Understanding the Difference between Motorcycle Accidents and Car Collisions

No matter what kind of vehicle you are driving, getting in a crash is both regrettable and dangerous. Injuries sustained from collisions on the road can put your life on hold as your body recovers and you scramble to pay for the medical expenses caused by the injury.

Many people wrongfully assume that a motorcycle accident is handled the same way as a car accident when it comes to seeking compensation for injuries – as we’ll explain below, this assumption can have huge consequences on receiving just repayment.

When it comes to presenting your case in court, here are four reasons why you need to hire a lawyer who specializes in motorcycle accident cases.

1. Unfair Prejudice to Motorcyclists
It is an unfortunate fact that motorcyclists often get stigmatized because of the reckless behavior of the few. Many people unfairly consider all motorcyclists to be daredevils based on prior experiences with irresponsible riders. Reckless motorcyclists are the minority, but the stereotype is often applied to safe riders as well.

Jurors may also be affected by unfair prejudices, which is why an experienced attorney is crucial in a motorcycle accident case. An experienced lawyer handles this bias in two ways:

• They expose biases toward motorcyclists during jury selection to eliminate jurors who may be prejudiced
• They show in court that their defendant is a responsible driver

2. Jurors Require a Basic Understanding of Motorcycles
A majority of jurors will not have experience on how motorcycles are driven and how riders are supposed to react in situations on the road. To fully understand who is at fault in an accident, and discern the degree of responsibility for injury compensation, the jury must have a fundamental knowledge of safe motorcycle driving practices.

For example, a rider knows that speed creates stability on a motorcycle, but the jury may consider speed reckless driving if they are unfamiliar with motorcycling. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney will be able to educate the jury, which may help prove your case.

3. More Severe Injuries
In general, motorcycle accident injuries are far more severe than collisions in a vehicle. The open and exposed nature of riding is what attracts many people to motorcycles, but it also increases the risk. Oftentimes, serious and permanent injuries can result from a motorcycle accident, so a lawyer who specializes in accounting for these types of damages is important.

An especially dangerous injury a motorcyclist can sustain is called “road rash.” Road rash is common in most motorcycle accidents, and can be more painful than fractures and broken bones. A motorcycle accident attorney will be able to properly calculate the compensation you will need for future recovery from road rash and other injuries.

4. Sneaky Insurer Tactics
Just like motorcycle accident attorneys are aware of the prejudices their clients face, insurance companies do too, and oftentimes they try to use biases to their advantage. Many victims seek the help of a motorcycle accident lawyer only after they realize an insurance company is not acting fairly.

For example, if you’re partially at-fault for the accident, the insurance company may try and deny compensation. But under Colorado law, a claimant is entitled to damages if it’s determined they’re less than 50% responsible for the collision.

The only way to ensure that you are treated fairly in court—by the jurors and insurance company—is to hire an attorney who understands the obstacles of proving fault in a motorcycle accident case and has the skills to overcome them.

Don’t make the mistake of assuming a motorcycle accident is the same as a car collision. Contact Colorado motorcycle accident attorney R. Mack Babcock and associates at Babcock Tucker to discuss your case today.