Are Insurers and Juries Biased Against Motorcyclists?
- Home / Motorcycle Accidents /
- Are Insurers and Juries Biased Against Motorcyclists?
March 26, 2021
There are many negative stereotypes about motorcycle riders. Many people may look at riders as inherently reckless or dangerous, having little regard for others on the road.
After a crash, insurance companies, police officers and jurors often assume riders are at least partially to blame. They may assume the rider was speeding or acting in a reckless manner.
Below, learn more about so-called motorcycle bias and how it could impact a claim for compensation. If you were injured in a motorcycle crash in Arizona, the Phoenix motorcycle accident lawyers from Phillips Law Group may be able to help you pursue compensation for your damages. We also understand motorcycle bias and are prepared for it.
Defining Motorcycle Bias
Motorcycle bias is not an official term, it is a phrase used to describe a variety of biases people may hold against motorcycle riders. These negative stereotypes are not just wrong, they could make it more difficult for riders to recover compensation after a crash. While compensation is important for any crash victim, motorcycle riders often suffer severe injuries in crashes.
There are many examples of motorcycle bias. Some people may assume motorcyclists bear some amount of fault for a crash, even if the facts say otherwise. This could be based on what they have heard about motorcyclists or assumptions they have made based on seeing a few motorcycle riders driving recklessly.
The assumption that riders may be at fault could simply be because some people do not like motorcyclists. They may think most riders are in gangs or have some sort of criminal history. This could be based on personal experience that they are using to stereotype all riders.
Unfortunately, even the police are not immune to motorcycle bias. When they arrive at the scene of a crash, they may assume a rider is to blame. Insurance companies often display bias against motorcycle riders. Although to be fair, they are always looking for ways to deny or devalue claims, whether the crash involved a car or motorcycle.
Overcoming Motorcycle Bias
You should strongly consider hiring experienced legal representation after a crash. Securing maximum compensation can be very difficult without the help of a licensed attorney, particularly when you factor in motorcycle bias.
You need a strong case to overcome these stereotypes. Facts and evidence can make it very difficult to dispute fault for a crash or the severity of a motorcycle rider’s injuries.
While your past driving history should have no bearing on whether your claim is successful, a clean driving record can go a long way toward disputing the idea you are a reckless rider. Your attorney could also review the driving history of the at-fault driver for a pattern of reckless behavior.
You could buy a helmet camera so if you are ever in a crash, you can use the footage to help validate your claim. If you do not wear a helmet, you should consider wearing one, as it is the responsible thing to do and greatly reduces your risk of a crash. Wearing a helmet also eliminates the possibility of the insurance company claiming you are only injured because you did not wear a helmet.
It is also important to seek treatment right away and watch what you say to the insurance company. They may already be biased against you so you want to avoid saying something they can use. Even if you are partially at fault, this is an issue to review with your attorney. He or she can determine if you may have played a role in the crash and work to try to ensure you are not assigned more fault than you deserve for the crash.
You are not required to accept the first settlement offer the insurance company makes. Despite what they may tell you, there is no risk in talking to a lawyer. At Phillips Law Group, we do not charge any upfront fees for our services. Studies done by the insurance industry have found crash victims who hire legal representation often recover more compared to those who do not.
Injured in a Motorcycle Crash? Call Phillips Law Group
Over nearly 30 years, Phillips Law Group has recovered hundreds of millions in compensation on behalf of Arizona accident victims. This includes a recovery of $7.65 million on behalf of a motorcycle crash victim who was seriously injured.
If you have any questions about the legal process or are having trouble recovering compensation from the insurance company, give us a call today. There are no upfront fees or obligations.
Schedule a free initial consultation. Call 1-800-706-3000 .
Free Case Evaluation
By submitting your contact information, you agree that we may contact you by telephone (including text) and email in accordance with our Terms and Privacy Policy

Your message has been sent
Thank you for your message, we will get back to you soon.
-
I was recently served court documents that I was being sued from an accident that happened years ago. For someone who has never been through something like this and not familiar with the court lingo or where to even begin, it was very frustrating and stressful. I reached out to a family member who knew Tracy Laskos and the great reputation of Phillips Law Group and within the hours of the initial call for help, I had a direct number to Lead Attorney Nassar. Nassar heard my case and almost instantly put me at ease by explaining the process and how easy it was to handle. Nassar spoke to me like he was a friend, not like I was a client. I am so grateful to Tracy, Nasar and of course my cousin Stephanie for helping out and giving me the direction that I needed to get through this situation. I plan on referring my friends, family and patients that are in need of a personal injury Attorney to Phillips Law Group. Thank you!!
-
It’s an Honor and a Privilege to work for a company that cares about its employees and clients for 12 years. I’ve seen Management go out of their way to help someone whether it’s a personal matter or work related. I am also reminded of many occasions where a Client needed urgent help and we as a Team were able to get the person immediate assistance. At Phillips Law we make that happen through Teamwork and a dedication to our profession. I’ve had numerous jobs in several other fields, those were just jobs. This is a home. Many of us have been here for quite a few years, it feels like one large extended family.
-
Sophia H is a pleasure to work with! Thanks for all you do.
-
I enjoy my work day here at Phillips Law Group and generally speaking I love my clients. Every day brings a new client or task to keep me on my toes. Administration keeps open communication and is hilarious most of the time! I love the way we celebrate FRIDAY, holidays and birthdays and how everything is so competitive. All in all I’m so fortunate to be here and I enjoy what I do.
-
I’ve been working at Phillips Law Group for nearly four years and I can confidently say this is the best personal injury firm in Arizona to work for. The firm is the best for numerous reasons but to start, Phillips Law Group gives employees opportunities for promotions and growth. I started working within the settlement department, moved to a paralegal assistant and grew to be a pre-litigation paralegal with my own case load. Each attorney I have worked for is extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and easy to talk to. Secondly, I love how Phillips Law shows appreciation for employees. They host Friday Zoom Huddles giving out PTO, goodie bags, special shout outs, bonuses and gift cards. They also host extravagant holiday parties and fun contests during the Holidays! Lastly, the firm cares about giving back to the community, which is a trait I value as well. It’s rewarding to see a fast paced firm taking time out of their busy day to pay it forward. I would highly recommend working at Phillips Law Group!
-
Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value As someone who is familiar with the inner workings of the auto insurance industry I can whole heartedly endorse Steven J. Jones and Phillips law group as someone I would want on my side should litigation take place. They handled my case professionally, honestly, and with satisfactory results which I would not have expected without enlisting their help.
-
I have been with Phillips Law Group for a little over a year and I have learned what teamwork and family in a workplace looks like. There is always someone around to lend a helping hand, which is something I appreciate and cherish. I feel a sense of joy coming to work every day because of my co-workers as well as being able to help people in what can be a scary and stressful situation. I currently work as a Litigation Legal Assistant with an amazing team. When I started here, I was not very knowledgeable in personal injury. I was lucky to have been placed with an amazing team who was willing to take time to teach and pass on some great skills that have been a huge aid in helping me be successful in my position. I would recommend working here at Phillips Law Group, because they care about their employees and there is so much room for growth.
-
Juan Roque has been integral with my legal needs. Communication has been easy. He conveys information I can easily understand without a lot of "Legal Fluff" jargon. I will certainly do business with Phillips Legal team again and refer them to my friends and family.
-
PLG is the best! Highly recommend. Love that they do so much to help the community.
-
Phillips is the best!! Love all that they do to give back to the community and how much they help those who are experiencing homelessness. ❤️