If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, you know how devastating it can be. Beyond the physical pain and emotional stress, there’s the financial burden of medical bills, lost wages, and repairing or replacing your bike. You turn to your insurance company, thinking they’re there to help. After all, you’ve been paying your premiums faithfully. But then reality hits—you’re met with lowball offers, unnecessary delays, and a claims adjuster who seems more interested in saving their company money than getting you what you deserve.

Unfortunately, this is a common experience. In this situation, an experienced Nampa motorcycle accident lawyer can be your savior.

Common Tactics Insurance Companies Use 

The “Motorcyclist Bias”

One of the biggest hurdles you’ll face is the built-in bias against motorcyclists. Many insurance adjusters, juries, and even police officers have preconceived notions that bikers are reckless thrill-seekers who take unnecessary risks. This bias can influence how your claim is assessed. If the insurance company can paint you as an irresponsible rider—even if you were following all the rules—they can justify offering you less money.

They may argue that you were speeding, weaving through traffic, or failing to wear proper protective gear. Even if there’s no solid evidence to support these claims, the perception alone can make it harder for you to get a fair settlement. This is why it’s crucial to gather as much evidence as possible, including witness statements, traffic camera footage, and police reports that show you were not at fault.

Downplaying Your Injuries

Another common tactic insurance companies use is minimizing the severity of your injuries. They might argue that your injuries are pre-existing or that they’re not as serious as you claim. This is especially frustrating because motorcycle accidents often result in more severe injuries compared to car accidents due to the lack of protection a bike provides.

If you have a traumatic brain injury, spinal damage, or broken bones, the insurance company may try to claim that you’re exaggerating your pain or that your recovery should be quicker than what your doctor estimates. They may even send you to an “independent” medical examiner—who is often anything but independent—to get a second opinion that downplays your injuries. This is why it’s essential to follow your doctor’s recommendations, keep detailed medical records, and never downplay your pain or symptoms when speaking with medical professionals.

Blaming You for the Accident

Another classic move by insurance companies is shifting the blame onto you. Even if the other driver was clearly at fault, the insurance adjuster might argue that you were partially responsible. This is especially problematic in states that follow comparative negligence laws, where your settlement can be reduced based on the percentage of fault assigned to you.

For example, if you were hit by a car that ran a red light, but you were going slightly over the speed limit, the insurance company might argue that you contributed to the crash. If they can get you to accept even a small percentage of blame, they can significantly reduce your payout. This is why it’s important to never admit fault, even casually, when speaking to an insurance adjuster.

Lowballing the Settlement Offer

Once they’ve done everything possible to weaken your claim, the insurance company will hit you with a lowball offer. They’re hoping you’ll accept it out of desperation, especially if you’re struggling to pay medical bills or cover lost wages. The initial offer might not even cover half of your expenses, but they’ll present it as if it’s the best they can do.

They know that many accident victims don’t fully understand the true value of their claims. They count on you being unaware of how much future medical treatments might cost or how much-lost wages will add up over time. They also assume that the stress of waiting for a fair settlement will wear you down, making you more likely to accept a low offer just to move on.

Delaying the Claims Process

Another frustrating tactic insurance companies use is unnecessary delays. They might drag out the investigation, repeatedly ask for more documentation, or ignore your calls and emails. The goal is simple: wear you down until you either accept a lower settlement or give up on the claim altogether.

They know that time is on their side. The longer they stall, the more desperate you may become. This is why it’s crucial to stay persistent and document all communication. If you feel like you’re being stonewalled, don’t hesitate to escalate the matter by getting a legal professional involved.

Using Your Own Words Against You

Insurance adjusters are trained to sound friendly and supportive, but make no mistake—they’re not on your side. When they call you to discuss the accident, they’re not just gathering information; they’re looking for ways to use your own words against you.

If you say something as simple as, “I’m feeling a little better today,” they might interpret that as an admission that your injuries aren’t that serious. If you say, “I didn’t see the car coming,” they might twist it into an admission of negligence. This is why it’s best to avoid giving recorded statements without consulting a lawyer first. If you must speak with the insurance company, keep your answers brief and stick to the facts.

How to Fight Back For Your Insurance Claim 

So, what can you do to protect yourself and ensure you get the compensation you deserve? First, gather as much evidence as possible. Take photos of the accident scene, get witness statements, and secure a copy of the police report. The more evidence you have, the harder it will be for the insurance company to dispute your claim.

Second, get medical treatment right away and follow through with all recommended care. If you skip doctor’s appointments or delay treatment, the insurance company might argue that your injuries aren’t serious.

Third, be very careful when dealing with the insurance adjuster. Keep communications in writing whenever possible, and don’t accept a settlement offer without reviewing it thoroughly.

Finally, consider hiring a personal injury attorney. An experienced lawyer knows all the tricks insurance companies use and can negotiate on your behalf. They can ensure that your claim is taken seriously and that you get a settlement that truly reflects the damages you’ve suffered.

Final Thoughts

Dealing with an insurance company after a motorcycle accident can be frustrating and overwhelming. They’ll try every trick in the book to undervalue your claim, but that doesn’t mean you have to accept it. By understanding their tactics and standing your ground, you can fight for the compensation you deserve.