Motorcycle accidents in New Hampshire are always a scary experience and can lead to significant injuries or fatalities. Regardless of whether or not you caused the accident or partially caused it, you need or could greatly benefit from an experienced motorcycle accident attorney in New Hampshire. There are several reasons for this, namely: bias toward motorcycles, lack of knowledge of motorcycles, and insurance companies who manipulate the latter two reasons – these things together or separate can create conditions where either an insurance adjuster or a jury can justify reducing or denying compensation.
Below is a brief discussion on why you should consider a trusted motorcycle attorney in New Hampshire if or when you get into an accident.
Stereotypes of Motorcyclists & Its Impact on New Hampshire Auto Accidents
Wild riders taking chances weaving in and out of traffic – of course, you, a motorcycle rider, caused the accident or contributed to it. At least, according to the stereotype you are more likely than not to have caused the accident. Bikers are viewed as risk-takers or thrill seekers, and that sort of imagery plays into the auto collision narrative: you must have done something to cause the accident, and if not, then you must be at least partially to blame.
An attorney can expose these prejudices against motorcyclists and call out the insurance adjusters when they try to use a stereotype against you. An attorney can also demonstrate to a jury how motorcyclists are not all unsafe riders as stereotypes would have them believe. The attorney can offer testimony and evidence in support of the argument. Highlighting your training and ability to ride safe will an important part of this argument.
Lack of Understanding the Technical Aspects of Motorcycles
Most people do not have motorcycles and do not understand the mechanics or technical nature of the bike. A jury and even auto insurance adjusters do not always have a working understanding of bikes and without this knowledge, they cannot fully appreciate how it is a motorcyclist is not at fault for the accident or did not contribute to the accident.
A lawyer, like a motorcycle accident attorney at Tenn And Tenn, P.A., who rides a bike and understands thoroughly how motorcycles are operated and, alongside this knowledge, also knows the law and how to explain it in light of motorcycles can help the adjuster and/or a jury understand your unique situation.
New Hampshire Auto Insurance Companies & Aggressive Tactics
Auto insurance companies are always looking for ways to deny or reduce payouts to victims of motor vehicle collisions. When an accident involves a motorcycle, they immediately manipulate the facts by using stereotypes and misunderstandings non-bikers have of motorcyclists.
These insurance adjusters know, first and foremost, that if the case goes to trial and they can demonstrate or persuade a jury that you contributed to the accident, your compensation is reduced by the percentage the jury deems you at fault. What’s worse: if the adjuster persuades a jury that you are more at fault than the alleged at-fault party, you do not get compensation, period.
Even if your case does not go to trial, these adjusters will still argue that you contributed to the accident, and as such, the settlement should reflect your contribution to the accident.
But you may not have been at fault at all. These adjusters use intimidation, manipulation, and other tactics for the company’s benefit.
An attorney who has a deep understanding of how auto insurance adjusters and insurance lawyers operate, coupled with thorough knowledge of both the law and motorcycles, can counter these challenges. So, if in a motorcycle accident, consider a free initial consultation with an experienced motorcycle attorney.