Overcoming Bias Against Injured Motorcyclists

Posted November 22, 2022 in

Motorcycle Accidents

Many people who are not motorcyclists have negative opinions about the motorcycle community. They may have the wrong idea about motorcyclists and may blame them consciously or subconsciously for any accident they are involved in. Insurance adjusters and jurors may bring these biases into the mix when determining fault and damages in personal injury claims.

Here are some of the biases you may face when you are trying to pursue compensation for your motorcycle accident and how a lawyer can help overcome them.

Motorcyclists Are Dangerous

Some people may have witnessed one motorcyclist engaging in dangerous behavior, such as:

Speeding
Weaving in and out of lanes
Rapidly accelerating
Driving between stopped vehicles

They may assume that all motorcyclists are dangerous. However, motorcyclists are just like other drivers. Some may drive dangerously, but many do not. In fact, because motorcyclists must constantly look ahead of themselves for possible hazards, they are often better drivers.

Motorcyclists Are Impaired

Some people mistakenly believe that all motorcyclists drink or do drugs and then drive. However, many motorcyclists do not drink or do drugs. They also recognize the safety concerns related to these actions, especially while operating a vehicle that leaves them more vulnerable in case of an accident. Many motorcyclists are business professionals, older individuals, and other community members who simply like the open road and the feeling of freedom while riding. They are not dangerous or impaired drivers.

Motorcyclists Are Difficult to See

Some people believe that motorcyclists are more difficult to see because they are smaller. While they are not as large as passenger vehicles, all motorists have a duty to keep a proper lookout for other vehicles and road users. Just as drivers of passenger vehicles must be vigilant in detecting pedestrians or cyclists, they also need to keep a proper lookout for motorcyclists.

Motorcyclists Drive Too Fast

Because motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles, it can be difficult to accurately gauge their speed when compared to other vehicles. Some people may mistakenly believe motorcyclists are speeding because they do not notice them at first. Others may have witnessed a driver on a specific type of motorcycle that is designed for speed. However, most motorcyclists do not drive in this manner. In fact, the average speed of a motorcycle right before impact is 21.5 mph.

Motorcyclists Assume the Risk They Will Be Involved in a Crash

Being involved in an accident is one of the greatest fears of motorcyclists. They do not assume they will ever be involved in this type of event and often painstakingly take all actions to avoid being in this position. They also rightfully believe that other motorists will operate their own vehicles in a safe manner. It is not fair to say that motorcyclists assumed the risk of being injured simply by being on a motorcycle. Likewise, even if a motorcyclist was not wearing a helmet at the time of any such accident, they did not assume the risk that they would be injured.

How a Lawyer Can Help

If you are injured in a motorcycle accident that was caused by another driver, it is important that you receive fair compensation. Many motorcycle accidents result in serious injuries, and you will need money to pay for your medical expenses and other losses. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can help you overcome bias, including:

Interviewing objective witnesses
Locating camera footage of the accident
Communicating with the insurance provider on your behalf
Showing a history of safe driving practices