Carving the curves of St. Tammany or cruising the levees near Baton Rouge is a way of life for Louisiana riders. But when that ride ends in a crash, insurance companies are quick to point fingers and slow to pay.

Motorcyclists are more likely than drivers of passenger vehicles to have their injury claims denied or devalued. Why? Insurance companies often stereotype bikers as reckless, even when the crash wasn’t their fault.

You may still have options if your motorcycle accident claim has been denied. Learn why insurers deny motorcycle accident claims and how a Louisiana motorcycle accident lawyer can help you fight back and get the full compensation you deserve.

1. Insurers May Be Biased Against Motorcyclists

To some insurers, riding a motorcycle is all the evidence they need to blame you. They see leather jackets, loud engines, and open handlebars and assume recklessness, not responsibility. Even if another driver caused the crash, that stigma can follow you into the claims process.

This built-in bias is one of the top reasons motorcycle accident claims are denied. Instead of reviewing the facts fairly, some adjusters let stereotypes cloud their judgment. You’re not just filing a claim; you’re fighting a narrative.

A skilled motorcycle accident attorney knows how to counter these assumptions. With police reports, eyewitness accounts, medical documentation, and expert testimony, they can present a case rooted in fact, not prejudice.

2. Insurers May Shift the Blame

Louisiana follows a comparative fault rule. That means even if you were partly responsible, you can still recover damages—they would just be reduced by your share of the fault.

As a result, insurance companies often try to shift as much blame onto you as possible, or even deny your claim entirely by arguing that you were the sole cause of the crash.

They might say:

Even if these accusations aren’t true, insurers might use them to justify a denial. But a dashcam, nearby surveillance footage, or a witness’s cell phone video can prove the truth. Working with a Louisiana motorcycle accident lawyer to recover such evidence can back up your side of the story.

3. Insurers May Deny Your Injuries

If you didn’t seek medical attention right away, insurers might claim your injuries aren’t serious or weren’t caused by the crash. Delayed treatment is a red flag to insurance adjusters; they’ll use any gap in care to cast doubt on your claim.

To protect your case:

  • Get medical attention as soon as possible after the accident.
  • Keep records of all doctor visits, test results, and prescribed treatments.
  • Follow your doctor’s instructions closely.

If you’ve already been denied due to an alleged lack of evidence, an attorney can help track down additional medical documentation or connect your motorcycle accident injuries back to the crash with the help of medical experts.

4. Missing or Incomplete Paperwork

Filing a motorcycle claim involves paperwork, and lots of it. A missed deadline, an incomplete form, or a poorly written statement can result in a denial. Sometimes, adjusters use these technicalities to avoid paying out valid claims.

An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer knows how to avoid these administrative pitfalls and can handle the paperwork for you, ensuring everything is complete, accurate, and submitted on time.

5. Pre-Existing Conditions or Injury Disputes

If you have a history of back pain, joint problems, or other injuries, the insurance company may argue that your current pain isn’t new or isn’t related to the motorcycle accident. But just because you had a prior injury doesn’t mean you weren’t further harmed in the crash.

A skilled lawyer can work with medical professionals to show how the accident worsened your condition or caused new injuries. This is called proving causation, and it’s crucial to overcoming a denial based on pre-existing conditions.

How a Louisiana Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help You Fight Back

A denied motorcycle claim isn’t the end; it’s your opportunity to fight for fair compensation. Insurance companies count on riders to give up, but you can level the playing field with the right legal team.

At Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers, we’ve helped motorcyclists across Louisiana challenge unfair denials and win the compensation they deserve. When you work with us, we’ll:

  • Investigate your crash and gather strong evidence.
  • Challenge unfair fault determinations or anti-biker bias.
  • Work with doctors and accident reconstruction experts to build your case.
  • Handle all communication and paperwork with the insurance company.
  • Push for the maximum compensation you deserve.

Don’t let a claim denial define your recovery. Let us stand up for you. Contact our law firm for a free consultation with a Louisiana motorcycle accident lawyer.

Disclaimer: This content has been reviewed by Chad Lederman, Director of Legal Operations at our New Orleans office.