If a passenger vehicle driver has hit you, there is a significant chance that the insurance company is not offering you the settlement that you deserve. Anytime an insurance company delays a claim, it is one of its primary tactics to avoid paying it. A claims adjuster may do this in an attempt to run out the clock, preventing you from having enough time to take your case to court. While this can be infuriating, litigation may not be the best course of action to claim your fair share.
Unfortunately, a jury’s preconceived views will only hurt your case, potentially causing your award to be diminished or for you to lose your case before you even set foot in the courtroom. At Shollenberger Januzzi & Wolfe, our motorcycle accident lawyers work to shatter the image that many jurors have of motorcyclists to ensure you receive a fair settlement. We educate jurors on what goes into bike riding to allow them to examine your case through a neutral lens.
Jury Bias in Motorcycle Accident Cases
Motorcycles comprise roughly 3% of all registered vehicles in the United States. So, chances are that most potential jurors will be inexperienced and uninformed when it comes to handling a motorcycle. Many jurors only have knowledge of motorcycle riding from television shows or movies, where you see a rebellious rider breaking traffic laws and throwing all caution to the wind.
Because most jurors lack essential knowledge about motorcycles, a motorcycle accident attorney must demonstrate a motorcycle’s capabilities. This may include its ability to maneuver tight turns, accelerate, and stop in a short distance without losing stability. In addition to explaining the capabilities of a motorcycle, it is essential to show the jury what a rider can and cannot safely do.
Greater Damages; Higher Risk of Reduced Compensation
In 2023, there were 3,542 motorcycle crashes in Pennsylvania, with 908 people injured and 238 people killed. Sadly, these statistics are not outside the norm, with motorcyclists on average being 27 times more likely to be killed in a crash compared to a motor vehicle operator. Motorcyclists lack the protection of an enclosed vehicle, making riders more prone to serious injuries. As such, many motorcyclists experience more significant damage than motor vehicle accidents, with many riders bearing the costs that come with permanent disability. Jurors’ prevailing bias against motorcyclists only worsens the situation, preventing riders from being compensated fairly.
Why It is Essential to Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer To Handle Your Case
Depending on the factors of your case, our Harrisburg legal team will determine which expert witnesses will be needed to support your case best. The more parties involved, the more complex a motorcycle accident case can be. The jury serves the role of being the fact finder, but they cannot uphold their civic duty if they do not fully understand the details of your case.
That is where the services of an accident reconstructionist come in. A motorcycle accident reconstructionist will reconstruct the events leading up to the crash, helping the jury understand what happened. Their assessment will entail examining the speed of the motorcycle and any other vehicles involved, the angle of impact, the force of impact, and the cause of your specific injuries.
Perhaps the most significant task of an accident reconstructionist is explaining complex scientific principles in a way that makes sense to the average person. That is why we work with motorcycle accident reconstructionists who are not only acclaimed in their field but also experienced at speaking to juries. Additionally, our vetting process for each accident reconstructionist ensures they meet Pennsylvania law requirements.
Speak with Our Injury Attorneys at Your Earliest Convenience
A motorcycle crash can happen in a split second, causing you to take a spill that forever changes the course of your life. The devastation can be heartbreaking, forcing you to miss time with family and friends while you attempt to feel like yourself again. Fortunately, our Harrisburg motorcycle accident lawyers have assisted thousands of motorcyclists who have experienced both significant and minor injuries.
If you are interested in working with a legal team that places the truth above all else, look no further than Shollenberger Januzzi & Wolfe, LLP. Contact us online or call (717) 229-6580 to schedule a consultation.