Many operators of motor vehicles have a strong bias against motorcyclists. They see riders as reckless risk-takers who ride with an utter and callous disregard their own safety but the safety of others too. Even when a motorcycle crash wasn’t the fault of the rider, insurance companies and their defense lawyers seize on prejudice against motorcyclists in attempts to gain an advantage in a personal injury claim or lawsuit. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in or around Denver that was caused by the carelessness and negligence of somebody else, you’ll be in need of an experienced and skilled Denver motorcycle accident attorney who can overcome bias and prejudice against motorcyclists and meet the burden of proof in your case.
Motorcycle Accident Injuries and Deaths
As per a 2019 study by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, an estimated 84,000 Americans were injured in motorcycle accidents the prior year. More than 5,000 others died. Of course, not every one of these accidents was attributable to the carelessness and negligence of motorcyclists. In many of those accidents, drivers of other vehicles just didn’t see motorcyclists around them or approaching them.
When Other Vehicles Turn Left
Perhaps the most authoritative motorcycle accident analysis and the report came from the Traffic Safety Center at the University of Southern California. It found that about 66% of the time when a motorcycle crash was caused by somebody other than the motorcyclist, it was caused by the driver of another vehicle turning left in an intersection in the path of an oncoming motorcyclist. The report also found that the more conspicuous that the rider was, the less likely that another vehicle was to turn into its path. That conspicuity primarily translates into riding with all lights on, even in the middle of the day.
Potential Jurors Must Make Promise
A motorcycle accident lawyer who has fully prepared their case will begin attacking bias against their client from the onset of representation. That usually begins with the insurance adjuster on the other side of the case. If the client’s personal injury claim doesn’t settle, a lawsuit must be filed. If the case doesn’t settle out of court, the lawyer must start stripping the jury of any bias against motorcyclists. Potential jurors will need to be educated, and they must promise to leave any possible bias against motorcyclists at the courthouse door.
Obtaining full and fair compensation for injuries and damages suffered in a motorcycle accident that was caused by the carelessness and negligence of somebody else is a difficult endeavor. It’s not impossible though, especially when any bias or prejudice against motorcyclists is left at the courthouse door. Your decision on your selection of the motorcycle accident attorney who will represent you and begin disposing of bias or prejudice against motorcyclists will be of great importance.