Motorcycle accidents in Atlanta can lead to serious injuries, expensive medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. After a crash, you might receive an insurance settlement offer from the at-fault driver’s insurer.
While this offer may seem generous at first glance, it’s important to carefully evaluate whether it truly covers all of your losses. Insurance companies often offer subpar settlements for bikers that are far lower than what you need to recover fully.
If you are unsure whether the offer is sufficient, it may be time to hire an Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyer to help ensure you are getting what you deserve.
Understand the Full Scope of Your Losses
When you are involved in a motorcycle accident, your losses are more than just the immediate costs of repairing your bike or seeking initial medical care. Many victims fail to realize the full extent of their losses until they are already settled with the insurance company. To make sure the settlement offer covers everything, you need to consider the following:
- Medical Expenses: Beyond your initial treatment, injuries from motorcycle accidents often lead to long-term rehabilitation, surgeries, physical therapy, and possible ongoing care. You must account for both past and future medical expenses when assessing the adequacy of your settlement.
- Lost Income: If your injury prevents you from working, your settlement must reflect your lost income. For some, recovery takes months or even years. The settlement should include compensation for lost earning potential.
- Emotional Trauma: Motorcycle accidents can result in both physical pain and emotional distress. This category includes the mental anguish you may endure due to your injuries and limitations post-accident.
- Property Damage: If your motorcycle was damaged or, unfortunately, totaled in the accident, your settlement should cover the full repair or replacement costs, as well as any other property damaged in the crash.
By considering these key areas, you can better gauge whether your current settlement offer reflects the full extent of your needs.
The Insurance Company’s Motivation
Insurance companies are for-profit businesses, and like all businesses, they aim to make a profit. This means they will often try to offer you the lowest possible settlement amount. Their goal is to close the case quickly and move on, but that doesn’t mean you have to accept their first offer. Insurance adjusters may not always fully assess your injuries or the long-term costs that may result from your accident. They might downplay the severity of your injuries, overlook future medical needs, or neglect to factor in emotional suffering.
If the insurance company has offered you a settlement that feels too low, you’re not alone. Many bikers find themselves in the same position. If you feel the offer doesn’t meet your needs, you have the right to negotiate for a better deal.
When to Consider Negotiation or Legal Help
In some cases, your first instinct may be to accept the settlement offer and move on. However, accepting a low settlement offer can be a very costly mistake in the long run. The first offer is rarely the best one. If you are uncertain about whether the offer is enough, here are some situations where seeking legal assistance may be beneficial:
- Severe Injuries: If you sustained serious injuries that may require long-term treatment, like broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, or spinal cord injuries, the initial settlement may not adequately cover the costs of future care.
- The Settlement is Low: If the settlement amount is significantly lower than what you expected, consider consulting with an Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyer to evaluate your case.
- The Insurance Company is Stalling: Sometimes, insurers will delay the claims process in hopes that you’ll accept a lower offer out of desperation. Legal experts can help you move things along.
- Liability Disputes: If the insurance company contests liability or tries to argue that you were partially at fault for the accident, a motorcycle accident lawyer can help protect your interests.
Having a legal professional on your side can ensure that your settlement is fair and reflective of your actual losses.
Contact an Atlanta Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident in Atlanta and are uncertain about your insurance settlement, don’t hesitate to seek professional legal advice. A savvy Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyer will evaluate your settlement offer, help you understand your rights, and work to ensure you receive a fair and adequate settlement that covers all of your losses.
Don’t accept a subpar offer without first fully understanding the long-term consequences. Protect your financial future by reaching out to a biker-friendly attorney who can fight for your rights and secure the best possible compensation.