Virginia motorcycle blind spot accident attorneys

Why are blind spots so dangerous to motorcyclists?

Motorcycle riders have no “blind spots.” But unfortunately, other vehicles have multiple blind spots, particularly tractor-trailers.

A blind spot can be defined as an area where another driver cannot see you – either directly or in mirrors. How many blind spots a vehicle has (and where they are) depend on the width, length, and model of the vehicle. Blind spots can also change when a vehicle makes a turn, changes lanes, or backs up.

Veteran motorcycle riders have a saying: “in the mirrors,” or “staying in the mirrors.” This means that when riding near another vehicle, the motorcyclist always wants to keep himself visible in the other driver’s mirrors. While blind spots are a danger to all vehicles on the road, they are particularly hazardous for bikers because motorcycles are so much smaller, making them even harder to see. No matter how experienced a rider you are, you have to constantly be aware of blind spots and keep yourself “in the mirrors.”

You should avoid death spots too

Bikers also need to avoid what are called “death spots.” A death spot is anywhere directly alongside another vehicle. This position is deadly because, if the other vehicles turns, swerves, drifts, or changes lanes, the rider gets hit because he or she has nowhere to go. Motorcyclists have to constantly keep blind spots in mind, but so do drivers of other vehicles. It’s not enough for them to simply check their mirrors before turning or changing lanes. They also need to look over their shoulders to make sure there is no one in their blind spots.

What is the main cause of motorcycle accidents?

The No. 1 threat to motorcyclists’ safety is the carelessness, distraction, and overall negligence of the drivers they share the road with. Drivers of cars and trucks have a duty to be aware of motorcycles and grant them the right of way. Just because motorbikes are smaller than other vehicles doesn’t mean they have any less right to use Virginia’s roads.

Some of the ways a driver can carelessly endanger a motorcyclist include:

• Not allowing the motorcycle adequate space.
• Tailgating (motorcycles can stop faster than cars or trucks, so drivers need to allow them extra space when following them).
• Not checking mirrors and looking over their shoulders before changing lanes or making a turn (41 percent of motorcycle crashes in 2015 were caused by a truck or car turning left into the path of a motorcycle, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).
• Distracted driving (talking on cell phones, eating, texting, etc.).
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Not obeying traffic signs, traffic signals, and rules of the road in general.
• Turning in front of an approaching motorcycle.

If you love riding a motorcycle, just be extra-cautious for “those” drivers. If the conditions don’t feel right or safe to you, pull over and wait in a safe spot until traffic is friendlier. Don’t let the fear of negligent drivers stop you altogether! That said, you need to know what to do if you are injured in an accident.

If you have suffered injury in a vehicle–motorcycle crash, call us

Motorcycle accidents often involve serious injuries. With those injuries come medical bills, property damage, and other costs, such as lost wages from missed work. These costs may be more than your insurance can cover. That’s why you need the help of a skilled Virginia motorcycle accident attorney.

If GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys takes your case, we will work to get you payment for your losses and for other damages like pain and suffering, scarring and disfigurement, emotional trauma, loss of joy of life, and more. Our firm has a “Zero Fee Guarantee.” Our clients pay no fee unless we recover money for you through a settlement or at trial. We will pursue your claim with diligence and compassion throughout. Call us for a free case evaluation today at (804) 413-6777 or toll-free at (855) 781-6777.