Insurance companies are very good at making believe that they put the public and their customers first. But anyone who has been in an accident knows that this is rarely true. After all, insurance companies are businesses. They aim to pay as little money as possible to get the most profit. And while insurance companies play dirty with all their policyholders, one type of driver often gets the brunt: motorcyclists.
Although it may not be outright said, insurance companies have a strong bias against motorcyclists, making it more difficult for the latter to obtain compensation after a motorcycle accident.
In this article, the experienced motorcycle accident attorneys at the Bourassa Law Group take a closer look at the causes of this bias and how motorcyclists can claim the compensation they deserve.
Why Insurance Companies Are Biased Against Motorcyclists
The History of the Bad Image of Motorcyclists
In the early 20th century, motorcycle racing was popular throughout the US. But, one fateful day, a race ended in disaster when a motorcyclist took a turn too fast and was catapulted off the track into the stands, killing several viewers. Newspapers at the time reported on the accident, using the image of a “skull and crossbones,” the universal sign of danger. They also called the tracks “murder domes,” leading to these races falling out of favor and being abandoned entirely.
Similar incidents that associated motorcycles with danger and violence had happened in the past.
In the modern era, YouTube and video camera footage have spread images of dangerous motorcyclist behavior on the road, such as weaving through traffic and speeding. Although only a small number of thrill-seeking motorcyclists engage in this behavior, their actions have hurt the motorcycle community as a whole.
Stereotypes Associated With Motorcyclists
Because of this dark history, many view motorcyclists as drivers engaging in dangerous behavior on the road. Speeding, weaving through traffic, not keeping a safe distance, and performing risky stunts exacerbate this stereotype. These stereotypes influence the insurance companies against motorcyclists and affect the compensation they deserve after an accident.
Insurance Companies
Even responsible motorcyclists face an uphill battle with insurance companies after an accident due to this stereotype and the risky behavior of thrill seekers. Even if they are not the party at fault and need compensation for their injuries, insurance adjusters often try to lower the amount of compensation or claim that they are the true party at fault.
Police Officers
Due to these stereotypes, responding officers may blame an accident on a motorcyclist even before the accident investigation is complete. A police officer who fails to collect evidence, statements from both parties and witness reports will have a faulty report and may blame the wrong party, making it more difficult for the motorcyclist to get compensation.
The Other Driver and Witnesses
Bias against motorcyclists can even lead witnesses and other involved parties to blame the motorcyclist without knowing the full picture. Witnesses may claim to have seen the motorcyclist weaving through traffic when they were just changing lanes. Or they may claim that the motorcyclist was speeding when they were not. The other driver may also believe the motorcyclist was at fault, as shock and fear cloud their judgment, allowing prejudice to prevail.
How to Protect Yourself from Prejudice as a Motorcyclist After an Accident
Although biases exist, they don’t hold up very well to the facts. One of the best ways to protect yourself after a motorcycle accident is to make sure you take the right steps to support your claim:
After an accident, you may still find yourself on the road. If you can do it, get to the safety of the side.
Watch the other driver and passengers. Make sure no one else was seriously injured in the accident. If you or someone else is, call emergency services immediately.
Call the police. Gather information about the accident. This information must include:
- The names of other drivers
- Passengers
- License plate numbers
- The insurance information of the other driver
- Witness statements and contacts
- The accident site
- Take photos of the accident scene
- Call a personal injury lawyer who will accompany you as your legal advocate to protect you against anti-biker bias.
- Visit a health professional. Doing so will create a record of your injuries for the court to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Don’t Let Bias Keep You From Getting the Compensation You Deserve
Many motorcyclists face bias from the insurance companies that affect the compensation they deserve. Having a legal advocate to fight for your right to compensation and act as your voice is essential. Contact the Bourassa Law Group, a leading personal injury law firm in Las Vegas with years of experience helping motorcyclists claim the compensation they deserve.
The expert personal injury attorneys at Bourassa Law Group know that your road to recovery is long, and it gets even longer when you fight for just compensation. Let us fight on your behalf while you focus on recovery.
Call 800-870-8910 or click here to contact us now.
1-800-870-8910