things that You Should Not Say to an Insurance Adjuster
“My Injuries are Not that Bad”
How much compensation can you expect to recover in a motorcycle accident claim? The answer depends, in large part, on the severity of your injuries. Indeed, insurance companies know this, and they are focused on trying to downplay a rider’s injuries after a collision. For this reason, you should never downplay your own injuries—even if you think you are only making a causal or innocuous statement. If you tell the adjuster your injuries aren’t bad, they might think you do not need much money. It is not your job to discuss the severity of your pain or your injuries with the insurance company. Do not say anything about your physical condition. Your medical records—and your Georgia motorcycle accident attorney—will handle this issue.
“Here is What I Think Happened”
The goal of the insurance company is to try to get you to say something that they can use against you in the motorcycle accident injury claims process. With this in mind, you should avoid any and all speculation about the crash. Guessing about what happened in the crash can be risky. If you are not sure, it’s better not to guess. Wrong guesses can make things confusing. It could even make it look like you were to blame. It is okay to say you’re not sure or do not remember everything. Stick to facts you know are true. Indeed, it is far better to say nothing at all. Do not speculate about how the crash happened, why the crash happened, or your future medical needs.
“I Might Have Been Partially At Fault for a Crash”
What happens if a person is partially at fault for a motorcycle accident in Georgia? You will be held responsible for your “share” of the collision, and this means that your financial compensation will be reduced in a proportionate manner. Even a relatively small degree of fault could potentially take many thousands of dollars out of your motorcycle accident injury settlement. The bottom line: If you say you were at fault (even a little), the insurance company will likely try to pay you less. In fact, they could even refuse to pay you. It is best to let the experts figure out who was at fault. Liability is an issue for your Georgia motorcycle accident attorney.
“I Do Not Need a Lawyer”
The insurance company does not want injured motorcyclists to consult with a lawyer. Why? When people are represented by a top-tier attorney after an accident, they will be in a far better position to get justice and full financial compensation. A lawyer knows your rights and can help you get a fair deal. Telling an adjuster you do not have a lawyer will make them think they can offer you less.
“Sure, You Can Have All of My Medical Records.”
Your medical records are private. They have a lot of personal information. If you let the insurance company see all your records, they might use them to pay you less. For example, they could say your injuries were from something else, not the crash. You should only give them records that are about the crash. A top-tier Georgia motorcycle crash lawyer can help you decide what to share.
Get Help From a Top-Tier Motorcycle Injury Attorney in Atlanta, Georgia
At Lawbike Motorcycle Injury Lawyers, our Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyers devote their time, resources, and attention to detail to helping injured riders get justice. Have any questions about dealing with insurance adjusters after a crash? We are more than ready to help. Call us at 1-866-529-2453 or send us a direct message to request your free case review. With a law office in Atlanta and another office in Roswell, we take on motorcycle accident cases throughout Georgia.