If you ride a motorcycle or drive a car, you could sustain catastrophic injuries in a collision that upended your life through no fault of your own. If this is the case, you may be entitled to significant compensation. However, you’ll have to prove that your injuries directly resulted from someone’s negligence. This can be more difficult to accomplish depending on the circumstances and the type of accident you are injured in. While motorcycle and car accidents can lead to severe injuries, it’s imperative to understand their differences. If you have been injured in a motorcycle or car accident, contact a proficient Westchester County Auto Accident Lawyer who can help you fight for just compensation to which you are entitled. Please continue reading to learn the critical differences between motorcycles and car accidents.
WHAT MAKES MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS DIFFERENT FROM CAR ACCIDENTS?
Many ride motorcycles as they feel a liberating sense of freedom on the open road. However, deciding to ride a bike rather than drive a car comes with significant risks. Motorcyclists are called “vulnerable road users” because they are not afforded the same outside protection as car occupants. In a vehicle, individuals are protected by metal frames, airbags, seatbelts, and other safety features that shield occupants from the impact of a collision which minimizes exposure to severe injuries. Motorcyclists have no outside protection, making them more susceptible to life-altering injuries and fatalities. Ultimately, motorcyclists are more vulnerable to specific injuries such as traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord injuries, and road rash.
Another significant difference is that motorcyclists are often stereotyped as engaging in reckless behavior, which can lead to biases during legal proceedings. If you are injured in a motorcycle accident, establishing liability will be more challenging as parties may conclude that you were at fault for the collision as you are seen as a thrill-seeker. When the blame is shifted onto motorcyclists simply because of stereotypes, it can be more challenging to recover monetary compensation for your damages.
Therefore, with the increased chance of severe injuries and being stereotyped, motorcycle accidents often require more evidence to build a solid case, so it is imperative to retain the legal services of an experienced lawyer. Having quality legal counsel can ensure you have the best chance of achieving a positive outcome in your case.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle or car accident, contact a determined Westchester County auto accident lawyer from The Bàez Legal Group today. Our firm is committed to helping our clients seek reasonable compensation for their damages. Allow our firm to represent your interests to maximize your chances of collecting compensation for your losses from a collision.