Motorcycles deliver a unique sense of control, efficiency, and freedom that appeals to most riders. They are agile, economical, and offer a more direct connection to the road than cars can provide. For many people, riding isn’t just a method of transportation but a lifestyle. However, despite their benefits, motorcycles come with elevated risks that riders should not ignore.
Unlike occupants of enclosed vehicles, motorcyclists are more likely to bear life-altering injuries in the event of a crash. Whether a motorcycle is worth the risk depends on how well a rider prepares, but more importantly, on what support they have in place when something goes wrong. For this reason, it is advisable to have a Marion motorcycle accident lawyer for legal support.
Below, we explore the realities of motorcycle safety, the legal challenges riders face, and the role of legal counsel after a motorcycle accident.
The Reality of Motorcycle Accident Risk
Riders are far more exposed than passengers in enclosed vehicles. A collision that would result in minor property damage for a car may cause life-altering injuries for a motorcyclist. Even with proper gear and cautious riding, motorcycles remain more vulnerable. NHTSA reports that bikers are 28 times more likely to die in a crash than car occupants.
There are several factors that can contribute to this elevated risk. These include the following:
- Limited Protection: Unlike cars, motorcycles do not have seat belts, airbags, or a protective frame. In the event of a collision, the rider is exposed directly to the impact.
- Reduced Visibility: Motorcycles are smaller and easier to overlook. Drivers may fail to see them during lane changes or turns, leading to side-impact or head-on collisions.
- Road Hazards: Potholes, wet pavement, debris, and uneven road surfaces pose greater danger to motorcycles, which are less stable and more responsive to minor disruptions.
As such, motorcycle crash fatalities have remained steadily high, as motorcyclists continue to account for a disproportionate number of traffic deaths compared to their share of vehicles on the road. Many of these fatalities involve no fault on the part of the rider. Motorcycle accidents frequently result in the following injuries:
- Spinal cord trauma or paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Multiple fractures and orthopedic injuries
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Amputations or disfigurement
The injuries tend to be more severe, the recovery longer, and the financial burden greater than most other traffic-related injuries. These realities prompt a practical question about who will safeguard your legal rights and assist you in recovering your losses if the risk of riding a motorcycle becomes a reality.
What Makes Motorcycle Accident Claims So Complex?
Motorcycle accident cases are not easily handled compared to other traffic crash cases. These claims involve unique legal and factual challenges that can impact the outcome. The open nature of a motorcycle, combined with how these crashes occur and how riders are perceived, creates a far more demanding environment for proving fault and securing fair compensation.
Here are some of the challenges associated with motorcycle crash claims:
- Bias Against Motorcyclists: Motorcyclists usually face unfair stereotypes of being reckless or aggressive on the road. This bias can influence police reports, insurance investigations, and even jury verdicts. A motorcycle accident lawyer can challenge assumptions that may harm your case and ensure that the facts, not prejudices, guide the outcome.
- Severe Injuries and Damages: Motorcyclists who survive a crash may suffer serious injuries such as traumatic brain injuries. These injuries result in significant short-term and long-term needs. Insurers routinely undervalue these claims, especially when trying to safeguard their resources.
- Insurance Challenges: Motorcycle insurance coverage is usually less comprehensive than standard auto insurance, either due to lower policy limits or optional add-ons not being selected by the rider. In addition, some drivers who cause motorcycle accidents are underinsured or entirely uninsured. This makes it necessary to seek additional sources of compensation, including third-party liability or underinsured motorist coverage.
- Multiple Liable Parties: Motorcycle accidents are rarely the result of a single factor. While another driver’s negligence is a common cause, other parties may also bear legal responsibility. Identifying every liable party and proving how their actions contributed to the crash is key to maximizing recovery.
These are all potential complications that may affect your motorcycle accident claim. This reinforces the value of working with an attorney who understands how to build a strong claim from the outset.
Why Legal Representation Matters More for Riders
Motorcycles are exciting because they are fast, agile, and open. However, these same qualities make accidents more serious for riders. When injuries happen, recovery can be tough. Riders may need long-term medical care, financial help, and fair treatment in legal matters. The key roles of a motorcycle accident attorney in your case would entail:
- Collecting and analyzing evidence that can prove fault. This may include police reports, surveillance or dashcam footage, and eyewitness statements, among others.
- Calculating the full value of the claim, which includes the ongoing treatment costs, future earnings losses, disability, and diminished quality of life. A motorcycle accident lawyer ensures every category of damage is documented and pursued.
- Handling all communications with insurers, shielding you from making damaging statements, and ensuring that your claim is taken seriously from the beginning.
- Preparing to take the case to court, presenting your case to a jury, and fighting for a verdict that reflects the true cost of your injuries.
Having legal representation in motorcycle accident cases is highly advisable. It serves as an essential advocacy that helps riders piece their lives back together when the risks they expected on the road turn into harsh realities. A motorcycle accident attorney works to ensure that the financial fallout from an accident doesn’t unfairly impact the rider or their family.
Legal Support is Key to Managing the Motorcycles’ Risks
Motorcycles will always involve a high degree of risk, especially when even the safest riders can’t control other drivers or road conditions. But if a motorcycle crash were to occur, would you be prepared to handle the legal and financial consequences? Protecting yourself doesn’t end with a helmet or defensive driving. It includes knowing who to call when a crash leaves you injured. You need to work with a motorcycle accident attorney to ensure your injuries are recognized and fully compensated. If you need legal assistance following a motorcycle crash, call your personal injury attorney immediately to help you pursue damages.
Adam B. Lawler
Attorney at Law / Partner
Adam Lawler is the founder of Lawler Brown. Adam is a 2004 graduate of Saint Louis University School of Law. Adam worked for a local firm until founding the Lawler Brown in 2009. Adam’s practice areas focus in Personal Injury, Business, Real Estate, Probate/Trust/Estate Administration and general litigation.
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