Lawyers for Overcoming Bias in Bakersfield Motorcycle Crash

While all accident victims are entitled to compensation for their injuries, motorcyclists often face inherent biases that can severely impact their claims. Whether from drivers, insurance companies, police, or even the courts, bikers often struggle against misconceptions that threaten their chances of receiving fair payment.

Fortunately, the right motorcycle accident legal representation can help injured motorcycle riders overcome these obstacles to get the compensation they deserve.

How Does Bias Against Motorcycle Riders Affect Your Injury Claim?

When a motorcyclist is involved in a crash with a car, they often face a combination of prejudices and misconceptions that can work against them. These biases can manifest in several ways, particularly in investigating the accident and handling their injury claims.

Bias From Traffic Cops

When a motorcycle crash occurs, police officers are often the first to investigate the scene. Unfortunately, some officers bring biases to the investigation. These perceptions can come from their own personal beliefs or societal stereotypes about motorcyclists.

• Assuming the biker is to blame. Police officers may automatically assume the motorcyclist is responsible for the accident, particularly if the crash occurs at high speeds or involves aggressive riding. There is a common stereotype about motorcyclists that they are reckless, thrill-seeking individuals.
• Ignoring crucial evidence. In some cases, officers may focus too heavily on the motorcyclist’s behavior and fail to properly investigate the driver’s actions. This can lead to incomplete or slanted accident reports, potentially harming the motorcyclist’s case later.
• Prejudices in reporting. Even the language used by police officers in their reports can reflect bias. Describing the motorcyclist as “reckless” or “careless” without clear evidence can significantly impact the outcome of the case.

Motorcycle Crash Insurance Bias

Insurance companies often perceive bikers as riskier than drivers due to the nature of their vehicle, potentially treating them as less trustworthy or more likely to cause accidents.

This perception often leads to the following:

• Higher premiums. Many motorcyclists face higher premiums for their insurance policies, reflecting the stereotype that they are more dangerous than drivers.
• Blaming the biker. After a crash, insurance adjusters may be quick to assume the motorcyclist is at fault, especially if the driver involved in the accident denies responsibility. They may also use the motorcyclist’s speed, position, or riding style as evidence that the biker was careless or reckless.
• Underestimating injuries. Insurance companies may question the severity of a motorcyclist’s injuries because they believe riders exaggerate or misuse their injuries for profit. This can lead to lower settlements or outright denial of claims.

Courtroom Bias

Unfortunately, biases against motorcyclists can also extend to the courtroom. In some cases, bikers may face negative stereotypes that could affect the outcome of a personal injury case in several ways:

• Stereotyping the biker. Judges or juries may view a motorcyclist as a reckless daredevil, leading them to believe you were partly or fully responsible for the crash. A local injury attorney can be particularly helpful here, as we are familiar with the roads and know the typical driver behaviors that lead to crashes.
• Preconceived notions about motorcycle culture. Some members of the public may have negative feelings about motorcycle culture, associating it with rebellion or anti-social behavior. This can make it more difficult for you to be seen as a sympathetic accident victim.
• Assumptions about damages. Juries may also rationalize paying less to cover your injuries, reasoning that since bikers assume the risks of riding, they somehow deserve the pain of a crash.

How a Local Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help

If you’re an injured rider, a motorcycle injury lawyer in California can be invaluable in helping you navigate the unique challenges bikers face. Our lawyers build a strong case based on the facts, ensuring your side of the story is heard and all relevant evidence is brought to light.

One way we do this is by showing the full extent of the accident’s impact on your life, making anyone who hears your case a sympathetic audience. We work to demonstrate that you are a responsible rider who suffered due to someone else’s negligence—and you deserve full compensation for your losses.

Contact Chain | Cohn | Clark today for a no-obligation, free case review.