(562) 698-6446
Motorcycle crashes often lead to devastating injuries and financial hardship for California riders and their families. Unfortunately, insurance companies know this, and many take advantage of injured motorcyclists when they are most vulnerable. From delaying valid claims to undervaluing losses, insurers use several strategies to reduce payouts and protect their bottom line.
At Hanning & Sacchetto, LLP, our Whittier motorcycle accident lawyers understand how these tactics work and how to counter them effectively.
Claim Delays That Pressure Riders to Settle
One of the most common insurance tactics is deliberate delay. Adjusters may request endless forms, ask for “additional documentation,” or claim they are still “investigating” the crash. Sometimes, weeks or months pass before the insurer even makes an initial offer.
These delays are not accidental. They are designed to frustrate victims and pressure them into accepting less than they deserve. Meanwhile, medical bills and lost wages keep adding up.
If an insurer drags its feet, our attorneys can enforce filing deadlines, handle all communications in writing, and keep the pressure on the company to respond promptly. Acting quickly also protects your right to compensation before California’s statute of limitations expires.
Blame-Shifting and Bias Against Motorcyclists
Insurers often try to shift part or all of the blame to riders. They may argue that the motorcyclist was speeding, weaving through traffic, or contributing to the crash by lane-splitting, even when none of that is true. Under California’s comparative negligence law, even a small amount of assigned fault can significantly reduce your settlement value.
At Hanning & Sacchetto, our attorneys know how to challenge these claims with strong evidence, such as:
- Traffic camera or dashcam footage.
- Eyewitness statements.
- Police reports and accident reconstruction findings.
By showing what really caused the crash, we protect our clients from unfair blame and ensure liability rests where it belongs.
Lowball Settlement Offers
Insurers sometimes offer quick settlements before the full scope of an injury is known. While the money may be tempting, these early offers rarely reflect the actual value of a claim. Once a release is signed, the rider cannot ask for more, even if new complications arise.
A fair motorcycle injury settlement should include:
- Ongoing and future medical care.
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity.
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
- Property damage and out-of-pocket expenses.
Our lawyers calculate the complete cost of recovery before negotiating with insurers, ensuring that riders in Whittier and throughout Los Angeles County are not shortchanged.
Medical Record Manipulation and Surveillance
Insurance companies sometimes send riders to independent medical exams (IMEs) with doctors who downplay injuries or suggest a faster recovery timeline. In other cases, insurers monitor social media or hire investigators in hopes of “catching” a rider who appears healthy or active.
The best way to counter these tactics is to:
- Let your attorney manage all medical communication.
- Avoid posting about your recovery online.
- Keep consistent medical treatment records.
Hanning & Sacchetto ensure that your medical documentation accurately reflects your condition and that insurers cannot distort the facts.
How Our Whittier Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Can Help
The insurance industry is built to protect profits, not people. Riders who face these tactics alone often end up with less than they deserve. Working with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney levels the playing field.
At Hanning & Sacchetto, we’ve spent years challenging large insurance companies across Southern California. We know their delay tactics, blame strategies, and settlement games, and we fight back with evidence, persistence, and a deep understanding of California law.
If you were injured in a motorcycle crash in Whittier or anywhere in Los Angeles County, don’t face the insurance company alone. Call (562) 698-6446. or contact us online for a free consultation. We’ll protect your rights, handle the insurance negotiations, and pursue the full recovery you deserve.