All motor vehicles have areas where it’s difficult for drivers to see their surroundings. These blind spots put motorcyclists in grave danger, particularly when riding alongside cars and commercial trucks. Riders are often victims of accidents caused by another driver’s failure to check their blind spots. And when blind-spot accidents happen, motorcyclists can pay a devastating physical, emotional, and financial price.
If you suffered injuries in a British Columbia blind spot motorcycle accident, the personal injury lawyers at Warnett Hallen LLP want to help. With over 20 years of combined legal experience, our Vancouver motorcycle accident lawyers have an impressive track record of recovering substantial compensation for our clients. You can rely on our motorcycle accident lawyer team to push for the results you deserve, both at the settlement table or in court.
Don’t agree to a settlement before talking to an experienced lawyer. Call or contact us for a free initial consultation today.
Where Are a Motorcycle’s Blind Spots?
All vehicles have blind spots that obstruct a driver’s field of vision. The location and size of these areas depend on several factors: The length of the vehicle, how high it sits off the ground, and whether something obstructs the driver’s view of what’s directly in front of, next to, or behind the vehicle.
For a motorcycle, blind spots are prominent on the sides and rear of the bike. Well-fitted mirrors can help avoid blind-spot crashes, but riders will still need to check their blind spots by looking over their shoulders. It’s important to time these checks carefully to still pay attention to what’s in front of you.
With cars and trucks, blind spots are generally located on all four sides of the vehicles. The longer and taller a vehicle is, the larger its blind spots are. Tractor-trailers, for example, have large blind spots in their right-rear and left-rear quadrants because of the length of their trailers. Likewise, the trailer blocks truck drivers from seeing what’s directly behind them unless they have a rearview camera.
Motorcyclists should check their blind spots — to their immediate left, right, and behind while riding — before turning, merging, or changing lanes. They should also be wary when passing through the blind spots of other vehicles, as they could end up colliding with a careless driver who hasn’t checked their blind spots.
Causes of Motorcycle Blind Spot Accidents in Vancouver, B.C.
Common causes of motorcycle blind-spot accidents in Vancouver include:
- Distracted driving — Drivers who are distracted by talking on the phone, texting, snacking, playing music, using a navigation device, adjusting in-vehicle controls, or other activities can easily miss a motorcycle in their vicinity. Likewise, distracted motorcyclists may also not notice another vehicle around them, causing a crash.
- Impaired driving — Drivers impaired by illegal narcotics, prescription medications, or alcohol are dangerous neighbors on the road. Dulled reflexes, impaired cognition, and changes in how drivers perceive the environment can all contribute to motorcycle crashes.
- Drowsy driving — Being tired behind the wheel carries similar dangers as driving while impaired, including slower reflexes and diminished cognitive capabilities. Even when they check their blind spots, drowsy drivers may not remember what they saw or react quickly enough to avoid a crash. Motorcyclists and other drivers are equally susceptible to drowsy driving, so always make sure you get enough rest before driving a vehicle on a long trip.
- Mechanical defects — A problem with the brakes, steering, tires, or other critical components can cause a vehicle’s driver to lose control and strike a motorcycle in its blind spot. Poorly maintained vehicles or defective equipment could be grounds for a motorcycle accident claim if someone’s negligence contributed to the wreck.
- Poor road conditions — Bad weather or a deteriorated road surface can make it harder for a motorist to stay in control, causing them to leave their lane and collide with motorcycles in their blind spots.
Common Types of Motorcycle Blind Spot Accidents
Some of the most common ways that blind spot motorcycle accidents occur include:
- Failure to see — Many blind-spot motorcycle crashes occur because the other driver didn’t see the motorcyclist in their path.
- Sideswipe accidents — One of the most common types of blind-spot accidents, sideswipes happen when another vehicle changes lanes, turns, or merges without looking for motorcycles in their blind spots.
- Underride crashes — If a tractor-trailer or other large vehicle moves into another lane without checking their blind spots, they can ram a motorcycle next to them, causing the rider to get stuck under the larger vehicle.
How Can Warnett Hallen LLP Help Me?
After a crash, British Columbia motorcyclists can claim certain no-fault benefits through ICBC. But this compensation is often not enough to cover the full extent of losses for the seriously injured. A motorcycle accident lawyer in BC can help you pursue additional compensation after a blind-spot crash by:
- Looking at the evidence to determine liability and the compensation you may be eligible for
- Documenting your injuries and other losses to present your case for maximum compensation
- Filing a lawsuit and seeking damages in court if the responsible party refuses to agree to a settlement
If you were injured in a crash caused by a driver’s failure to check their blind spots, turn to the Vancouver motorcycle accident lawyers at Warnett Hallen LLP for help. We’ll fight for the fair compensation and justice you deserve.
We are available 24/7, so call us or reach out to our Vancouver motorcycle accident lawyer online today for a free consultation.
*Since May 1, 2021, British Columbia operates under a no-fault insurance system for motor vehicle accidents. Under this system, compensation for injuries and losses is handled through your own insurance provider (typically ICBC) regardless of who is at fault for the accident. Please note that the information on this page may not apply to your accident if it occurred after May 1, 2021. This disclaimer does not constitute legal advice.
