You didn’t cause the accident. You know that. But now the other driver’s insurance company is saying you did. It’s maddening, and unfortunately, it happens all the time with motorcycle crashes. Insurance adjusters have learned that blaming the rider often works in their favor, especially when they’re dealing with someone who doesn’t know how these companies operate.
Here’s what makes this particularly dangerous in North Carolina: our state follows contributory negligence rules. If they can pin even one percent of the fault on you, you can’t recover anything. Not a dollar.
Why They Go After Motorcyclists So Aggressively
Insurance companies know most people have preconceived ideas about motorcycle riders. Too fast. Too reckless. Probably not paying attention. These stereotypes don’t match reality, but adjusters use them anyway because they work.
Some accusations that the insurance company will likely try to stick you with include, but are not limited to: Trying to blame you by accusing you of speeding or driving recklessly, lane splitting, not having proper safety equipment, and tailgating other drivers.
You’ll see these claims pop up in denial letters or during phone calls. They’re building a case against you, and every word you say gives them more ammunition.
We’ve watched this happen to clients who talked to adjusters before hiring a Raleigh motorcycle accident lawyer. One offhand comment about checking your mirror becomes “evidence” that you were distracted or not maintaining proper awareness.
That Recorded Statement? You Don’t Have To Give It
An adjuster will call within days of your accident. They’ll sound friendly and concerned. Then they’ll ask if you can give a recorded statement about what happened. Don’t do it.
The questions seem straightforward at first. What time did the accident happen? In which direction were you traveling? But then they shift. How fast were you going? Did you see the other vehicle before the impact? Had you been drinking at all that day?
You might think you’re being helpful by answering honestly. What you’re actually doing is giving them quotes they can use to deny your claim. And once it’s recorded, you can’t take it back.
You’re not required to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company. Tell them you’re not comfortable doing that without legal guidance. At Burton Law Firm, we handle these calls so you never have to worry about saying something that damages your case.
Start Building Your Own Case Right Now
When you’re being blamed unfairly, evidence becomes everything. Did you take photos at the scene? If not, go back if you can and document what’s still visible. Road conditions, sight lines, and traffic control devices. Get pictures of your motorcycle’s damage from multiple angles.
Witnesses can be the difference between winning and losing your claim. If anyone saw the crash, get their contact information immediately. Insurance companies can’t easily dismiss a neutral third party who backs up your version of events.
The police report carries significant weight. Officers note their observations about who violated traffic laws and their opinion about fault. Don’t skip medical treatment either. Those records prove the crash injured you and show the treatment timeline.
Why You Need Someone Who Knows Their Games
Insurance companies have entire legal teams working to minimize payouts. When you’re recovering from injuries and trying to deal with them alone, you’re at a massive disadvantage.
A Raleigh motorcycle accident lawyer understands how these companies operate because we’ve dealt with them countless times. We know what evidence proves the other driver’s negligence. We know how to counter false accusations. And we handle all communication with adjusters so you can focus on healing.
There’s also the question of what your claim is actually worth. It’s not just your current medical bills. It’s future treatment costs, lost wages, property damage, and compensation for your pain and everything this crash has put you through.
Stay off social media. Insurance companies check your profiles, looking for photos or posts they can twist into evidence against you. Don’t sign anything without having someone review it first. And don’t accept a settlement offer just because you’re exhausted from fighting.
If you’ve been wrongly blamed for a motorcycle crash, you don’t have to accept their version of events. We can help you fight back against unfair accusations and pursue the full compensation you’re entitled to receive.