If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, chances are that your motorcycle was damaged as well. If you have a vintage or custom motorcycle, your property damage claim will be more difficult than those who have a standard street bike. In part this is because you will have to demonstrate the damage, the customization and the cost of that work to restore the bike.

In many cases the actual work cannot be recreated, as the detail artist is no longer practicing, the vintage is hard to find or the bike is so damaged that repair is impossible. The first place to start is your insurance company. If you have collision insurance on that custom ride, use it first. The insurance carrier wrote a policy specifically for your bike. Hopefully the agent you used, actually recorded the value and customization correctly when setting your premiums. This is the easiest place to start to avoid the pitfalls of delay.

When attempting to settle a damage claim on a motorcycle, the best piece of advice is to use your insurance carrier instead of the other driver's. Your insurance company will be more responsive. Also recognize that if the accident Motorcycle is in a tow yard, storage fees are being incurred daily. Ultimately, you are responsible if the insurance carrier does not respond promptly. Locate the adjuster who is handling your file and request that they move the motorcycle out of the tow yard as soon as possible.

If your motorcycle is declared a total loss, you have a right to reimbursement of the current market value of your motorcycle. Once an offer is made, if you are not satisfied, you can often get the insurance company to raise its offer by providing them with current advertisements of comparable motorcycles. Use the Auto Trader or The Recycler of Orange County or California.

It is important that the insurance carrier have all pertinent information regarding your motorcycle for you to obtain the highest reimbursement. Provide all of the maintenance receipts for work done on the motorcycle. Our attorneys are very successful in negotiating total loss settlements on behalf of our clients because everything that can be learned about the value of the Motorcycle is given to the insurance carrier. This service is usually provided at no additional fee to our clients. If you would like us to handle your claim Contact Us Online or call 1-888-752-7474.

Negotiating with adjusters is simply informing them of the evidence you have and making clear that you are firm in your position. Listen to their evidence or reasons for clues as to their weaknesses and exploit those weaknesses. As an example, if they are assuming the car in the worst condition, show pictures or receipts for additional detailing done to the car. Persevere to get a good result.

Motorcycle Repair

In situations where your motorcycle is repairable, you have the right to have the car repaired at a shop of your choosing. NO INSURANCE COMPANY MAY DICTATE WHERE YOU TAKE YOUR MOTORCYCLE by California Law. Make sure that the body shop is using parts approved by the manufacturer of your Motorcycle. You may have the right to have new parts as opposed to salvaged ones used on your Motorcycle. Check the language of your policy.

You are also entitled to loss of use damages while your Motorcycle is being evaluated. Insurance carriers often do not volunteer this information. This reimbursement can be in the form of rental reimbursement or cash. At Allen, Flatt, Ballidis & Leslie, our goal is to maximize your recovery and get fair compensation for your Motorcycle. If you need help call 1-888-752-7474, or Contact Us Online for your needs. Any consultation is always free.