Common Mistakes That Lower Your Odessa Motorcycle Accident Settlement

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Odessa, you already know how quickly everything can change. One moment, you're riding through town or heading down Highway 191. Next, you’re in the ER, facing weeks or even months of recovery, mounting medical bills, lost income, and a long road ahead. 

Unfortunately, even if the accident wasn’t your fault, you can still lose out on the compensation you deserve. Not because your case is weak, but because of mistakes made in the aftermath of the crash. 

At Anderson Alexander (A2X), we’ve seen firsthand how accident victims are taken advantage of when they don’t have experienced legal help. Insurance companies know what to say, what to ask, and what paperwork to push in front of you, often while you're still disoriented or in pain and trying to get help on medical bills. One wrong move can cost you thousands of dollars. 

Here are the most common mistakes motorcycle crash victims make in Odessa, along with tips on how to avoid them. 

Not Getting Immediate Medical Attention 

It’s not just about your health, although that should always be your top priority. Delaying treatment after a motorcycle accident can seriously damage your case. Insurance companies look for any reason to argue that your injuries were minor, not related to the crash, or "not that bad." 

Even if you feel “fine” after the accident, you may have: 

• Internal injuries 
• Concussions or traumatic brain injuries 
• Soft tissue damage 
• Spinal trauma or disc injuries 

Many of these don’t show symptoms right away. If you wait too long to see a doctor, your settlement could be reduced or denied entirely. 

Always get checked out at a hospital or urgent care after a motorcycle crash, and follow up with all recommended care. 

Giving a Statement to the Insurance Company Too Soon 

After a crash, insurance adjusters (sometimes even your own) will likely contact you within a day or two. They’ll seem friendly, helpful, even concerned. But their goal isn’t to support your recovery. It’s to protect their bottom line. 

They’ll ask things like: 

• "How are you feeling today?" 
• "Can you tell us what happened?" 
• "Were you wearing a helmet?" 
• "Do you think you were going too fast?" 

Every word you say can be used against you. These statements are often recorded and later twisted to claim that you admitted fault or downplayed your injuries. 

At A2X, we recommend that you politely decline to provide a statement and inform them that you’ve retained legal counsel, then direct them to our team. We know what they are looking for and we know how to answer these questions without jeopardizing your case. 

Not Preserving Key Evidence 

In motorcycle crashes, evidence disappears fast. Skid marks fade, road debris gets swept away, vehicles are towed, and witnesses move on. 

Without solid evidence, it becomes much harder to prove: 

• Who was at fault 
• How the crash happened 
• How severe the impact was 
• The extent of your injuries 

Photos, police reports, medical records, helmet damage, bike damage, riding gear, and even witness contact info can make or break your settlement. 

If you’re physically able, document the scene with your phone, get the names of witnesses, and request a copy of the crash report. Then, call our team and let us help preserve and collect additional evidence. 

Admitting Any Fault 

Motorcyclists in Odessa are often unfairly blamed after crashes, even when the other driver was clearly at fault. Don’t give them more ammunition by apologizing or taking partial blame, even casually. 

Saying things like: 

• “I didn’t see them coming.” 
• “I may have been going a little fast.” 
• “It happened so fast, I probably could’ve avoided it...” 

…may feel polite or honest in the moment, but those words can cost you dearly during a claim or lawsuit. 

Texas uses a modified comparative fault system, which means if you’re found to be more than 50% at fault, you get nothing. Even a small percentage of blame could drastically reduce your settlement. 

Stick to the facts, and don’t speculate. Let us handle all communications about the fault. 

Accepting the First Settlement Offer 

Insurance companies often send a lowball settlement offer early on, hoping you’re desperate enough to take it, because usually, people are. They know that you are in pain and need urgent help, but don’t let their offers fool you. These offers typically don’t account for future medical treatment, lost earning capacity, or long-term pain. 

Once you accept, that’s it. You waive your right to pursue more compensation later, even if your condition worsens. At A2X, we recommend that you never accept a settlement without having it reviewed by our team, which understands the real value of your claim. 

Posting on Social Media 

It might seem harmless to post a picture or update like these for your concerned friends and family: 

• "Feeling better!" 
• "Back on my bike!" 
• “Thankful to be alive!” 

But insurance companies monitor your social media, and they’ll use anything they can to claim you’re not seriously injured. Even something unrelated, like a smiling photo at a family event, can be misinterpreted as proof that you’re fine and don’t need compensation. 

We recommend that you avoid social media entirely while your case is ongoing. If you must post, keep it private and refrain from mentioning your accident, injuries, or activities. 

Not Hiring a Skilled Motorcycle Accident Attorney 

Motorcycle accidents differ significantly from car accidents. Riders face higher levels of bias, more severe injuries, and often more complex legal battles. Without a lawyer who knows how to handle these cases and who’s willing to go to trial if needed, you’re at a significant disadvantage. 

At A2X, we’re relentless advocates for people who’ve suffered severe, life-altering harm in crashes they didn’t cause. We understand the stakes. And we know how easily victims are manipulated into accepting far less than they deserve. Our job is to stop that from happening. 

How A2X Can Help You Maximize Your Settlement 

When you hire A2X, you’re getting more than just legal advice. You’re getting: 

• A full investigation into your crash 
• Access to medical and accident reconstruction experts 
• A team that knows how to fight insurance companies and win 
• Honest guidance about your rights, your options, and your path forward 
• Representation tailored to serious injury claims, not quick-fix settlements 

We know how to win severe motorcycle accident cases, and we care about getting it right, not getting it done fast. 

Don’t Let One Mistake Cost You Your Future  

You’ve been through enough already. Don’t let the system take even more from you. One wrong move could reduce your settlement or erase your chances of compensation altogether.

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Odessa, call Anderson Alexander before you speak to the insurance company, sign anything, or post another word on social media. We’re here to listen, investigate, and fight for what you truly deserve.