Will Bias Against Motorcyclists Affect My Motorcycle Accident Claim?
If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle accident, you might run into some unexpected challenges as you try to get fair treatment. Motorcycle riders often deal with unfair stereotypes, which can affect how insurance companies, judges, or juries treat your Roseville motorcycle accident claim. Understanding how these biases work can help you push back against them, and working with a Roseville motorcycle accident lawyer who is familiar with these problems can make it easier for you to present your side and increase your chances of receiving appropriate compensation.
Common Biases Motorcyclists Face During Accident Claims
Motorcyclists often fight an uphill battle when it comes to public perception and the legal system. Many people have assumptions about motorcycle riders, which can affect fair treatment after a crash.
Misconceptions About Speed
Some will believe that if you’re on a motorcycle, you must have been speeding. Even if you’re obeying the law at the time of an accident, police, insurance adjusters, or witnesses might jump to the conclusion that you were going too fast.
Prejudice About Recklessness
Many see motorcyclists as reckless for simply choosing to ride instead of driving a car. This view causes people to overlook the fact that most motorcycle owners ride responsibly.
Presumed Lack of Protective Gear
Riders are often accused of not wearing proper gear. This presumption gets used against victims in both negotiations and court.
Knowing about these prejudices makes it easier to stand up for your rights after a crash.
How These Biases Can Affect Your Claim
If you’re making an injury claim, you may face challenges that people in car accidents don’t.
- When police fill out their reports, their own opinions about motorcycles can slip in, which can impact their determination of who was at fault.
- Juries might picture riders as risk takers and this can show in how much or how little compensation they give.
- Witnesses could focus more on the motorcyclist’s actions and give an unfair account of the crash – often subconsciously.
Ultimately, these biases can make it harder for you to win your claim and to get the compensation you truly deserve.
How a Lawyer Helps You Fight Back Against Motorcycle Bias
A good Roseville car accident lawyer knows how unfair motorcycle bias can be and will work hard to protect your rights. Here’s how:
- Your lawyer gathers the kind of evidence that insurance companies and juries respect, like video, accident scene photos, or statements from bystanders who saw the accident.
- They team up with engineers, experts, or doctors who can look at your injuries and the facts of the crash in an objective way, which helps get to the truth about the crash.
- They push back against unfounded claims that the accident was your fault because you were on a motorcycle, pushing to make sure you get fair compensation.
- If a settlement can’t be reached, your lawyer will prepare to take your case to court.
- Throughout a trial, your lawyer can work to remind the jury that you were being safe and responsible on the road, even though you were on a motorcycle.
If you think bias might affect your injured motorcycle claim, you should work with a legal professional as soon as possible. Our team has experience with these types of claims and will do everything we can to get you compensation that truly accounts for your injuries and losses. Call us today to schedule a free consultation.