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Even When the Rider is the Victim
Motorcyclists are frequently blamed for causing or contributing to accidents with other vehicles by the police, judges, and juries. This despite the fact that they are often the fault of a larger vehicle’s driver, and the motorcycle rider who suffers the worst injuries and losses. In today’s post, we will take a look at the biases that can lead to unfair judgements against motorcyclists and whether they are true or false.
Motorcycles are inherently dangerous
False. The motorcycle itself is not a danger unless it was manufactured poorly or ill-maintained, same as a car or bicycle. Motorcyclists can (and should) reduce their chances of being injured in accidents by learning how to ride safely, performing regular safety checks of their equipment, wearing all recommended and required gear, and obeying the laws of the road.
Ultimately, the motorcycle itself is simply a vehicle. Meanwhile, human errors can make riding one dangerous, which is why it is incumbent upon riders to do their utmost to protect themselves… and vital that drivers of other vehicles watch out for riders with whom they’re sharing the road.
All motorcycle riders are reckless
False. While the media often portrays riders as wild and careless of their safety and that of others, there is no evidence proving most riders are reckless. Like any activity with an element of risk, motorcycle riding tends to attract people who are willing to take some chances with their safety that don’t appeal to everyone. However, that does not mean they want to be injured or killed. Most simply want to enjoy the ride and don’t engage in speeding, aggressive weaving through traffic, or riding while drunk or taking drugs.
Motorcyclists face few to no restrictions getting licensed
False (in California). While each state has their own requirements for obtaining a license before riding a motorcycle, California is actually quite strict. The Department of Motor Vehicles requires would-be riders to pass knowledge, safety, and skills tests and mandates extra training courses for applicants under the age of 21. Our state takes rider safety very seriously.
Contact a Qualified Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Motorcycle riders should be able to share the road safely with cars, trucks, and other larger vehicles. While riders should use common sense to avoid accidents, they should not be blamed when another driver fails to watch out for them. If you were riding your motorcycle and injured by the careless driver of another vehicle, call Scott J. Corwin, A Professional Law Corporation.
Contact our office today by calling (310) 683-2300 or filling out the online contact form to discuss the details of your case and learn more about how we can help you. We offer free consultations, so there’s no reason not to reach out to someone from our team right away.