What Is the Bias Against Motorcycle Riders in Richmond, Virginia?

Ask anybody who doesn’t drive a motorcycle what they think about people who do drive motorcycles, and you’ll get the same answer. A lot of motorists think that people who drive motorcycles drive too fast and take a lot of risks. They weave in and out of traffic and have no concern for the people around them. A lot of accident victims who come to see a Richmond motorcycle wreck lawyer complain about sharing the road with bikers.

It’s unfair to make these blanket statements about groups of people. Just because somebody drives a motorcycle, that doesn’t mean they’re irresponsible. It’s the same way with anything else. One bad apple can ruin the whole bunch. If somebody sees someone on a motorcycle who is speeding and weaving in and out of their lane, they assume all bikers are like this. The truth is that most motorcyclists do follow the traffic laws. They are as careful as anybody else. After all, they don’t want to end up in the emergency room after a terrible accident. 

While your Richmond motorcycle accident attorney understands this, they can’t ignore the bias. Some motorcycle accident victims fight an uphill battle when it comes to taking legal action. That’s why it’s important to call an experienced Richmond motorcycle accident attorney sooner rather than later.

Many Motorists Feel that Motorcycle Riders Drive Too Fast

A lot of motorcycle riders can’t wait to get out on the open road. They like to take off on their bikes and enjoy the fresh air. Sometimes they do drive too fast. They can maneuver on the road a lot better than cars and SUVs. They also don’t have to worry about having passengers or children on the bike with them. Their bike isn’t weighed down, and it can go a lot faster than your typical sedan.

What scares other motorists about this is that they can’t always stop in time to avoid a collision. By the time a motorist sees the motorcycle, it could be too late. For example, if a motorcycle is making a left-hand turn and they’re going well above the speed limit, the person in the other vehicle can’t stop in time. If they hit a bike while it’s going this fast, they know the results will be disastrous. That’s why it’s your Richmond motorcycle accident attorney’s job to prove that you weren’t negligent. 

The Biggest Reason Motorists Give for a Motorcycle Accident Is That They Didn’t See the Bike

When a Richmond motorcycle accident attorney speaks to defense lawyers, they usually hear the same thing. The other motorist claims that they didn’t see the motorcycle. They are a lot smaller than a car or SUV. However, it seems rather convenient that almost every driver involved in this type of crash gives the same excuse. They feel that if they can convince the judge that they didn’t see the plaintiff, they won’t be held liable. This isn’t necessarily the case.

When your Richmond motorcycle wreck lawyer files your insurance claim, the hope is that it’s paid. If this isn’t the case, they’ll need to file a lawsuit. In court, they’ll need to prove that the defendant was negligent. This means they need to prove the following four (4) things:

  • The other driver owed you a duty of care
  • This duty was breached
  • You were hurt
  • Your injuries were directly caused by the defendant’s breach

If you can prove these four elements, there’s a good chance you’ll get the damages you’re entitled to. It all comes down to what your lawyer can prove.

How Does the Bias Against Bikers Hurt Your Richmond Motorcycle Wreck Lawsuit?

Despite what a lot of people think, most motorcycle accident lawsuits don’t go to trial. Trials are expensive and time-consuming. Most parties try to avoid them if possible. That’s why your Richmond motorcycle accident attorney will try to negotiate a settlement of your claim. There’s a good chance the defendant’s lawyer is going to claim you were at fault. They’ll fall back on that bias that so many people have against bikers. There’s a possibility that if you go to court, the judge may buy into this bias. They may hold you partially responsible for your accident. 

Schedule Your Free, Initial Consultation with a Seasoned Richmond Motorcycle Wreck Lawyer

If you’re injured in a motorcycle accident in Virginia, it’s a good idea to call for help. You should schedule your free consultation with an experienced Richmond motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible.