After a motorcycle accident, the last thing you want to find out is that you were found at fault.
So, what exactly does at fault mean? Can you still file an injury motorcycle accident claim? Do you need a lawyer to help you navigate the legal system? Keep reading to find out how to protect yourself and what you should do if you find yourself at fault after your motorcycle accident.
What does at fault mean?
If you have been found at fault of your motorcycle accident, it means the crash was clearly your fault. For example, you may have rear-ended someone, ran a red light, or committed another moving violation. When this happens, your insurance company may work directly with others involved in the accident.
Who determines who was at fault?
You’re probably wondering who determines who was at fault in terms of an accident? Would you be surprised to find out the insurance company can determine who is at fault.
Insurance companies often assign fault in accidents, which will become part of your permanent record. If the accident was found to be your fault, it can jack up your insurance rates. When an accident occurs involving a motorcycle, insurance companies will often place blame on the rider and increase their rates.
How to Know Whether You’re At Fault
Now that you know what being at fault in a motorcycle accident means, you need to know how to find out whether this is going to happen to you at all.
The best way to do this is to ask the insurance adjuster involved in your case. Your best bet is to ask them whether you are being assigned fault.
If you believe you’re not at fault, you must file an objection with your insurance company and file for re-assessment. If your insurance company refuses to allow you to file for a re-assessment, you will need to contact a lawyer.
Can I file an injury motorcycle case, if I was found at fault?
If you have been found at fault for a motorcycle accident, you may wonder how you are going to:
- Pay for damage to your bike
- Pay your bills
- Compensate for your lost wages
When it comes to determining what step to take next, you need to understand the value of such a claim. Liability and damages determine the value of a claim. Liability deals with who is at fault in an accident case. Damages deals with injuries suffered from the accident. The greater the injuries, the higher the damage amount.
It is always the defendants’ burden to determine who caused injuries and damage in an accident. If it is clear you were negligent and caused your motorcycle accident, you may be eligible to file a motorcycle injury claim.
However, even if you suffered serious injuries, you may only receive a small, possibly minimal settlement. Insurers are likely to settle a case when there is substantial evidence that another driver caused the accident, but when they aren’t caused by another driver, an insurance company is not likely to provide a big settlement payment.
Contact an Experienced Attorney
However, if you have full coverage insurance on your motorcycle, you should be able to have the bike replaced or repaired. Unfortunately, being found at fault in an accident will increase your insurance rates.
If you believe that you were wrongfully found at fault in an accident, or need help handling a motorcycle injury claim, it’s important to hire a personal injury lawyer. Most personal injury attorneys offer free consultations. During a consultation, the facts of your case will be discussed and your LA car accident attorney can advise you how to proceed with the case.