Recovering Damages From a Motorcycle Wreck in Duncan, OK
Motorcycle accident cases face a problem most other auto cases don’t. The challenge isn’t doctrinal. It comes from juror bias against motorcyclists. Carriers leverage juror prejudice. A Duncan motorcycle accident lawyer brings the right approach to a uniquely challenging area of injury law.
The Bias Problem That Defines These Cases
Juror Prejudice Against Motorcyclists
Juror prejudice against riders is well-documented.
Common juror beliefs that hurt motorcycle cases including:
- Motorcyclists are inherently dangerous
- If you ride a motorcycle, you accepted the danger
- Motorcyclists are speeding when crashes occur
- Motorcyclists weave through traffic
- Motorcyclists are partly to blame for any crash
These attitudes don’t match the data. Studies of crash causation consistently show motorists — not motorcyclists — most often cause crashes between cars and motorcycles.
But juror bias persists despite the data.
Insurance Companies Exploit This Bias
Carriers understand the prejudice problem.
Insurers use the bias to:
- Disputing fault even when the driver was clearly at fault
- Lowballing settlement offers
- Pushing shared-fault theories
- Refusing to settle reasonable cases
Overcoming Juror Bias
Successfully handling motorcycle cases requires distinct tactics.
Important approaches involve:
- Thorough voir dire
- Humanizing the rider
- Educating jurors
- Comprehensive crash reconstruction
- Showing the rider’s training, experience, and safety practices
Why Motorcycle Injuries Are Catastrophic
No Vehicle Protection
Riders are exposed in ways car drivers aren’t.
When a car hits a motorcycle, the energy transfers to the rider’s body.
Ejection From the Motorcycle
Riders frequently come off their motorcycles.
Post-ejection injuries can result from impacts after leaving the motorcycle.
Distinctive Injury Patterns
Traumatic Brain Injury
Head trauma is a major motorcycle injury category. Even with helmets, TBI risk remains.
Road Rash
Sliding on pavement generates significant abrasion injuries. Severe cases require skin grafting.
Internal Injuries
Internal injuries from blunt force trauma frequent in motorcycle crashes.
Fractures
Bone injuries frequently occur.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can produce catastrophic spinal damage.
Amputation Injuries
Crush injuries and severe trauma can result in amputation injuries.
Permanent Disfigurement
Visible permanent disfigurement creates lifelong consequences.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes
Left-Turning Vehicles
Left-turn crashes against motorcycles.
This is the leading crash type.
Failure to see motorcycles or misjudges its speed or distance.
Lane Changes Into Motorcycles
Lane-change incidents are particularly dangerous.
Motorcycle blind-spot crashes accounts for many lane-change crashes.
Rear-End Crashes
Vehicles rear-ending motorcycles cause significant injuries. Stopped motorcycles can be hit by vehicles not anticipating the stop.
Driver Failing to Yield
Yield failures involving motorcycles.
Vehicles Crossing Centerlines
Head-on crashes can be catastrophic for motorcyclists.
Distracted Drivers
Distracted driving disproportionately injure motorcyclists.
Drunk and Impaired Drivers
Drunk drivers are a significant cause.
Road Hazards
Road hazards that don’t significantly affect cars cause crashes for motorcyclists. Various surface defects.
Defective Motorcycles or Components
Manufacturing defects or design flaws generate crashes.
Helmet Laws and Comparative Fault
Helmet Laws Vary by State
States have different helmet laws. Some states require helmets; others require them only for certain riders; free choice.
Helmet Use and Comparative Fault
Even where helmet use isn’t required by law, Defense leverages helmet non-use.
Different jurisdictions handle this differently:
- Some states permit this defense
- Other states bar this defense
- Some jurisdictions limit how this argument can be used
Helmet Use Where Legally Required
In states with mandatory helmet laws, failure to wear a helmet can support comparative fault.
Helmet Standards and Quality
Even helmet-wearing riders may face challenges.
Helmet certifications, type, quality may be argued.
Damages in Motorcycle Cases
Recoverable losses include include:
Medical Costs
- Emergency and trauma center care
- Multiple surgeries
- Hospital stays
- Critical care
- Rehabilitation
- Ongoing care
- Continuing treatment
- Adaptive devices
- Accessibility renovations
Lost Wages and Earning Capacity
Substantial wage loss.
Property Damage
Vehicle damages, protective equipment damage, other property losses.
Pain and Suffering
Pain can be substantial.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Loss of riding. This is recoverable.
Mental Health Treatment
Psychological consequences. Loss of the ability to ride.
Loss of Consortium
Effects on intimate relationships.
Wrongful Death
Fatal case damages.
Punitive Damages
Exemplary damages may be recoverable.
Common Insurance Defenses
“The Rider Was Speeding”
“You were going too fast” even when contradicted by evidence. Expert testimony can rebut.
“The Rider Was Weaving”
Defense argues unsafe riding behavior.
“The Rider Wasn’t Visible”
“I couldn’t see you”. Visibility duty rests on drivers.
“The Rider Assumed the Risk”
“You knew it was dangerous”. This defense is generally unsuccessful.
“The Rider Wasn’t Wearing a Helmet”
Where applicable.
“Comparative Fault”
Defense pushes shared-fault arguments.
“Pre-Existing Conditions”
Pre-existing condition defenses.
Critical Steps After a Motorcycle Crash
Get Immediate Medical Attention
Even with apparently minor symptoms, Internal injuries may develop.
Stay at the Scene Until Police Arrive
Don’t leave the scene until law enforcement responds.
Document the Crash Scene
Visual evidence of every relevant detail.
Preserve the Motorcycle
The motorcycle itself needs to be locked down. Preserve it for reconstruction.
Get Witness Information
Independent observer documentation.
Photograph Your Gear
Helmet, jacket, gloves, boots, and other riding gear can be evidence.
Don’t Discuss Fault at the Scene
Avoid admitting fault or speculating about cause.
Get a Police Report
Insist on official documentation.
Don’t Speak With Insurance Adjusters Without Counsel
Insurance adjusters call quickly. Direct insurer communication hurt the case in lasting ways.
Riding Gear and Damages
Motorcycle gear can affect damages analysis.
Documentation that you were wearing protective equipment can counter defense arguments.
The Underinsured Motorist Problem
Motorcycle crashes often involve catastrophic injuries. Other drivers’ coverage may be inadequate.
Your own UIM coverage provides additional coverage.
Checking UIM coverage is essential to evaluating recovery potential.
Attorney Costs
Motorcycle accident attorneys charge no upfront fees. Specialty expertise costs paid by counsel.
Move Quickly
Time pressure on these cases is real.
The motorcycle and other physical evidence must be preserved.
Witness memories require prompt investigation.
Camera evidence have limited retention.
OK’s statute of limitations sets a hard cutoff.
Getting an attorney involved promptly locks down the critical evidence.