Motorcycle Accidents: Why Bias Against Riders Can Impact Your Claim
Motorcyclists face enough danger on the road without also dealing with unfair treatment afterward. When an accident happens, injured riders often find that bias—not facts—can influence their personal injury claim. Whether you're commuting on I-75 or enjoying the North Georgia mountains, knowing your rights is key.
At The Law Office of George O. Haskell, IV, we’ve seen how prejudice against motorcyclists can derail fair outcomes and put blame where it doesn’t belong. As a motorcycle accident law firm, our job is to stand up for riders who are wrongfully accused, undercompensated, or dismissed altogether. We serve clients in Macon, Georgia, and surrounding communities, including Milledgeville, Houston County, Warner Robins, Monticello, and Forsyth.
Read on to learn more about how bias works against you—and what we can do about it.
The Truth About Motorcycle Riding in Georgia
Georgia riders are legally entitled to use the road just like anyone else. Yet, public perception rarely reflects that. Many people mistakenly believe that all riders are reckless, aggressive, or thrill-seeking. These false assumptions play into everything, from accident reports to insurance negotiations and even courtroom decisions.
Georgia law treats motorcyclists equally under the rules of the road. Helmet use is mandatory, and motorcyclists must follow the same traffic laws as drivers. But when an accident occurs, fault isn’t always assigned fairly. Officers may rely on stereotypes, witnesses may give skewed statements, and insurers might offer less simply because you were on two wheels.
How Bias Shows Up in a Motorcycle Accident Claim
Bias can enter your claim at multiple stages. Here's where it often rears its head:
At the Crash Scene
First impressions stick. When an officer arrives and sees a motorcycle down, the assumption may be that you caused it. We’ve reviewed reports that include statements like “rider was speeding” without evidence or measurements. If a witness also says, “they were weaving,” even when you weren’t, that too can shape the official narrative.
In the Police Report
While officers mean well, they’re human. If they lean on assumptions or fail to speak to all parties equally, their report might reflect bias. Once it’s filed, that document can heavily influence insurance decisions.
In Insurance Company Evaluations
Insurers are profit-driven. They’ll often seize on any available reason to deny or lower your payout. If you’re a motorcyclist, they may treat your injuries as the result of risky behavior, even when you followed the law. We’ve seen adjusters undervalue claims involving bikes, especially when the injuries are severe.
In Court
Jurors bring their own opinions into the courtroom. Some may have no riding experience and assume motorcycles are unsafe by default. If you’re not portrayed accurately, that bias can cost you. A skilled motorcycle accident attorney in Georgia will know how to challenge this through effective jury selection and evidence presentation.
Common Misconceptions About Motorcycle Riders
False beliefs hurt motorcyclists after a crash. Here are some of the most common myths that work against you:
“Riders are always speeding:” Not true. Many accidents happen because a driver didn't see the motorcycle or made an illegal turn.
“They assume the risk:” Riders have the same rights to protection as anyone else on the road. Choosing a motorcycle doesn't waive that right.
“They weren’t visible:” Even if a bike is smaller, drivers still have a legal duty to look.
“Lane splitting is reckless:” In Georgia, lane splitting is illegal, but that doesn’t mean every motorcyclist is doing it. These assumptions cloud fair judgment.
Our role as your motorcycle accident attorney is to present the real story—not the one shaped by harmful myths.
Proving Fault When Bias Is Involved
When we're representing injured riders, proving fault becomes even more important. We can’t let bias overshadow the facts. That’s why we focus on gathering clear evidence that tells your side of the story.
Here’s what we usually rely on:
Crash reconstruction experts. They help show how the collision actually occurred.
Helmet and gear damage. Your protective equipment can reflect your safe behavior.
Surveillance or dash cam footage. Visual evidence often shuts down speculation.
Medical records. These help connect your injuries directly to the crash and show their severity.
Witness cross-examination. We make sure that unreliable or biased statements are challenged in court.
As a motorcycle accident attorney, we don’t accept the default narrative. We investigate thoroughly, challenge assumptions, and build a case that reflects what really happened.
What You’re Entitled to Under Georgia Law
Georgia uses a modified comparative fault system. If you’re less than 50% at fault for the crash, you can recover compensation. That said, every percentage point matters. If bias inflates your portion of fault, your damages go down accordingly.
Here’s what compensation often covers:
Medical expenses
Lost income
Property damage
Pain and suffering
Future care needs
Loss of earning capacity
As your motorcycle accident attorney, we make sure no category is missed. We work with medical professionals, financial experts, and vocational specialists to paint the full picture of what you’ve lost and what you’ll need to move forward.
Georgia-Specific Challenges for Motorcyclists
Every state has unique rules. Georgia, for example, has a universal helmet law. If you weren’t wearing a helmet—even if the injury had nothing to do with your head—insurance companies will bring it up. They may argue that you were reckless, even if the other driver caused the crash.
Another issue we often deal with is police reports that don’t include diagrams or measurements. In motorcycle cases, that lack of detail can be costly. We know how to supplement these reports with outside evidence to correct the record.
We’ve also had to work with riders facing citation disputes after a crash. Those citations aren’t always accurate, and contesting them can be key to strengthening your injury claim.
How We Push Back Against Motorcycle Bias
We don’t accept bias as part of the process. Instead, we work to neutralize it every step of the way.
Here’s how we do that:
Start early: The sooner we’re on the case, the more we can preserve clean, untainted evidence.
Control the narrative: We help you tell your story in a way that sticks—with jurors, adjusters, and judges.
Humanize the rider: We remind people that you’re a father, mother, nurse, student—someone who was simply riding legally when injured.
Highlight safety habits: If you wore a helmet, took a rider course, or used reflectors, we document that.
Demonstrate driving history: A clean record can weaken the idea that you’re inherently risky.
We’ve handled dozens of motorcycle cases across Georgia, and each one confirms the same truth: when the playing field is level, riders win. That’s why our motorcycle accident attorney work doesn’t stop at filing forms—it’s about advocacy.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Georgia
If you’re a rider who’s been in a crash, timing and documentation are everything. Here are some key steps to follow:
Get medical attention: Even if you feel okay, internal injuries aren’t always obvious.
File a police report: Make sure your side is recorded.
Gather your gear: Damaged clothing and helmets can support your story.
Take photos: Capture the bike, road, injuries, and anything else related.
Don’t speak to insurers yet: Call a motorcycle accident attorney first.
Follow treatment plans: Gaps in care can be used against you.
These steps can protect both your health and your claim. When you hire us, we handle the legal side so you can focus on recovery.
Give Us a Call
You shouldn't be penalized for choosing to ride a motorcycle. If you've been injured in an accident and feel like no one's listening to your side, we're here to change that. Reach out to The Law Office of George O. Haskell, IV, today and let's talk. Serving Macon, Georgia, and the surrounding areas, including Milledgeville, Houston County, Warner Robins, Monticello, and Forsyth, we can help. Contact our attorney today.