Insurance Claims for Motorcycle Accidents: Navigating the Claims Process in San Diego

If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident in San Diego, dealing with insurance companies can be overwhelming. Insurance adjusters often try to shift blame onto motorcyclists and minimize payouts, leaving injured riders with unpaid medical bills, lost wages, and repair costs.

At Hulburt Law, we help motorcyclists navigate the insurance claims process to ensure they receive the full compensation they deserve. Here’s what you need to know about filing an insurance claim after a motorcycle accident.

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Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Why It’s Important

Even if you feel fine after the crash, some injuries take time to appear. Insurance companies may try to deny your claim if you delay medical treatment, arguing that your injuries weren’t serious or weren’t caused by the accident.

What You Should Do:

• Get checked by a doctor immediately.
• Follow your doctor’s treatment plan and keep all medical records.
• Document all medical expenses (ER visits, surgeries, physical therapy, medications).

How It Affects Your Claim:

• Strong medical documentation strengthens your case.
• Insurance companies can’t argue that your injuries are unrelated to the accident.

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Step 2: Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company

When to Notify Your Insurer

Most insurance policies require you to report an accident promptly, even if you weren’t at fault. Failing to report the accident in time could jeopardize your claim.

What to Say (and Not Say) to Your Insurance Company

• DO provide basic facts: Time, location, and the vehicles involved.
• DO NOT admit fault or apologize – even a simple “I’m sorry” could be used against you.
• DO NOT downplay your injuries – some injuries worsen over time.
• DO stick to the facts and let your lawyer handle the details.

Pro Tip: If you have legal representation, let your motorcycle accident attorney handle communications with the insurance company.

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Step 3: File a Claim Against the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance

California’s At-Fault Insurance System

California follows an at-fault system, meaning the driver who caused the accident is financially responsible for damages. This means you’ll file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company to seek compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Motorcycle repair or replacement

What If the At-Fault Driver Is Uninsured or Underinsured?

• If the other driver has no insurance, you may be able to file a claim under your Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage.
• If they don’t have enough insurance, your Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage may help cover the difference.
• If neither applies, you may have to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver.

Pro Tip: Not all motorcycle policies include UM/UIM coverage—it’s an optional add-on, but it can be crucial in protecting you.

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Step 4: The Insurance Company’s Investigation

Once a claim is filed, the at-fault driver’s insurance company will investigate the accident to determine:

1. Who was at fault (they will try to minimize their driver’s liability).
2. The severity of your injuries (they may try to downplay them).
3. The total value of your damages (they may argue that medical treatment was excessive).

What Insurance Companies Do to Reduce Payouts

• Blame the motorcyclist – Claiming you were reckless or speeding.
• Offer a low settlement – Hoping you’ll take quick money and avoid a legal battle.
• Delay the claim – Trying to frustrate you into settling for less.
• Use your own words against you – Anything you say in recorded statements can be twisted to hurt your claim.

Your attorney will ensure that the insurance company doesn’t take advantage of you.

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An insurance company owes a legal duty to accept reasonable settlement demands within policy limits. A settlement demand is reasonable if the insurance company should have known that a potential jury verdict was likely to exceed the amount of the settlement demand. (Judicial Council of California Civil Jury Instructions No. 2334.)

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Step 5: Settlement Negotiations

What Happens Next?

Once the insurance company completes its investigation, they will typically make a settlement offer. However, their first offer is almost always lower than what you deserve.

Your Lawyer’s Role in Negotiations

• Rejects lowball offers that don’t cover your medical expenses or damages.
• Uses medical records, accident reports, and expert testimony to prove the true value of your claim.
• Negotiates aggressively to secure a fair settlement.

If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair amount, your lawyer may file a lawsuit to take the case to court.

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Step 6: Filing a Lawsuit

If negotiations fail, your attorney may recommend filing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver.

What Happens in a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit?

• Lawsuit is filed – Your attorney submits a formal complaint against the at-fault driver.
• Discovery phase – Both sides exchange evidence and take depositions.
• Mediation/Negotiation – Many cases settle before trial.
• Trial (if needed) – If no settlement is reached, your case goes before a judge or jury.

At Hulburt Law, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, ensuring insurance companies take your claim seriously.

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Step 7: Receiving Compensation

If you win your case or settle, your compensation payout may include:

• Medical Bills (Past & Future) – Surgeries, rehab, medications.
• Lost Wages – Current and future earnings lost due to the accident.
• Pain & Suffering – Compensation for emotional and physical distress.
• Motorcycle Repairs or Replacement – Full coverage for your damaged bike.
• Punitive Damages – If the at-fault driver was grossly negligent (e.g., DUI).

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Why You Need a Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Insurance companies do not have your best interests in mind. They work to minimize their payouts, often at the expense of injured motorcyclists. Our award-winning San Diego motorcycle injury lawyers, Leslie and Conor Hulburt, have a proven track record of extraordinary results.

At Hulburt Law, we:

• Handle all insurance communications – No more frustrating calls.
• Gather evidence to prove your case – Police reports, medical records, expert testimony.
• Negotiate aggressively – We don’t settle for lowball offers.
• Take your case to trial if needed – We are experienced trial attorneys.

With millions recovered for injured clients, we know how to win tough insurance battles and ensure that you get the full compensation you deserve.

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Injured in a Motorcycle Accident? Call Hulburt Law Today.

• Free Consultation – No Fees Unless We Win
• Millions Recovered for Injured Riders
• Aggressive Legal Representation Against Insurance Companies

Call us today or visit our website to schedule your free case evaluation. The Truth Demands Justice—Let Us Fight for Your.

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Related Content:

• Liability Issues in Motorcycle Accidents: Who’s Responsible in San Diego?
• Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident: A Guide for San Diego Riders

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