Motorcycle accidents occur in different ways, just like motor vehicle collisions. Notably, blind spot motorcycle crashes occur when a vehicle crashes into a motorcycle in its blind spot. Such an accident can lead to severe injuries or fatalities. Fortunately, a Maryland motorcycle accident attorney can get you compensation for your losses.

Bikes are usually smaller than regular vehicles. So, these crashes are pretty frequent. The loud sound of motorcycles announces their presence to other road users. However, it still hasn’t quelled the high rate of motorcycle accidents in the US. This article looks at blind spot motorcycle collisions and how to avoid them.

How Vehicle Drivers Can Identify Blind Spots

Blind spots are areas where a car driver cannot see. Such areas depend on the vehicle type and build. For example, trucks and passenger vehicles have different locations that fulfill this role. Notably, large vehicles such as trucks have more significant non-visible areas. This is one reason for the high number of truck collisions involving motorcycles.

For example, 15% of large truck fatalities in 2019 involved motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Common blind spots include:

• The area a vehicle’s bodywork hides from the driver’s view when they look into their mirrors
• The space between what a driver sees when looking forward and in their rear-view mirror

How To Check Them

Drivers have a duty of care towards other road users. Therefore, they must not endanger others by driving carelessly. Notably, ignoring a vehicle’s blind spot can be grounds for a negligence claim. Thus, the following tips can help drivers identify blind spots to avoid motorcycle crashes.

• Check for activity behind the vehicle when pulling out of parking spaces
• Try installing assistive technology for detecting blind spots
• Know your vehicle’s blind spots and those of other cars
• Check blind spots with all the car mirrors when driving
• Use the car’s signals when merging or changing lanes
• Driver’s should look over their shoulder before merging or changing lanes

If drivers follow these tips, they can avoid blind spot motorcycle collisions.

Safety Tips for Motorcyclists

Motorcyclists also have a responsibility to drive carefully. They must not increase the chances of a motorcycle collision occurring. Moreover, a motorcyclist will most likely suffer more severe injuries in a crash. Therefore, it’ll be best to be more cautious with these tips.

Avoid Driving in Blind Spots

Most vehicles’ blind spots include the left and right rears. So, the easiest way to avoid collisions is to avoid driving in these areas. Instead, it’ll be best to move in front or behind a car. The sides are also dangerous, so it generally helps to stay where the driver can see you.

Overtake Cars Quickly

If you must overtake a vehicle, it’ll be best to do it quickly. This is because the sides through which you overtake vehicles may be blind spots. Therefore, if you pass a car slowly, it can swerve and hit you.

Leave Sufficient Space Between Vehicles

Motorcyclists should back off at least 20 feet away from motorists. This way, both the driver and the rider have sufficient time to react during emergencies. A rear-end motorcycle crash may be fatal for the motorcyclist.

Keep Your Headlights On

Suppose you’re riding your motorcycle at night. Then, it’ll be safe to always keep your headlights on. It’ll be easier for other road users to see you with your bike’s headlights. Headlights aren’t only necessary at night. Instead, they can help you in the day too. Flashing those lights can make them reflect in the vehicle’s mirrors or internal parts. This notifies drivers of the motorcycle around them.

Wear Bright Clothing

Finally, motorcyclists should wear bright clothing when riding their bikes. Just like headlights, bright clothing enhances visibility, especially at night.

Suppose a motorcyclist takes all these steps and a driver still causes a blind spot collision. Then, it’ll be easier to establish a case of negligence. However, suppose the rider was also negligent. This will make recovering compensation more challenging.

Let’s Get You the Motorcycle Accident Damages You Deserve!

If you have been in a Maryland motorcycle accident, you may be eligible for compensation. If it was a blind spot collision, the other driver must have negligently disregarded their vehicle’s blind spot. However, you’ll need the best Maryland motorcycle accident attorneys to get the maximum compensation. At Pinder Plotkin LLC, our lawyers have dedicated their lives to helping accident victims. So, if you hire us, we can get you the money you deserve. You just have to call us today for a FREE consultation.