The primary reason why drivers fail to see motorcycles is what accident attorneys must establish to prove that drivers were responsible for causing motorcycle crashes. A driver’s failure to spot a motorcycle results in a violation of a motorcyclist’s right-of-way. At the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP we have established that the driver failed to see motorists in a range of ways.
We also present our proof in a summary judgment motion which is then submitted to a court of law. After winning a summary judgment motion, we ask the court to determine that the motor vehicle driver failed to spot your motorcycle, which will entitle you to receive compensation.
We understand the immense challenges faced by motorcyclists and their families in the aftermath of accidents caused by drivers. We also know that one of the most cited reasons is the car driver did not see the motorcyclists. Insurance carriers, however, look at various other factors too.
Insurance carrier representatives often misidentify the real cause of motorcycle accidents. Instead, carriers often consider only the point of impact along with which the vehicle was struck. Neither of these details, however, has a thing to do with the cause of most accidents.
Insurance carrier representatives routinely misidentify what causes motorcycle accidents when considering only the point of impact and which vehicle was struck. Neither of these things is related to accident causes.
Common Reasons Why Motorcycle Accidents Occur
Research has established that the following is true in many situations involving motorcycle crashes:
- The vehicle’s driver violated the biker’s right-of-way
- The driver failed to spot the motorcyclist
- The motorcyclist was assumed by the driver to be speeding
- The motorcyclist was not speeding
- The motorcyclist did not have sufficient time to avoid the crash
Strategies When a Driver’s Failure to Spot a Motorcycle Leads to a Violation of Motorcyclist’s Right-of-Way
The Hurt Report, whose official title is Motorcycle Accident Cause Factors and Identification of Countermeasures, is a motorcycle safety study performed in the United States that was begun in 1976 and alter published in 1981.
The HURT report determined that in many cases, accidents were caused when the other vehicle driver violated the motorcyclist’s right-of-way. The study was performed by researcher Harry Hurt at the University of Southern California with funds collected from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Additionally, the report determined that the most common cause of motorcycle accidents involves another vehicle violating a motorcyclist’s right-of-way at an intersection. In most situations, the report found, this violation occurred because the other driver did not spot the motorcyclist and turned left in front of the oncoming motorcycle.
Motorists’ inability to spot and recognize motorcycles in traffic is one of the leading causes of motorcycle crashes. Drivers have failed to spot motorcyclists either before a crash, or drivers failed to spot the motorcycle until it was too late to avoid the crash by giving the motorcyclists a narrow window of under seconds to steer clear of the crash.
Despite these limitations, car drivers often fail to spot motorcycles resulting in misjudgments of distance, speed, and/or failure to spot the motorcyclists. Various details contribute to these accidents including drivers distracted by cell phones to selective attention.
Driver education often emphasizes various scanning techniques so drivers can perceive hazards. These tactics, however, often fail to sufficiently address the range of challenges presented by motorcycles.
Failing to adequately look for blind spots can lead to drivers facing serious accidents and the resulting ramifications. This is especially true in left-turn accidents, where motorcyclists are struck on the side while turning by car drivers.
Driver Awareness is Critical
The HURT study also emphasizes the importance of driver awareness by noting that many crashes occur because motor vehicle operators fail to spot motorcycles in traffic. Despite the mistaken belief that speed is a substantial factor in motorcycle crashes, the median speeds recorded in crashes are relatively low, which debunks this mistaken belief.
Additionally, how drivers perceive the speed of motorcycles is often influenced by occasional accidents involving speeding, which is responsible for this assumption.
The limited time available to avoid a crash presents a substantial risk for motorcyclists, especially in cases involving left-turn collisions where responding quickly is more important than even usual. Even if a motorcyclist is traveling at moderate speeds, motorcyclists still have a small period in which to respond. This limited time to react makes it vital for drivers to remain observant and proactive in sharing the road.
The difference in size between motorcycles and other vehicles further worsens these problems. For one, this disparity causes optical illusions that negatively impact drivers’ perception of both distance and speed.
The reduced size of motorcycles makes them more difficult to spot while on the road. Furthermore, various factors including motion-induced blindness and peripheral vision limitations additionally hinder most driver’s ability to spot motorcyclists anywhere on the road.
To resolve these challenges, comprehensive driver education programs should remember to utilize awareness training specifics for motorcycle riders. This training should include recognizing the limitations of perceptions as well as making sure that participants understand the factors caused by motorcycle accidents.
By establishing an environment of awareness and mutual respect among car drivers and motorcyclists, we can greatly reduce the risks that motorcyclists face while on the road.
Contact an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
Motorcyclists are often left in a challenging situation following crashes. One of the best ways to proceed in such a situation is to promptly obtain the assistance of an experienced accident attorney.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle crash and another party is involved, you should not hesitate to speak with an experienced attorney. Contact The Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP today to schedule a free case evaluation.
