Why Are Motorcyclists Seen as Reckless by Insurance Companies?
If you speak to a motorcyclist and ask them what their most significant issue is with the leisurely pastime, it would most likely be the feeling of being unfairly judged by society. For riders, motorcycle riding offers freedom, thrill, excitement, and efficiency. Still, it is well-known that riding a motorcycle comes with serious risks because when a motorcyclist is in an accident, there is a very good chance that they will sustain the most severe injuries or die.
When it comes to motorcycle riders who file insurance claims for compensation, another problem that riders routinely face is assumptions of recklessness by insurance companies. As a result, it is not uncommon for insurance companies to put pressure on injured drivers, increasing their stress in an already traumatic situation, by suggesting that they assumed the risk of riding a motorcycle and therefore are not entitled to fair and full compensation.
Dealing with the insurance company can be a complicated task for any injured party. Motorcycle riders face unique challenges when seeking compensation for their damages. If you are a motorcyclist who was injured in a crash in New Jersey and would like help with your case, you can contact the motorcycle accident injury attorney at Monaco Law PC.
Perception, Reality, and Data: Breaking Down the “Reckless Biker” Stereotype
It is important to understand both the statistics and the assumptions that insurance companies have when they assess the risk they take in insuring a motorcyclist. As a result, data-driven insurance companies could have their bias rooted in the facts, primarily that motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in a crash than occupants of a car. That is a stat from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Motorcyclists are also four times more likely to be injured in a crash, and even though motorcyclists make up only a small percentage of the vehicles that are on the roads, they account for a disproportionately high number of fatalities when crashes happen. So, when assessing the data, an insurance company is going to see a high-risk customer in a motorcyclist.
Next, the media and pop culture often portray motorcyclists as speeding, adrenaline junkies who are innately wild when riding their bikes. While this may be true for a small portion of riders, the overall majority are not this way, but still, insurance companies are easily influenced by such ideas of the irresponsible motorcyclist.
Finally, the lack of protection that motorcyclists have contributes to why they suffer such physical harm when an accident happens. As a result, insurance companies that insure motorcyclists could be faced with higher medical payouts and more costly property damage claims.
Speak to a New Jersey and Pennsylvania Personal Injury Attorney Today
If you need help with a motorcycle claim in New Jersey, please call our South Jersey personal injury lawyer at Monaco Law PC at (609) 277-3166 for our New Jersey office and (215) 546-3166 for our Pennsylvania office to discuss your case today.
Contact Monaco Law PC in Marlton, New Jersey to discuss your motorcycle accident case. They are a New Jersey and Pennsylvania personal injury firm serving Atlantic County, Bucks County, Burlington County, Cape May County, Camden County, Chester County, Cumberland County, Delaware County, Gloucester County, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Monroe County, Montgomery County, Philadelphia, Ocean County, Salem County, Susquehanna County and all of New Jersey.
Source:
nhtsa.gov/road-safety/motorcycles
