Why Are Insurance Companies Biased Against Motorcyclists After Accidents?
Motorcycle accidents are an unfortunate occurrence on the open road, and the consequences can be severe for the riders involved. In Wisconsin alone, there were 2,104 motorcycle crashes in 2020, with 112 fatalities and 1,796 serious injuries.
Despite the high number of accidents, motorcycle riders often face additional challenges when seeking compensation due to insurance company bias against them after a crash.
If you suffer damages in a crash due to another driver’s negligence, a Green Bay motorcycle accident lawyer from Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers will fight for your rights against biased insurers and help you get the financial compensation you need to move forward.
Understanding Insurance Adjusters’ Biases Against Motorcyclists
Although safely riding a motorcycle requires skill gained through completing safety courses and miles of riding experience, insurance adjusters often wrongly believe the rider is the at-fault party in a crash. They assume that riders are reckless, aggressive, prone to risk-taking behavior like speeding, and disregard other drivers’ well-being.
This bias can make it difficult for injured motorcyclists to receive the compensation they deserve.
Factors Contributing to Insurance Bias Against Motorcyclists
Several factors contribute to the insurance industry’s bias against motorcyclists, including:
- High Rate of Accidents Involving Motorcycles
Motorcycles are involved in a disproportionately high number of fatality accidents. Riders are 16 times more likely to die in an accident than passenger vehicle occupants and 4 times more likely to be injured, which can give the impression that motorcyclists are reckless. Motorcyclists are more vulnerable to injury due to the bike’s smaller dimensions, lower weight, and reduced stability. Insurance companies may view motorcyclists as inherently risky, which can influence their decisions on claims.
- Perception of Motorcycles as High-Risk Vehicles
Motorcycles are often seen as high-risk vehicles due to their speed capabilities and the potential for catastrophic injuries in the event of an accident. This perception can lead insurance adjusters to assume that motorcyclists are more likely to engage in risky riding behaviors like speeding and lane splitting.
- Lack of Understanding of Motorcycle Culture and Behavior
Many insurance adjusters have little or no experience with motorcycles because they make up only 3% of all registered vehicles, leading to misunderstandings about the riding community and the behavior of motorcyclists. This lack of understanding can further perpetuate stereotypes and biases against riders.
Impact of Insurance Bias on Injured Motorcyclists
The insurance industry’s bias against motorcyclists can have consequences for those who are injured in accidents, such as:
- Denied or Reduced Compensation
Biased adjusters may be more likely to deny or reduce the compensation that injured motorcyclists are entitled to, leaving them with insufficient funds to cover medical expenses and lost wages.
- Long-term Financial and Medical Consequences
Inadequate compensation can leave injured motorcyclists struggling to pay for ongoing medical care and rehabilitation. This can have long-lasting effects on their financial stability and quality of life.
How the Right Lawyer Can Help You
Experienced motorcycle accident lawyers can help ensure claimants receive fair treatment from insurance companies. Insurance companies will do everything possible to avoid paying damages following a motorcycle accident. Do not accept any offers, give statements, or post about your accident on social media until you consult an attorney.
The Appleton motorcycle accident lawyers at Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers know how to remove bias from a case and rely only on the facts. We present evidence on how the accident happened, not how the insurance adjuster assumed things happened based on their bias against motorcyclists.
Don’t Let Biased Insurance Companies Deny Your Injury Claim
Motorcyclists often face an unfair bias from insurance companies after accidents, which can severely affect their physical, emotional, and financial well-being. To protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve, enlist the help of an experienced Fox Cities motorcycle accident who understands the unique challenges motorcyclists face in the claims process.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, don’t let biased insurance companies stand in the way of your recovery. Contact Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers today. Our team will protect your rights to full compensation. We won’t let insurance company bias deny you the money you are owed.