Because motorcyclists are smaller than passenger vehicles and offer fewer protections, accidents involving these vehicles tend to be some of the most catastrophic. Passenger vehicle drivers and motorcyclists alike must abide by the rules of the road and stay aware of one another to prevent these horrific accidents from happening. What happens when a motorcycle accident occurs because a driver claims that they did not see the victim?

Many motor vehicle accidents on our roads are caused by blind spots every year. Blind spots are the areas of the road that are not easily seen by drivers when they look in their mirrors. Because motorcycles are smaller than most vehicles, they are more likely to be missed and fall into blind spots on our roads. Because of this, motorcyclists are more susceptible to serious damages.

Identifying Blind Spots to Prevent Motorcycle Accidents 

All vehicles have blind spots on them, including motorcycles – but blind spots are even bigger with larger vehicles. This is why, when a driver attempts to change lanes in front of another vehicle on a highway, they are more likely to end up crashing into a motorcycle if they are in a larger vehicle. There are common places for blind spots on vehicles, including the following:

• An area that falls between what you see when looking in front of you and what appears in your rearview mirror.
• The area that you cannot see when you look in the mirror due to the size of your vehicle.

Tips for Motorists to Prevent Motorcycle Crashes Due to Blind Spots 

Both motorists and motorcyclists cause accidents in blind spot zones every year. However, because of how vulnerable motorcyclists are on our roadways, drivers are expected to abide by a duty of care to these vulnerable parties on our roads. This means that they must abide by these safety tips:

• Make sure that your rearview mirror is properly adjusted so that you can see vehicles that may be traveling in your blind spots.
• If you are merging or changing lanes in traffic, always be sure to look over your shoulder so that you can see a full view of the roadway.
• Use your blinker so that other drivers, including motorcyclists, can be aware of your next moves.
• Stay alert of other motorists who are using the roads and could be in your blind spots.

Tips Motorcyclists Should Always Remember 

Motorcyclists can also reduce the amount of motorcycle blind spot accidents that take place on our roads. This means that they should engage in the following acts when sharing the roads:

• Avoid riding in known blind spots. This means riding in front of or behind a vehicle rather than alongside a vehicle where they may not as easily be seen.
• Drive defensively, which means scanning the area in front of you and giving extra space between vehicles.
• Make sure that there are at least 20 feet between you and other motorists so that you have plenty of time to react based on their actions.
• Pass a vehicle as quickly as possible if you have to pass, as you will be out of their blind spot in a faster amount of time

How a Florida Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help 

Being injured in a collision due to the negligence of another party might be one of the most challenging things you have ever faced. If you have been harmed in a Florida motorcycle accident that was not your fault, you have many options under the law. Our skilled personal injury attorneys at Sheftall & Associates have handled many related claims in the past and will help you through every aspect of the legal process. If you have sustained injuries and wonder where you can turn, please contact a Florida accident attorney at (904) 569-6025 for the assistance you deserve.