Motorcycle Crashes: The Myth of the “Blind Spot”
It is no secret that riding a motorcycle is more dangerous than driving a car. In fact, motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die per mile ridden than passenger car occupants, according to the Insurance Information Institute. While even the smallest cars and pickups have roll cages, seat belts, and protection in the form of at least a ton of steel, if not much more, motorcyclists have virtually nothing but their wits and reaction time to save themselves from injury. Helmets and leather only go so far. It probably also comes as little surprise that the majority of fatal motorcycle collisions involve another vehicle, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Another major hazard that comes with being a motorcyclist is being less visible than other vehicles on the road. Motorcyclists themselves have zero sight restrictions, and in addition to that comes a heightened sense of awareness out of self preservation. Car and truck drivers, on the other hand, often find themselves lost in their thoughts, or looking down at their phones, and maneuvering their vehicles haphazardly at best and aggressively at worst from lane to lane down highways or city surface streets. Inevitably, when drivers cause a motorcyclist to crash in a lane-change scenario or merge onto the highway, the driver often argues that they did not see the motorcyclist because the motorcyclist was in a “blind spot.” If you were injured in a motorcycle collision, you need to speak to an attorney before you discuss your case with the other party’s insurance company.
Why Blind Spots Do Not Exist
In all but the largest 18-wheelers, blind spots can be fully eliminated if the motor vehicle operator properly adjusts their rear view mirror and side mirrors. Of course, the driver has to actually look in their mirrors for them to do any good. Because of this, the blind spot excuse will not hold up in court if your case is decided with a lawsuit, and likewise is not a valid point to make during the settlement process.
You Had the Right of Way
Even if the vehicle the other driver was operating somehow did have a blind spot, such as a double long semi-truck trailer, you had the right of way. Regardless of how large the other vehicle was, the other driver’s sight restrictions, whether it was dark, foggy, or raining out, you had the right of way. Vehicles merging onto the highway or changing lanes always have to yield the right of way to the vehicle that already exists within that lane of traffic, no matter what.
An Orlando Motorcycle Collision Attorney Can Review Your Case Today
Let an experienced Orlando motorcycle accident attorney take on your case so that you have the financial compensation needed to repair or replace your damaged property, cover your medical bills, and be compensated fairly for your pain and suffering and lost wages. Act now by calling the Orlando lawyers with the Payer Law today at 407-307-2979 to schedule a free consultation.
Resource:
iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-motorcycle-crashes
/treating-severe-road-rash-following-a-motorcycle-crash/
