If you were recently injured in a motorcycle accident, it’s important to know the facts. There are misconceptions floating around about countless legal issues, and this one is no different. More than three quarters (78%) of respondents to the 2008 AAA Foundation Traffic Safety Culture Index rated aggressive drivers as a serious or extremely serious safety problem, and many motorcycle accidents involve vehicles that weren’t paying full attention to the road. Here are some common myths about motorcycle accidents.
- Myth: If the motorcycle rider wasn’t wearing a helmet, they aren’t entitled to any financial compensation for their injuries.
This is a bit of a tricky issue, but even though helmets are designed to make the rider exponentially safer while on the road, wearing a helmet simply won’t protect you from all injuries. There are countless other ways to get hurt, and in many cases, riders who weren’t wearing helmets still receive significant money for their injuries. And while the law varies from state to state, some states will still allow compensation for head injuries, even if the victim was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. Your motorcycle accident attorneys can give you more information on this topic. - Myth: It isn’t always necessary to hire motorcycle accident lawyers. If the case is small, it can be handled without one.
Many people may feel as though they can handle the complications of their case singlehandedly, but it’s highly unlikely that they’re as well-equipped with legal knowledge as the lawyers who have studied it for years. If you work with a qualified lawyer who works specifically with motorcycle accident victims, your chances of receiving significant compensation substantially improve. - Myth: Most motorcycle accidents are the rider’s fault.
This is nothing but a biased opinion. While it’s absolutely critical for motorcyclists to practice safe riding habits, sometimes they just aren’t seen by vehicles. Between 2003 and 2007, 192,069 fatal car crashes happened in the United States, many of them involving motorcycles, and there are many cases where the fault is legally placed on the driver of the vehicle.
Ultimately, being able to identify these myths and know the truth is essential to successfully navigating through any motorcycle accident case. For more information about finding an attorney, contact Greene Ketchum.