$850,000 Motorcycle Crash Settlement After Company Tried to Shift Blame
How Eric Beasley Exposed Insurance Bias and Secured a Major Recovery
It’s a story many riders know too well. A motorcyclist is injured in a crash involving a larger vehicle. The injuries are real, the recovery is difficult, and the impact is long-term. But when the insurance company shows up, they don’t see a victim. They see a biker to blame and an opportunity to protect their profits.
That’s what happened in one of attorney Eric Beasley’s cases, when a man riding a motorcycle was seriously injured in a crash with a commercial vehicle. The company refused to accept responsibility. They pointed the finger at the injured rider. But Beasley pushed back.
As an experienced Tennessee motorcycle accident lawyer, Beasley applied relentless pressure and ultimately secured an $850,000 settlement despite an initial narrative that tried to discredit his client from the start.
This is how the case unfolded.
When a Company Points the Finger at the Victim
From the beginning, the commercial vehicle’s insurance carrier denied responsibility, arguing the crash was the motorcyclist’s fault. They claimed their driver had not done anything wrong, and the rider should have been able to avoid the collision.
But as Beasley has seen time and again, just because someone is on a motorcycle doesn’t mean they caused the crash. Riders face an uphill battle in many personal injury claims, not because the facts are against them, but because the perception is.
Why Bias Against Motorcyclists Can Hurt a Claim
Insurance companies often treat motorcyclists as if they’re inherently irresponsible. It’s not written in the adjuster’s notes, but it shows up in how cases are handled. There’s often an assumption that the rider was speeding, being aggressive, or simply not paying attention. This bias can cause real harm when victims are trying to recover fair compensation for their losses.
Beasley knew that to win this case, he had to change the conversation. He shifted the focus to the company’s responsibility and the physical evidence that supported his client’s account.
Fighting for a Settlement When Liability Is in Dispute
Because fault was contested, Beasley approached the case with a strategy grounded in pressure and persistence. He applied consistent litigation pressure over time, forcing the defense to consider not only the facts of the crash but also the strength of the claim if it ever reached trial.
After prolonged negotiations and the threat of trial, the case resolved for $850,000. That figure reflected more than medical bills and missed work. It represented a recognition that the injured rider’s story deserved to be heard and that commercial carriers should not be allowed to sidestep responsibility by pointing fingers.
Why Motorcycle Injury Cases Require a Strong Legal Response
Claims involving motorcycle crashes differ from those involving car accidents. Riders don’t have the protection of a frame or airbags. Even at moderate speeds, a collision can lead to serious injuries, long-term rehabilitation, and life-changing outcomes.
But the biggest challenge in many motorcycle claims isn’t the injury—it’s the insurance company’s attitude toward bikers. When an injured rider comes forward, the immediate reaction is often skepticism. That’s why these cases require a clear legal strategy from the very beginning.
Beasley’s approach focused on three key areas:
- Rebuilding the facts of the crash based on available evidence
- Addressing the insurer’s narrative head-on
- Framing the case in a way that emphasized the seriousness of the injuries and the commercial defendant’s role
What Motorcycle Crash Victims Should Know About Liability
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash involving a company vehicle, there are several important truths to remember:
- The company vehicle doesn’t have to hit you to be held responsible. If a commercial driver’s actions cause you to crash—even indirectly—that can still lead to liability.
- Motorcyclist bias is real, but it can be overcome. With the right legal support, you can counter false narratives and prove the true cause of your injuries.
- Early mistakes can hurt your claim. Discussing the case with the insurance company, accepting fault out of guilt, or waiting too long to act can all weaken the strength of your case.
That’s why it’s so important to talk to a Nashville motorcycle crash attorney who understands the tactics used against injured riders and how to beat them.
How to Protect Yourself After a Motorcycle Accident in Tennessee
After a serious motorcycle crash, your injuries may be obvious, but your legal case often is not. That’s especially true when you’re up against a commercial insurance carrier that’s already preparing a defense and has teams of attorneys looking out for its best interests.
Here are a few steps you can take to protect your rights:
- Don’t assume the crash was your fault. Let an attorney investigate the evidence. What feels like a rider’s mistake is often the result of a commercial driver’s poor decision.
- Get medical treatment immediately. The longer you wait, the easier it is for insurers to claim your injuries weren’t serious or weren’t related.
- Avoid giving recorded statements. Insurance adjusters are trained to get statements that can later be used against you. Always talk to a lawyer before speaking on the record.
- Document everything. Photos, witness names, and crash details all help build a stronger case later.
Why Commercial Insurance Carriers Push Back So Hard
When a crash involves a company vehicle, the financial risk to the insurer is often high. Many commercial policies carry larger coverage limits, which means the insurance company has a greater incentive to deny, delay, or defend the claim aggressively.
In this case, the insurer stood behind its liability denial for an extended period. But that tactic backfired. By refusing to settle early, the company gave Beasley more time to build pressure and strengthen his client’s position.
Eventually, it became clear the defense didn’t want to risk facing a jury.
What This Case Says About Motorcycle Injury Law in Tennessee
Tennessee law allows injured motorcyclists to recover compensation when another party’s negligence causes a crash, even when fault is disputed. But the process isn’t automatic. The injured rider has the burden of proving that the other party’s actions led to the crash and that the resulting injuries caused real harm.
In this case, the rider had a skilled motorcycle accident attorney in Beasley who was willing to push past the obstacles and take the case as far as needed. That kind of determination made the difference between a denied claim and a six-figure recovery.
When You’re Ready to Fight Back, We’re Ready to Help
At the Law Office of Eric Beasley, we know how companies and insurers treat injured motorcyclists. We’ve seen them blame injured riders without evidence, delay legitimate claims, and offer lowball settlements in cases where lives have been turned upside down.
We don’t let that happen.
If you were injured in a motorcycle crash involving a company vehicle—or if the insurance company is trying to blame you for a motorcycle wreck that wasn’t your fault—let us take a closer look. We’ll investigate the facts, challenge the defenses, and fight to recover the full compensation you deserve under Tennessee law. Contact us today for a free consultation.
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