Although motorcycle and car accidents can both result in severe injuries and fatalities, several factors make them different. Motorcycles are more dangerous than cars. Motorcyclists are often more susceptible to catastrophic injuries. Motorists must take the necessary precautions to prevent severe accidents and injuries. If you have been injured in a motorcycle or car accident in South Carolina, contact an experienced Chesterfield County Auto Accident Lawyer who can help you fight for just compensation. Please continue reading to learn the main differences between motorcycles and car accidents.
Why are motorcycle accidents different from car accidents in South Carolina?
Motorcycles are more dangerous than cars. Motorcyclists are often considered vulnerable road users as they carry higher risks due to limited outside protection to shield them from the impact of a collision. In a car, occupants are afforded safety features such as seatbelts and airbags that protect them from the effects of a crash and prevent them from being projected from the vehicle. With motorcycles, no protective enclosures or features besides helmets can keep them from being thrown off the bike.
Additionally, motorcycles only have two wheels, making them more challenging to maintain stability. Motorcycles are smaller than cars, making them more difficult for other drivers to spot on the road, which makes them more susceptible to accidents as motorists often fail to check for motorcyclists when changing lanes. Unfortunately, as mentioned above, motorcycles leave riders wholly exposed. Therefore, motorcyclists tend to be more susceptible to catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord injuries, fractures, road rash, and other devastating injuries. According to research, motorcyclists accounted for 14% of all traffic fatalities. Riders are more vulnerable to serious injuries or even death due to the lack of protection compared to car occupants.
Is there an unfair bias?
Sadly, law enforcement officers and insurance companies hold preconceived biases about motorcycle accidents due to stereotypes. Motorcyclists are often viewed as thrill-seekers which causes third parties to assume they are reckless. These unfair biases during legal proceedings hinder motorcyclists’ ability to recover the total compensation they are entitled. Insurance companies often use these biases to deny riders their rightful compensation. With car accidents, motorists are not stereotyped. Therefore, motorcycle accidents often require more evidence to establish liability. Ultimately, motorcyclists face various obstacles when seeking reasonable compensation for their economic and non-economic damages from an accident.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle or car accident due to someone else’s negligence, contact the Cockrell Law Firm, P.C. today. With years of experience, you can trust that our firm will work tirelessly to help you get justice. Allow our firm to represent your interests to maximize your chances of recovering monetary compensation for your damages.
