How to Prevent Blind Spot Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycles disappear into a vehicle’s blind spot surprisingly quickly. Because motorcycles are much smaller than passenger vehicles and drivers are used to looking out for other cars, drivers may completely fail to notice a rider next to them. When they begin to merge or turn, the rider next to them may only have moments to react. There are steps that both motorcyclists and drivers can take to minimize the risk of a blind spot motorcycle accident.

If you have been injured in a blind spot motorcycle accident, you may have a legal path to recovery. Your first step is to talk to a motorcycle accident attorney. Call Rocky McElhaney Law Firm: Car Accident & Injury Lawyers to set up a consultation now.

Why are motorcycles so easy to miss in a driver’s blind spot?

Every vehicle has blind spots, which is why checking over your shoulder is a crucial part of changing lanes or turning across another vehicle’s path of travel. But even when a driver checks their blind spots, it is still possible to miss a motorcyclist if they are not checking carefully and deliberately. Drivers are often more used to seeing cars, trucks, and SUVs in their line of sight. Smaller vehicles, including motorcycles and bicycles, can be much harder to detect if a driver is not intentionally looking for them.

A motorcycle may also be obscured by another vehicle or be moving into a car’s blind spot when a driver checks, making it even harder for a driver to identify it. However, just because it is easy to miss a motorcycle in your blind spot does not automatically excuse a driver who does not use reasonable care when checking for other vehicles. Careful mirror checks, physical blind spot checks, and signaling are all crucial parts of protecting other road users.

Where is a vehicle’s most dangerous blind spot for motorcyclists?

One of the most common and dangerous blind spots is located beside and slightly behind a passenger vehicle. When a motorcyclist is in this area, they may not appear in a driver’s side mirror or rearview mirror. This spot is even larger around trucks, buses, and other commercial vehicles. These vehicles are known for their substantial blind spots or “no zones” next to and behind them.

The most dangerous time for this type of accident is when traffic is moving between lanes. When a driver switches lanes, they may focus on the traffic immediately ahead of and behind them, completely overlooking a smaller motorcycle next to them.

This is why it is important for riders to remember that blind spots vary from vehicle to vehicle. Riders are often cognizant of other vehicles’ blind spots, but that does not always mean that they account for the differences in blind spots between vehicles. There is no universal safe position when driving next to or passing another vehicle.

How can motorcyclists reduce the risk of a blind spot accident?

Motorcyclists can take precautions to reduce the risk of this type of collision, but they cannot control whether another driver checks their blind spot thoroughly enough. One useful practice is to avoid staying in one place for long stretches next to other vehicles. When traffic permits, riders should adjust their position so they are clearly in a driver’s mirrors or line of sight.

Riders can also be aware of what other road users are doing. By watching for signs that another driver is preparing to move, they can take steps to get out of that vehicle’s blind spot. Watch for a turn signal, wheels angling toward another lane, a vehicle starting to drift into the rider’s lane, and a driver repeatedly checking their side mirror.

It is also helpful to leave enough space between vehicles so that a rider can take evasive action if a driver does begin to move into their path.

How lane positioning can help a motorcyclist stay visible

Thoughtful lane positioning can make it easier for other road users to notice motorcycles. Tennessee law gives motorcycles the right to full use of a traffic lane, which allows riders to adjust their position to account for traffic conditions. Riders should be intentional about moving forward or dropping back when their current position may affect visibility. Keeping an escape route available whenever possible can also provide an emergency out if a driver fails to notice them.

How can drivers avoid causing blind spot motorcycle accidents?

Drivers have an obligation to take reasonable precautions when driving. Prior to changing lanes, a driver should check their mirrors, use their turn signal, and physically turn to check their blind spot. A second check immediately before moving can give them one more chance to identify a motorcycle that may have entered the area after their first check.

It is also helpful to signal early, rather than waiting until you are already entering the lane. Drivers sometimes get into this habit to prevent other drivers from speeding up and blocking their lane change, but this habit also puts motorcycle riders at risk.

Can drivers be liable for hitting a motorcycle in a blind spot?

Yes, drivers may be liable for hitting a motorcycle rider in their blind spot. A blind spot is an explanation for why a driver cannot see someone right away; it is not an excuse for causing an accident. Liability depends on whether the driver checked the lane, used a signal, maintained control of the vehicle, and exercised reasonable care. In many cases, exercising reasonable care includes ensuring that there are no other vehicles in the intended lane before changing lanes or turning. However, that does not mean that drivers are always liable for blind spot accidents. For example, a motorcyclist who speeds or passes improperly may also be partially liable.

Discuss your blind spot accident claim with Rocky McElhaney Law Firm: Car Accident & Injury Lawyers

If you have been hurt in a blind spot accident, the personal injury team at Rocky McElhaney Law Firm: Car Accident & Injury Lawyers is here to help you explore your legal options. Call us or reach out online to schedule a consultation right away.