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3 Ways Motorcycle Accidents and Car Crashes are Different

Motorcycle Accidents vs. Car Accidents: Why They’re Different (and How Riders Can Protect Themselves)

January 23, 2024

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 accidents. 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 30 years of experience serving motorcycle riders in Kentucky and Indiana. He can help you pursue the compensation you deserve, especially if you’re suffering severe injuries following a car accident. 

Motorcyclists Have a Higher Risk of Injury and Death 

According to the National Highway Traffic Administration data on car accident statistics, motorcyclists are 24 times more likely to be involved in a fatal accident than occupants of passenger vehicles. Because motorcycle 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. Even inclement weather is more dangerous for motorcycles, especially in icy conditions. 

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. In one such tragic story, Olive and Brad were out for a nighttime ride when a truck pulled out in front of them. Brad lost his life, leaving Olive as a single mother with a long road to recovery from her motorcycle accident injuries. 

One of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents is passenger vehicles making left hand turns – in fact, more than half of motorcycle crashes occur at intersections. Car drivers fail to notice the motorcycle approaching, and then the rider doesn’t have time to react to the vehicle turning in front of them. It is not unusual to see fatal injuries in these types of head-on motorcycle crashes. 

RELATED: What Are the Leading Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Kentucky? 

Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents 

Car and motorcycle accidents also differ in the types of injuries sustained. In car accidents, passenger cars have extensive safety features, including crumple zones, roll bars, and air bags. Without that structure of protection, a motorcycle rider is left vulnerable to more severe or fatal injuries. Some of the most common include: 

  • Road rash 
  • Concussion 
  • Traumatic brain injuries 
  • Broken or severed limbs 
  • Burns 
  • Scarring or facial disfigurement 
  • Head, neck, and shoulder injuries 

With more severe injuries comes higher medical bills and longer recovery times. Motorcycle accidents can leave you unable to continue your job. Accident victims may have severe or permanent disfigurement that can affect how the world sees them. For these reasons, it’s extremely important to speak to a motorcycle accident lawyer who understands the true value of your case. 

Settlements in Motorcycle Accidents Can Be More Complicated 

In general, the more severe the injuries, the more complicated the personal injury claim. Part of this is because insurance companies want to pay out as little as possible. They provide a low initial offer, and they hope that you’ll take it. If you accept, then you may not be able to change your mind later when you realize just how much your insurance claim should have been worth. 

Most car accidents are minor, and lead to minor injuries. Since motorcycle accidents tend to cause more serious injuries, there can be extensive damages to claim in a personal injury lawsuit. In addition to the medical bills and property damage, your motorcycle accident attorney may be able to recover compensation for: 

  • Lost wages, including future wages if the accident affected your ability to do your job 
  • Cost of future medical care 
  • Pain and suffering, 
  • Loss of enjoyment of life, 
  • Mental and emotional anguish. 

Car accidents can certainly cause extensive injuries, but motorcycle riders face an uphill battle when arguing their case due to anti-motorcycle bias. 

RELATED POST: What Is Loss of Enjoyment of Life in a Personal Injury Claim? – Truman Law

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, who will try to argue that you were engaging in risky behavior that contributed to the accident. This bias 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.  

At Truman Law, our attorneys will look for anti-motorcycle bias during the jury selection process and try to remove prejudiced jurors from the pool. We will also educate jurors about safe riding practices and show what you did to avoid an accident. 

Fatal motorcycle accidents can be the most challenging personal injury claims, since the car driver may be the only one able to testify what happened during the motorcycle crash. Without the rider’s statement, it may be more difficult to argue who was at fault, especially with the bias against motorcycle riders. 

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. 

In addition, Indiana and Kentucky do not have universal motorcycle helmet laws, but many riders are still required to wear a helmet. For riders under a certain age, or new riders, helmets are required by the laws in both states. 

RELATED POST: What Is the Kentucky Motorcycle Helmet Law? 

Motorcycle Safety Tips 

While car accidents involving motorcycles may not be avoidable due to car drivers’ distracted driving, you can always try to protect yourself. The choices you make before you hit the road could prevent you from becoming a part of this nation’s car accident statistics. 

  • Always wear a helmet 
  • Dress in protective gear, including reinforced clothing and leather 
  • Never drive drunk or buzzed 
  • Obey the speed limit 
  • Be aware of other vehicles on the road, including passenger vehicles that may pull out in front of you 
  • Watch for road hazards like debris and potholes 
  • Avoid riding a motorcycle in bad weather if possible 
  • Take care of your motorcycle with good maintenance 

Even the safest driver can still be involved in a crash. If you have been in a car accident, the first thing you need to do is see if anyone requires medical assistance and call 911. 

As a motorcycle rider, you should not try to move the bike, and you should keep your safety gear on. These can both protect you from further injury. 

After that, you should collect as much evidence as possible. Take photos and videos of the scene and the vehicles, and make note any cameras that may have captured the accident. Talk to any witnesses and get their contact information. Ensure you get information from the other driver, including their insurance info. File a police report and ask for a copy. 

RELATED POST: What Should I Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Kentucky? 

Karl Truman Cares About the Motorcycle Community 

Fighting for motorcycle riders is something we’re deeply passionate about here at Karl Truman Law Office.  

Karl Truman is a founding member of the National Academy of Motorcycle Injury Lawyers. He understands that recovery is stressful and often painful, and he will bring compassion to your case.  

Our office also sponsors Flag Ride for USA Cares, a motorcycle ride fundraiser to help veterans with housing and emergency assistance. Karl has even written a free ebook on protecting motorcyclists. 

Karl also regularly speaks with motorcycle riders and experts on his podcast, The Colonel in Your Corner. We’ve covered motorcycle legislation and advocacy, rider safety tips, skill development, support services for riders, and much more. 

Schedule Your Free Consultation Today 

Karl 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. Our office serves Louisville, Kentucky and Jeffersonville, Indiana, as well as surrounding areas of both states. Call (812) 282-8500 or fill out our online form today to set up a consultation.