Blind Spots: The Overlooked Culprit in Many Motorcycle Accidents

Blind spots are serious danger zones for motorcyclists. These obscured areas around vehicles hinder visibility, which makes it challenging for drivers to detect approaching motorcycles. Collisions resulting from the negligent oversight of blind spots can lead to catastrophic injuries and even fatalities for motorcyclists. 

If you or someone you love was injured in a bike crash due to a motorist’s negligence, choose an experienced motorcycle accident attorney who can protect your rights and aggressively negotiate the highest possible settlement with the liable parties on your behalf.

The Physical Dynamics Behind Blind Spot Accidents in Virginia

Blind spot motorcycle accidents occur when a motorist fails to properly check their blind spots before changing lanes, merging, or making turns. Each year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports nearly 840,000 blind spot accidents across the United States, tragically leading to 300 fatalities. 

Here are the key causes behind such types of accidents:

Limited Visibility

Vehicles have areas around them where the driver’s view is obstructed, known as blind spots. These areas make it difficult for drivers to see other vehicles, including motorcycles, pedestrians, and cyclists.

Size Disparity

Motorcycles are smaller and narrower than cars and trucks, making them more likely to be obscured in a vehicle’s blind spots, especially for larger vehicles like trucks and SUVs.

Driver Error

Many blind spot accidents occur when drivers fail to properly check their blind spots before changing lanes, merging, or making turns. This negligence can result in collisions with other vehicles or vulnerable road users.

Distractions

Distractions such as texting, talking on the phone, or adjusting the radio can divert a driver’s attention away from checking their blind spots, increasing the risk of accidents.

Lack of Awareness

Some drivers may be unaware of the presence of blind spots or underestimate the importance of checking them before maneuvering. This can lead to collisions with vehicles or objects in their blind spots.

Tips to Ride Defensively and Prevent Accidents in Virginia

• Position yourself where other drivers can easily see you to avoid lingering in blind spots.
• Wear brightly colored or reflective clothing to enhance your visibility, especially in low-light conditions.
• Be mindful of vehicles’ blind spots and avoid riding in these areas when possible.
• Use hand signals and turn signals to clearly communicate your intentions to other drivers.
• Maintain a safe following distance to allow for adequate reaction time in emergencies.
• Maintain a consistent speed and trajectory to make your movements predictable to other drivers.
• Stay alert and continuously scan your surroundings for potential hazards.

Stakes are High for the Injured Victims Because Virginia’s Doctrine of Contributory Negligence Can Bar Recovery

Virginia follows the doctrine of contributory negligence, which means that if a plaintiff is found to have contributed to their own injury, even in the slightest degree, they may be barred from recovering any compensation from the defendant. This strict standard contrasts with comparative negligence, where the plaintiff’s recovery is reduced by their percentage of fault.

In personal injury cases involving blind spot motorcycle accidents in Virginia, contributory negligence can present significant challenges for injured motorcyclists seeking compensation. If the defendant can demonstrate that you contributed to the accident by, for example, speeding or failing to signal, you may be barred from recovering damages, regardless of the defendant’s level of fault.

This makes it essential for motorcyclists involved in blind spot accidents to employ aggressive strategies to protect their legal rights. A skilled personal injury attorney can strongly advocate on your behalf, gather evidence, and build a strong case to maximize your chances of recovering fair compensation.

A Skilled Lawyer will Fight to Overcome the Bias Against Motorcyclists and Hold the Negligent Motorist Liable

To overcome contributory negligence and secure compensation for their clients, attorneys can employ several strategic approaches:

Thorough Investigation

Your lawyer will conduct a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident, gathering evidence such as witness statements, police reports, surveillance footage, and accident reconstructions. They will carefully piece together the facts of the case to build a strong argument to counter any allegations of contributory negligence.

Emphasizing Plaintiff’s Reasonable Conduct

Attorneys can highlight your reasonable conduct leading up to the accident, such as obeying traffic laws, wearing appropriate safety gear, and exercising caution on the road. Your lawyer will challenge assertions of contributory negligence by demonstrating your adherence to safety standards.

Proving Defendant’s Fault

Attorneys focus on establishing the defendant’s negligence and liability for the accident. This may involve demonstrating that the defendant breached their duty of care, which directly caused the plaintiff’s injuries. By shifting the focus onto the defendant’s actions, your lawyer can mitigate the impact of contributory negligence on the case.

Demonstrating Lack of Proximate Cause

An experienced lawyer may argue that even if your actions contributed to the accident, they were not the proximate cause of the injuries. They will show that the defendant’s negligence was the primary cause of the harm suffered by you.

Expert Testimony

Experienced motorcycle accident lawyers may enlist the help of expert witnesses, such as accident reconstruction specialists or medical professionals, to provide objective analysis and testimony in support of your case. Expert testimony can lend credibility to your claim and refute any unfounded biases against motorcyclists.

Discuss a Winning Legal Strategy with our Attorneys to Maximize Damages

At Pack Law Group, we understand the complexities and stress that come with motorcycle injuries. Our dedicated personal injury attorneys are here to fight for you. Our lawyers believe that everyone deserves quality legal representation, especially during difficult times. That is why we offer a free case review to all potential clients, so you can discuss your situation with us and learn more about how we can help you.

To request your free, no-obligation consultation, call us at 540-586-7225 or complete this online form.