Motorcycle riders face unique challenges after crashes. Despite being lawful road users, bikers often encounter prejudice from insurance companies and juries who wrongly assume riders are reckless. Understanding your rights and the legal landscape is essential to securing fair compensation.
This guide covers what every motorcyclist should know about injury claims, from overcoming bias to navigating insurance complexities. If you've been involved in a crash, knowing these key issues can make a significant difference in your recovery.
Unique Challenges Motorcyclists Face in Injury Claims
Motorcyclists are statistically more likely to suffer serious injuries in crashes, yet they often face an uphill battle in personal injury claims. Bias against riders is a real problem—insurance adjusters and even jurors may assume the biker was speeding, weaving, or showing off, even when evidence proves otherwise.
Overcoming this prejudice requires skilled legal representation. An experienced attorney will gather witness statements, review police reports, obtain traffic camera footage, and work with accident reconstruction experts to show exactly what happened. Proving that you were riding safely and legally is crucial to defeating unfair stereotypes.
Additionally, motorcycle crashes often result in catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, road rash, and fractures. These injuries require extensive medical treatment and long-term care, making it essential to pursue full compensation rather than accepting a quick lowball settlement.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents and Injuries
Most motorcycle accidents are caused by negligent drivers who fail to see or yield to riders. Common scenarios include:
Left-turn collisions: A driver turning left fails to see an oncoming motorcycle and turns directly into the rider's path. Lane-change crashes: A vehicle merges or changes lanes without checking blind spots, sideswiping or cutting off a motorcyclist. Rear-end accidents: A distracted or tailgating driver fails to stop in time, striking the motorcycle from behind. Road hazards: Potholes, debris, gravel, or uneven pavement that pose minimal risk to cars can cause a rider to lose control.
In many cases, the at-fault driver claims they "didn't see" the motorcycle. While this may be true, it doesn't absolve them of liability. All drivers have a duty to check their surroundings and yield to motorcycles just as they would to any other vehicle.
Insurance Issues and Maximizing Recovery
Motorcycle accident claims often involve complex insurance issues. New Jersey requires minimum liability coverage, but many at-fault drivers carry only the legal minimum, which may be insufficient to cover serious injuries. If the negligent driver is underinsured or uninsured, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage becomes critical.
Insurance companies will try to minimize payouts by arguing comparative fault, claiming your injuries aren't as severe as you say, or offering quick settlements before the full extent of your damages is known. Never accept an early settlement without consulting an attorney. Once you settle, you cannot go back for more compensation, even if your injuries worsen or new complications arise.
Maximizing recovery means documenting everything—medical records, lost wages, property damage, photos of injuries, and witness statements. It also means calculating future damages such as ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, and loss of earning capacity. A skilled attorney will build a comprehensive claim that reflects the true cost of the crash.
Why Specialized Legal Help Matters
Motorcycle accident cases require attorneys who understand the unique dynamics of rider claims. A lawyer experienced in motorcycle accidents knows how to counter anti-biker bias, prove liability, and aggressively negotiate with insurance companies. They also understand the specific injuries riders face and how to demonstrate their long-term impact on quality of life.
At Lion Law, we handle motorcycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing upfront, and no attorney's fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf. We work with medical experts, accident reconstructionists, and vocational specialists to build the strongest possible case.
If you've been injured in a motorcycle crash, time is critical. Evidence can disappear, witnesses' memories fade, and New Jersey's statute of limitations places strict deadlines on filing claims. Contact Lion Law today for a free consultation to discuss your rights and options. Every case is unique, and results depend on the specific facts and jurisdiction.