3 Ways Motorcycle Accidents and Car Crashes are Different

Whatever the reason you choose to ride a motorcycle — for the exhilaration, for the fuel economy, for the freedom — you have the same rights to the road as every other motorist. Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents often lead to more severe injuries and fatalities than car crashes. Biases against riders can also hurt you when pursuing a personal injury claim, even if you weren’t at fault for the wreck.

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, you need a lawyer who understands riding and knows the tricks insurance companies use to try to limit your damages. Personal injury attorney Karl Truman has nearly 30 years of experience serving riders in Kentucky and Indiana. He can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Motorcyclists Have a Higher Risk of Injury and Death

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to be involved in a fatal accident than occupants of passenger vehicles. Because riders lack the protection of an enclosed vehicle, they’re more likely to suffer a traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, or lose a limb during a crash. Motorcycles are also more susceptible to road hazards such as loose gravel, potholes, or ruts.

Most importantly, it’s harder for other drivers to see motorcyclists. When drivers are turning or changing lanes, they often look for other cars, not motorcycles. They can easily miss a rider in oncoming traffic or their blind spot.

Anti-Motorcycle Bias is Hard to Overcome

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, you might encounter anti-rider bias even if you weren’t at fault. This bias could manifest in the form of lower settlement offers from an insurance company. It could also arise if your case goes to trial.

Many jurors have never ridden a motorcycle. They may believe the stereotype that all riders are reckless adrenaline junkies. Insurance companies and their lawyers will want to encourage this viewpoint. Mr. Truman will do his best to bring out anti-motorcycle bias during the jury selection process to eliminate prejudiced jurors from the pool. He will also educate jurors about safe riding practices and show what you did to avoid an accident.

Different States Have Inconsistent Motorcycle Laws

Many people aren’t aware that the practice of lane splitting, or riding your motorcycle between two lanes of traffic, is legal in many states. Indiana has outlawed it, but Kentucky has not. States are slowly realizing that lane splitting, when done safely and responsibly, can be an effective way for motorcyclists to bypass traffic jams.

Even if you are not lane splitting legally, you may be entitled to compensation if you’re hit by a car. If a driver is changing lanes, the burden is always on them to look in their side-view mirrors, check their blind spot, and ensure they have enough room to merge.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Mr. Truman is dedicated to helping his clients recover the compensation they deserve. It’s an important aspect of your healing process and can help bring you closure. Mr. Truman serves Louisville, Kentucky and Jeffersonville, Indiana, as well as surrounding areas of both states. Call (812) 282-8500 today to set up a consultation.