Motorcycle Crashes and the Bias Against Riders: Overcoming Stereotypes in Court

Protecting the Rights of Injured Riders

Motorcyclists face risks every time they take to the road — not just from careless drivers, but from the biases that follow them into the courtroom. When a crash happens, insurance companies and opposing lawyers often try to paint riders as reckless or irresponsible, even when they are the true victims.

At Wolf Trial Lawyers, we believe every motorcyclist deserves to be treated with fairness and respect. Attorney Brandon Wolfe fights for injured riders throughout Illinois and Michigan, challenging the stereotypes that can stand between victims and the justice they deserve.

The Reality of Motorcycle Accidents

Despite what some may believe, most motorcycle crashes are not caused by reckless riding — they are caused by negligent drivers who fail to share the road safely.

Common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

• Drivers failing to yield when turning or merging.
• Distracted driving from phones, navigation, or passengers.
• Speeding or aggressive driving by motorists.
• Unsafe lane changes without checking blind spots.
• Driving under the influence.
• Hazardous road conditions such as potholes or loose debris.

Motorcyclists are often left with catastrophic injuries, while drivers walk away unharmed. Yet when claims are filed, riders still face unfair blame — a challenge Wolf Trial Lawyers knows how to overcome.

The Bias Against Riders

Even in clear-cut cases, motorcyclists often face prejudice from insurance companies, juries, and the public. Some assume riders are thrill-seekers or lawbreakers simply because they choose to ride. This bias can reduce settlements, affect jury verdicts, and make recovery harder.

Common myths we fight against include:

• “Motorcyclists are always speeding.”
• “They accept the risk of injury by riding.”
• “They weave through traffic dangerously.”
• “They don’t wear helmets or follow the rules.”

The truth? Most riders are safe, law-abiding motorists who follow traffic laws carefully. When another driver’s negligence causes a crash, that driver — not the rider — must be held accountable.

Common Motorcycle Crash Injuries

Because motorcycles offer little protection in a collision, the resulting injuries are often severe or life-changing. Victims may suffer:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord damage and paralysis
• Broken bones and fractures
• Severe road rash or burns
• Internal organ injuries
• Amputations or disfigurement

These injuries often require long-term rehabilitation, surgeries, and emotional recovery. Wolf Trial Lawyers works to ensure that victims and their families receive compensation that reflects both the immediate and lasting consequences of a crash.

Recovering Compensation After a Motorcycle Crash

Motorcycle accident victims may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical bills and future treatment
• Lost wages and reduced earning potential
• Pain and suffering
• Rehabilitation and therapy
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Property damage to the motorcycle and gear

Insurance companies frequently try to reduce payouts by blaming the rider or minimizing the extent of injuries. Our firm pushes back — with evidence, experts, and experience.

How Wolf Trial Lawyers Builds Strong Cases

Attorney Brandon Wolfe and his team take a proactive approach to motorcycle crash cases. We gather every piece of evidence to show exactly what happened and why you deserve full compensation. Our process includes:

• Investigating the accident scene and obtaining police reports.
• Collecting witness statements and dashcam or surveillance footage.
• Working with accident reconstruction experts to prove fault.
• Consulting medical specialists to document injuries and long-term care needs.
• Negotiating directly with insurers — and taking cases to trial if necessary.

We don’t accept stereotypes or excuses. We fight to make sure your story is heard and that the truth prevails.

The Wolf Trial Lawyers Difference

Attorney Brandon Wolfe knows what it means to fight for the underdog. Growing up in Taylor, Michigan, he saw how hardworking people are too often dismissed or blamed by powerful institutions — from corporations to insurance companies. That experience shapes everything he does as an attorney.

At Wolf Trial Lawyers, we treat our clients like family — with compassion, respect, and relentless advocacy. We understand the challenges riders face and the courage it takes to get back on the road after a serious crash.

Justice for Riders Across Illinois and Michigan

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, you deserve more than assumptions — you deserve justice. Wolf Trial Lawyers stands ready to challenge bias, expose negligence, and fight for the compensation you need to rebuild your life.

Contact us today for a free consultation. Let our team protect your rights and help you move forward with confidence and strength.