People who ride motorcycles do so for a variety of reasons, whether it be for convenient transportation, to be more fuel-efficient, or for leisure. Whatever reason or however frequently you ride, it’s likely that you are aware of the dangers that come with motorcycle riding.
Statistically speaking, motorcycle riders are nearly 27 times more likely than motor vehicle occupants to be killed in a collision. This is because motorcycle riders lack physical protection around them and are more susceptible to sustaining catastrophic and fatal injuries.
Most of the time, these accidents are caused by negligent, distracted, or reckless drivers who fail to take the necessary steps to keep riders safe. Sadly, bias against motorcyclists can make it difficult for those injured to pursue the compensation that they deserve.
Examples of Bias Against Motorcycle Riders
After being injured in a motorcycle accident, your claim will come under intense scrutiny by the at-fault driver’s insurance company. It’s important to be aware of the fact that many insurance companies have preconceived ideas about riders who they see as dangerous, deviant, negligent, and having no regard for others on the road.
This bias can impact their willingness to offer a fair settlement and make them much more likely to deny or devalue a claim that comes their way. Some specific examples of bias against motorcycle riders include preconceived notions that the injured motorcycle rider was:
- Speeding
- Inexperienced
- Riding recklessly
- Not wearing protective gear
- Lane splitting
- Hard to spot
- Riding a motorcycle that was ill-maintained
Steps You Can Take to Protect Your Claim
In order to maximize your chances of receiving a favorable outcome and getting the compensation you deserve, your motorcycle accident attorney will have to conduct a thorough investigation of their own. They will do so by gathering many different pieces of evidence in order to build a detailed recount of the accident and prove the motorist was at fault.
Some pieces of evidence that may be needed for your motorcycle accident case include:
- Expert Testimony. Your attorney will gather testimonies from experts who can utilize photos, videos, and accident records to reconstruct the events that led to the crash.
- Witness Statements. For instance, a witness may have seen the motorist engaging in distracted driving or aggressive driving before the crash occurred.
- Driving Records. If your attorney can establish that the driver had a history of traffic violations and negligent driving, it can be used to prove fault.
- Police Reports. While police reports aren’t the be-all and end-all, they can help show whether any traffic violations led to your motorcycle crash.
- Medical Records. Your medical records, including doctor’s notes, your prognosis, and any treatment needed, can be used to show the extent of your injuries.
There are also steps that you can take after being injured in a motorcycle crash that can aid your attorney in establishing liability. Your account of what happened is just as valuable as another person’s account and should be documented immediately. For instance, you can give a statement to the police, speak with your doctor, or make notes of your own answering the following questions:
- How fast was the driver going at the time of the accident?
- Could you see what the driver was focusing on at the time of the crash?
- Did the driver use their turn signals as necessary?
- Who had the right-of-way?
- Where were you in the lane when you were hit?
- Did the driver run a red light or stop sign?
- Did the driver speed through a yellow light?
Helping You Obtain Maximum Compensation
Insurance companies will do everything in their power to avoid paying out even valid claims. When you’re injured in a motorcycle accident, you shouldn’t have to worry about fighting a long, drawn-out insurance battle when you are trying to heal.
You can help protect yourself from being a victim of motorcycle accident bias by speaking with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney immediately. This person will work as your legal advocate and work hard to ensure the insurance company acts in good faith.
At Canan Law, we are here to help you get your life back on track when the unexpected happens. Turn to our team to get the results you need while guiding you through the claims process from start to finish.
Contact our St. Augustine motorcycle accident attorneys at (904) 849-2266 to get started with a free case review. You can also fill out our online contact form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
