What is Motorcycle Bias?

Many people love the thrill of motorcycles. They may even use a motorcycle as their primary vehicle.

However, when it comes to motorcycles, it seems as though people either love them or hate them. Unfortunately, there are a lot of stereotypes about motorcycles. But this bias isn’t just harmless teasing or banter. It’s a serious matter that can affect a rider’s claim in the event of an accident.

Insurance companies, juries, and judges often view motorcycles as dangerous, with riders being portrayed as reckless, lawless people. These biases may be based on real-life experiences or how motorcycles are portrayed in the media.

Examples of Motorcycle Bias

Motorcycle bias may include the following:

• Accident claims and police reports. After a crash involving a car and a motorcycle, an officer may be more inclined to believe the motorcyclist was speeding or doing something illegal, without substantial evidence. Even witness statements may be influenced by preconceived notions about motorcyclists being reckless. This can lead to an inaccurate police report, which becomes critical evidence in insurance claims or lawsuits. If the motorcyclist is unfairly assigned fault, they may struggle to receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, or repairs.
• Insurance company treatment. Insurance adjusters may assume motorcyclists are high-risk drivers, which means they may treat their claims with more scrutiny or skepticism. Even when a motorcyclist follows all traffic laws, insurers may still question their actions than they would a car driver. Claims may be delayed, undervalued, or denied. Premiums are often higher for motorcyclists as a result of generalized assumptions.
• Jury perception in court. In personal injury lawsuits, jurors may subconsciously believe that riding a motorcycle is inherently dangerous. They might assume they knew the risks, which can affect how much compensation they feel the rider deserves, even if the motorcyclist wasn’t at fault. Even with strong legal representation, a motorcyclist may receive less favorable verdicts or lower damage awards due to juror bias, particularly in areas where motorcycles are less common or viewed negatively.
• Driver behavior. Car drivers may not take proper precautions around motorcyclists because they view motorcyclists as not “real” road users. They might tailgate or cut off motorcyclists, assuming they’ll maneuver out of the way.  This can lead to more frequent or severe accidents, putting motorcyclists at greater risk. It also fosters an unsafe road culture where riders are not given the same respect as other motorists.

 Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer 

There are stereotypes and biases against motorcycles. When a rider is involved in a crash, they may be treated unfairly during the claims process.

Protect your legal rights with help from a Houston motorcycle accident attorney from The West Law Office, PLLC. We’ll guide you through the claims process and make sure you get the compensation you deserve. To schedule a consultation with our office, fill out the online form or call (281) 347-3247.

Source:

cleanharleys.com/blog/TheMythsofMotorcyclistsWhatYouThoughtYouKnewButDidn’t