5 Factors that Could Hurt a Motorcycle Accident Claim

Californians often take advantage of the sunny days and perfect weather to take their motorcycle out for a spin.

But what starts as a carefree ride can quickly become a devastating event in the case of an accident.

Filing a motorcycle accident claim can help injured motorcyclists try to recover compensation.

But there are some mistakes to avoid that can harm their ability to recover compensation, so keep reading to learn what the California motorcycle accident injury attorneys at BD&J tell their clients to avoid.

Why are Motorcycle Accident Claims on the Rise?

With 6,228 motorcyclists killed in the nation in 2024, and California being one of the states with the most motorcyclist deaths, it’s no surprise that these vehicle accidents are happening frequently in the golden state.

Motorcycle accidents happen often due to:

• Drivers failing to check blind spots
• Distracted drivers at intersections
• Speeding
• Alcohol impairment
• Defective motorcycle equipment

Claims Can Help in the Aftermath of a Brutal Motorcycle Accident

In the aftermath of a serious motorcycle accident, most motorcyclists are left tending to their painful injuries, expensive bike repairs, and other damages like being unable to work or provide for their households.

This is where an accident claim can help.

After the consequences of a motorcycle accident caused by another driver or party, injured motorcyclists can file a personal injury claim to try to recover compensation.

What Are 5 Factors That Can Hurt a Motorcycle Accident Claim?

While filing an accident claim, a lot of factors can come into play that can affect the success of a claim, as well as compensation.

This includes negative factors.

After an accident, certain factors that can impact a potential motorcycle accident claim include:

1. Apologizing at the Scene of an Accident

Saying “I’m sorry” or other admissions of fault can be common courtesy but can have consequences on a future accident claim, because other parties can use your apology as an admission of liability.

It’s best to keep conversations neutral and short while waiting for an emergency response to arrive.

2. Waiting Too Long to File a Claim

Most personal injury claims have a statute of limitations of 2 years from the date of an accident.

Waiting too long to file a claim runs the risk of the statute of limitations coming to an end, accident witnesses being harder to reach, and memories of the accident to fade from your mind.

It’s crucial to remember that once a statute of limitations runs out, injured Californians forfeit their right to recover compensation.

3. Delaying Medical Treatment or Follow-Up Care

Waiting to go to the hospital after a motorcycle accident because you don’t feel the symptoms of injuries, as well as ignoring follow-up care recommended by your medical provider, is a huge problem for your claim.

This minimizes your injuries and also opens up the opportunity for other liable parties to say your injuries were from another incident.

4. Talking to the Other Party’s Insurance

Insurance companies are often looking to reduce payments as much as possible after an accident.

Talking to another party’s insurance company will often involve providing a recorded statement on the events of the accident.

However, it’s fairly common for hurt motorcyclists to find their words twisted by insurance companies to seem like they’re accepting a larger amount of responsibility for an accident.

5. Not Consulting California Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys

A motorcycle accident injury lawyer in California can advise you on a couple of things, including the initial process of filing, negotiations, navigating insurance communications, and even represent you in all the steps of the legal claim process.

Not consulting a motorcycle accident injury attorney can leave you questioning what a fair settlement looks like, missing out on maximizing your possible compensation, and more.

What to Do Instead After an Accident to Help Your Claim?

It’s not always easy to navigate the time right after an accident.

However, taking the right steps can help you when it comes to pursuing a legal claim later on.

After an accident, be sure to:

• Call 911 to report the accident
• Seek medical treatment
• Follow treatment plans and follow-up care recommendations
• Avoid posting on social media about your accident
• Take the proper steps to recover and avoid aggravating any serious injuries
• Saving invoices and medical records
• Talking with an attorney for further legal insight

How Can California Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys Help After an Accident?

If you’re curious to learn more about filing a claim, speak with California motorcycle accident injury attorneys, like the experts from BD&J, to learn about the legal process.

Fighting for compensation is a legal right, and injury attorneys can help file a claim, collect evidence, negotiate, and even appeal denied insurance claims.

While there’s nothing better than taking your bike out for a spin in the California sunshine, an accident can immediately turn your world upside down.

Fortunately, you don’t have to navigate the unknown legal landscape of a personal injury claim on your own.