General public perception has long regarded the motorcyclist as a rebel and a criminal inclined to belong to groups of outlaw gangs. Media and some motorcycle clubs have only sought to reinforce this image. And since bikers represent only about 3% of the drivers out on our roads, our Lake Jackson motorcycle injury attorneys point out that they lack the numbers and influence to change that perception.
Bikers suffer disproportionately from fatal vehicle accidents
Motorcyclists represent between 10% and 14% of the total of fatal traffic accidents on average. Yet when negligent drivers of other vehicles have caused these fatal accidents, victims’ families often find they can’t overcome negative public perceptions to win a fair financial recovery on their accident claim.
Negative stereotypes regarding bikers and the accident statistics that reinforce them
U.S. NHTSA motorcycle accident statistics tend to reinforce the negative stereotypes of motorcycle riders. They classify over half of all motorcycle accidents as single-vehicle accidents. The statistics also show that in about 25% of the wrecks, the motorcyclist crashed into a fixed object such as a tree, a parked car, or a light pole. 35% of bikers involved in fatal motorcycle accidents were speeding. 25% of the riders did not have a valid driver’s license. And our Lake Jackson motorcycle injury attorneys note that up to 64% of the motorcyclists that died in fatal wrecks were intoxicated.
The new face of the Texas motorcyclist is not what you might expect
The two largest groups of new bikers are: affluent, under 30 years old, and riding sleek and expensive Japanese Supersport bikes; OR: affluent, over 40, riding an expensive motorcycle such as a Ducati, and belonging to a weekend motorcycle club.
Public perceptions regarding who motorcyclists are may actually catch up with the new faces of the modern biker one of these days. But in the meantime, the Lake Jackson motorcycle injury attorneys at Denena Points, PC caution that you will still find that your own motorcycle accident injury claim could be destroyed by pre-conceived notions about who you are and how you ride unless you present an effective claim.
Need help after a serious motorcycle accident has injured you?
Click on the book icon on this web page to download your free guide to the important “do’s” and “don’ts” you need to know when you’re building a successful accident injury claim. And if you need help getting the police accident report on your crash, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’ll be happy to obtain it for you forfree.
Just call our Lake Jackson motorcycle injury attorneys at 281-369-4363. Or reach us anytime by filling out our online contact form. Put our 15-year track record of success in representing injured motorcyclists to work for your benefit.