Motorcycle drivers know that they are at greater risk on the roads. The number of motorcycle deaths is roughly 26 times that of cars, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
In a lot of the cases, the accident was the fault of a car or truck driver who simply didn't see the motorcyclist. An estimated 43 percent of accidents involving a motorcycle happen when another vehicle illegally turns into its path. But why does this happen, and who's to blame for it?
Visual Perception Issues
A phenomenon called Motion Induced Blindness (MIB) occurs when there is a stationary object in front of a moving background. If the observer is looking at a fixed point while moving gradually, such as when a driver eases up to a lane of traffic in order to execute a turn, that person may not see smaller objects that are in plain view. Things that should be easy to see just don't register with the observer, whether that's because the person was not paying close attention or because of a visual disturbance.
There's no easy way to predict when and how this will happen, as it can be different for every person. Perhaps a pattern of light on the road, such as from tree branches blowing in the wind, causes the visual issues.
Another theory is that some people have very minor visual damage, and their brains fill in patterns that they can't otherwise see.
This leads to a car or truck driver turning into the path of a motorcycle and claiming after an accident takes place that they truly did not see anyone in the lane.
Attention Issues
In many cases, a motor vehicle driver simply isn't looking for a smaller vehicle like a motorcycle. A motorcycle is more agile and may change lanes more frequently, making it harder for another driver to see them where they expect. Wearing bright clothing, using different types of vehicle lights and being cautious about another driver's intentions are ways that motorcyclists can try to combat attention issues in other drivers and make themselves more visible.
Traffic Issues
There are some situations where it is truly difficult for a car or truck driver to see a motorcycle. These situations include:
- When the cyclist is riding in the car's blind spot.
- When the car driver is making a left turn and doesn't see the motorcycle approaching.
- When the weather conditions prevent good visibility.
- When the cyclist needs to adjust for certain road conditions, like potholes or railroad tracks, and the car driver doesn't expect it.
Even when a car or truck driver has a harder time seeing a motorcyclist, they are still at fault if they hit you. If you are a motorcyclist and have been involved in a vehicle accident, contact a motorcycle accident attorney right away. The attorney can help navigate negotiations with insurance companies and other drivers to get you compensation for your medical bills, ongoing injuries and property damage. Companies such as Scherline and Associates may be able to offer assistance.
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