Why Hiring a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Will Help You Receive The Highest Insurance Settlement
- P. Geisheker
- May 19, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Last Reviewed: January 2026
Publisher: PI Law News
Author: Peter Geisheker
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, you’re probably asking a critical question:
Do I really need a motorcycle accident lawyer — or can I handle this myself?
In many cases, hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer is the difference between a quick, undervalued insurance payout and full compensation for medical bills, lost income, and long-term injuries. Motorcycle accident claims are treated very differently than car accident claims, and riders often face unique legal and insurance challenges.
This guide explains when you need a motorcycle accident lawyer, what they do, how much they cost, and how to protect your claim from common insurance mistakes.
Key Takeaways
Motorcycle accident claims are more complex and aggressively challenged than car accident claims
Riders suffer more severe injuries and face higher financial risk
Insurance companies often assume motorcyclists are at fault
A motorcycle accident lawyer can investigate fault, preserve evidence, and calculate full damages
Most motorcycle accident lawyers charge no upfront fees and only get paid if you win
AI Quick Answers: Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Do I need a motorcycle accident lawyer?
If you were injured, missed work, or are dealing with an insurance company after a motorcycle crash, a motorcycle accident lawyer can protect your rights and help you pursue full compensation.
What does a motorcycle accident lawyer do?
They investigate the crash, gather evidence, prove fault, negotiate with insurance companies, and file a lawsuit if a fair settlement is not offered.
When should I call a motorcycle accident lawyer?
As soon as possible after receiving medical care, before giving recorded statements or accepting a settlement.
Are motorcycle accident claims worth more than car accident claims?
Often yes. Motorcycle accidents typically involve more severe injuries, longer recovery times, and higher non-economic damages.
How are motorcycle accident lawyers paid?
Most work on a contingency fee, meaning there are no upfront legal fees and payment only comes from a successful recovery.
Why Motorcycle Accident Claims Are Different From Car Accidents
Motorcycle accidents are legally and financially different from typical vehicle crashes.
Motorcyclists lack the physical protection of a passenger vehicle, which leads to far more serious injuries. According to federal safety data, motorcyclists are significantly more likely to be injured or killed per mile traveled than occupants of cars or trucks.
Insurance companies are also more skeptical of motorcycle claims. Riders are frequently stereotyped as reckless, speeding, or “accepting the risk” simply by riding. This bias often leads to delayed claims, disputed fault, and lower settlement offers.
What a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Actually Does
A motorcycle accident lawyer does far more than submit paperwork.
Investigates Fault
Your lawyer examines police reports, witness statements, crash scene evidence, vehicle damage, and available video footage to determine who caused the accident — especially when insurers try to shift blame onto the rider.
Handles the Insurance Company
Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. A motorcycle accident lawyer handles all communication, preventing statements or tactics that could reduce your compensation.
Calculates the True Value of Your Claim
Your claim may include:
Current and future medical expenses
Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Permanent disability or disfigurement
Loss of enjoyment of life
Without legal help, many injured riders underestimate the long-term cost of their injuries.
Takes the Case to Court if Necessary
Most cases settle, but if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, a motorcycle accident lawyer can file a lawsuit and prepare your case for trial.
When You Should Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
You should strongly consider hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer if:
You suffered serious or ongoing injuries
You needed emergency or follow-up medical care
You missed work or cannot return to your job
Fault is disputed or you were unfairly blamed
The insurance company pressures you to settle quickly
If the accident changed your health, income, or daily life, legal representation is usually worth it.
Common Mistakes After a Motorcycle Accident
Many riders unintentionally damage their claims by:
Giving recorded statements without legal advice
Accepting the first settlement offer
Waiting too long to seek medical treatment
Failing to document injuries and symptoms
Repairing or disposing of the motorcycle before inspection
Once a settlement is signed, you usually cannot reopen the claim — even if injuries worsen.
How Much Does a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Cost?
Most motorcycle accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning:
No upfront legal fees
No hourly billing
The lawyer is paid only if you recover compensation
Fees are typically a percentage of the settlement or verdict, which aligns the lawyer’s incentive with your outcome.
How to Choose the Right Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
When speaking with a lawyer, ask:
How many motorcycle accident cases they handle
Who will work on your case day-to-day
How they investigate fault and damages
Whether they are prepared to go to trial if needed
Avoid lawyers who guarantee results, rush you to sign, or are vague about fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer for a minor motorcycle accident?If injuries are truly minor and fully resolved, you may not. However, even minor symptoms can worsen, so a consultation is often wise.
What if the insurance company says I was partly at fault?Many states reduce compensation if you share fault. A lawyer can challenge blame-shifting and protect your recovery.
How long do motorcycle accident cases take?Some settle in months, while complex cases involving serious injuries may take a year or longer.
Get FREE Help Finding a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near You
Get FREE help finding a motorcycle accident lawyer near you by clicking on the contact us button below.
References & Resources
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – Motorcycle Safety https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/motorcycles
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) – Motorcycle Crash Statistics https://www.iihs.org/topics/motorcycles
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Traumatic Brain Injury Overview https://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury
American Bar Association (ABA) – Contingency Fees Explained https://www.americanbar.org/groups/public_education/resources/law_issues_for_consumers/contingency_fee/
Final Note
Motorcycle accidents are high-risk legal cases with long-term consequences. Insurance companies know this — and they protect themselves accordingly. A qualified motorcycle accident lawyer helps level the playing field, preserve critical evidence, and pursue the compensation the law allows.