Motorcycle and car accidents, although traumatic, have some differences. The main ones include the higher risk of injury in a motorcycle accident because of its lack of protection.
According to wattelandyork.com/tucson/motorcycle-accident/, motorcycles make up a small portion of the total registered motor vehicles on the road, yet they are involved in many accidents. Here are some other things that are different in motorcycle accidents that set them apart from car accidents.
Motorcycle Accidents Are Likely to Produce More Serious Injuries Than Car Crashes
Car manufacturers have made vehicles safer for decades, focusing on new and improved safety features, such as seatbelts and airbags. Some cars have accident avoidance systems and electronic features that detect pedestrians or assist with braking. In comparison, motorcycles have few of these features. Besides their protective gear, motorcycle riders are exposed to the road and elements in an accident.
Although features such as adaptive headlights and anti-lock braking systems help motorcycle ridiers, they cannot replace the shell of a steel frame or a car’s airbags. In fact, motorcyclists have nothing that protects them from direct contact between their bodies and what they are striking, be it another vehicle, a fixed object, or the ground. So, this lack of protection directly leads to increased risks of injuries in an accident.
Motorcycle Accidents Have a Higher Fatality Rate
According to the NHTSA, more than 5,579 motorcycles died in 2020. The report shows that motorcycle riders are 28 times more likely to die in a traffic accident than people traveling in cars. Although motorcycles account for only 3% of all registered vehicles, motorcycle accident fatalities occur at a rate six times the number of car accident fatalities. Moreover, motorcyclists under the age of 40 are close to 36 times more likely to suffer severe injuries in an accident than those driving cars at the same age.
Since motorcycle accidents are more dangerous and deadly than car accidents, you are more likely to face resistance from insurance adjusters when you try to recover compensation for your losses and damages.
Insurance Companies Are More Likely to Fight Against Your Motorcycle Accident Claim
Insurers understand jurors have biases against motorcyclists and use that knowledge to pay them less. Motorcycle accident claims are typically worth more than other types of accidents due to more severe injuries, long-term medical expenses, and lost wages.
Unfortunately, injured riders find out the hard way that the insurance adjusters don’t plan to deal with them fairly. By that time, the insurer may use various tactics to hurt the chances of the rider getting reasonable compensation.
A motorcycle accident can lead to numerous losses and damages that might take years to pay. Understanding and recognizing that motorcycle and car accidents are not the same is the first step in protecting your legal rights after being involved in a motorcycle accident. The second step is getting legal help from a motorcycle accident lawyer who understands the differences between the two, who can prepare a solid case, and negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf.
