Don’t Fall for These Common Misconceptions About Motorcycle Accident Claims

Because riding is so popular—and crashes are so common—there are countless misconceptions about motorcycle accident claims. Regardless of whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a total newbie, you’ve probably heard at least a few of them yourself.

If you were hurt in a wreck, it’s imperative to separate fact from fiction so you don’t jeopardize your case inadvertently. Read on to learn about some of the more common misconceptions, so you don’t fall for them, too:

1. My Health Insurance Carrier Will Cover the Associated Expenses 

Riders are incredibly vulnerable in collisions, so the injuries that result are often catastrophic. Chances are the associated medical expenses will exceed your total available coverage. What’s more, hospital bills won’t be the only damages you incur.

Depending on the severity of your injuries, for example, you may have to miss work for several weeks (or even months), resulting in considerable lost wages. And if you need help around the house, you’ll have to pay for the corresponding replacement services.

Finally, there are non-economic damages to consider like loss of enjoyment in life. You can be sure your health insurance carrier won’t reimburse you for such losses, but the liable party’s insurer might.

2. I Wasn’t Wearing a Helmet at the Time of the Crash, So I Cannot File a Claim

While not wearing a helmet can certainly influence the outcome of the proceedings, it doesn’t automatically bar you from taking action. Generally speaking, whether you were wearing a helmet will only come into play if you seek compensation for damages relating to a head injury.

California has a pure comparative fault rule, which essentially states that a plaintiff’s own negligence offsets the defendant’s liability. That means if the opposing party can prove your injuries—and, consequently, the associated damages—wouldn’t be as severe had you been wearing a helmet, they can shift a portion of blame onto you. This, in turn, will reduce the amount of compensation you can recover accordingly.

3. I Cannot Afford to Enlist Legal Help

This is unfortunately one of the most common—and most detrimental—misconceptions surrounding motorcycle accident claims. All reputable personal injury firms work on a contingency fee basis, which means clients are not expected to pay any attorneys’ fees unless their claim yields a payout. The fee, which is a portion of the resulting settlement or judgement, is taken out of the payout before the remaining funds are distributed to the client.

Put another, you’ve got nothing to lose—but potentially a whole lot to gain—by hiring a resourceful lawyer to represent you.

Call 1-800-GO-HARRIS to Speak with a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in California

If you need help with your motorcycle accident claim, look no further than Harris Personal Injury Lawyers. Our compassionate team will be happy to come to you if you can’t make it to our office.

Get the personalized attention you deserve and the strategic counsel you need. Call 1-800-GO-HARRIS or fill out the Contact Form on our website to set up a free case review with a motorcycle accident lawyer in California.