Is there a bias that motorcyclists cause their own wrecks? How do insurance companies attempt to use this to deny or diminish a valid personal injury claim after a motorcycle accident?
According to the Insurance Institute of America, most people across the country and many here in Kentucky will tell you they believe bikers are responsible for a lot of motorcycle accidents. They’ll tell you story after story about bikers who ride too fast, ignore many basic traffic laws and ride in a reckless manner on a regular basis.
While this is true in some individual cases, it’s unfair to characterize bikers this way. The bias that motorcyclists cause their own wrecks needs to be broken. The increasing reality, according to statistics provided by the Kentucky State Police, is more often than not the driver of the motorcycle is not responsible for an injury accident.
The leading causes of motorcycle injury accidents include but are not limited to:
- Pulling out from a side street or parking lot into the path of an oncoming motorcycle
- Failure to exercise caution when making a left hand turn
- Speeding when driving in the proximity of a motorcycle
- Tailgating or following a motorcycle too closely
- Abrupt lane changes or changing lanes without signaling or looking over your shoulder for a biker in your blind spot
- Driving while distracted such as using a cell phone or even texting
Passengers who are injured while riding on the back of a motorcycle always have a valid personal injury claim.
If you or someone you love is injured while riding a motorcycle insurance companies know their risks may be lower than in an auto accident. They will often make an initial offer which is much lower than the injured motorcyclist deserves. In some cases they attempt to allege an exaggerated percentage of fault or to deny a valid injury claim altogether.
This is why it is important to contact the experienced motorcycle injury attorneys at HLH or call us at (866) 583-9701 for a free consultation. Learn how our experience, trial and legal skill and resources help us to stand up to insurance companies to ensure our clients receive the best possible outcome in their injury cases.