How Distracted Driving Increases the Risk of Motorcycle Accidents

Distracted driving has always been a problem, but it has reached unprecedented levels in recent years. People have more entertainment than ever at their fingertips, and with that comes an inability to go more than a few minutes without something to engage their minds. Yes, the biggest issue with distracted driving nowadays is cell phone usage. Unfortunately, those road users who are already vulnerable often suffer the worst consequences of this trend—and that includes motorcyclists.

If you’re a motorcyclist who has been injured by a distracted driver, you could be entitled to compensation. Call Gardner Law Group at 228-436-6555 to set up a consultation with our motorcycle accident team now.

Motorcyclists Are Already at Risk of Serious Accidents

To start, it’s important to recognize that this risk doesn’t come from nowhere. Motorcyclists are already at a heightened risk of accidents, even when everything else is equal. They are smaller than standard cars, so it’s easy for drivers to miss them on a busy road. Furthermore, they have zero protection from their vehicles. While occupants of a car may have the majority of a crash absorbed by a crumple zone, motorcyclists often absorb the full impact of the crash themselves. This results in more serious injuries and, tragically, more fatal injuries.

Distracted Driving Ramps Up Those Risks

Distracted driving takes these already devastating statistics and makes them even worse. When people are distracted behind the wheel, their eyes, minds, or hands—or all of the above—are focused on something other than the road. This means that they are less likely to notice other road users or be able to take evasive action if there’s an obstacle in their path.

Consider how this plays out when a motorcyclist is in a driver’s path. A driver may be cruising along the open road, glancing at their phone every few seconds to respond to text messages from a friend. They haven’t seen another car for miles and they’re used to the empty road. When they go to switch lanes, they throw a cursory glance over their shoulder, but they aren’t actually expecting to see anyone there. As a result, they miss the motorcyclist in their blind spot. 

When they merge, phone in hand, they hit the motorcyclist and are unable to take proper evasive action with just one hand on the wheel. The motorcyclist may have been paying attention and attempting to move through their blind spot as quickly as possible, but ultimately, they are the one who pays for the driver’s bad decisions.

Drivers are already very bad at detecting motorcyclists and judging their speed. When you add another thing to draw away their attention—a phone, a conversation with a friend in the vehicle, food or drink—they are even less likely to detect a smaller, non-traditional vehicle in their path.

How Motorcyclists Can Pursue Compensation and Prove Their Case

While motorcyclists are often the victims of distracted driving accidents, that doesn’t mean it’s easy for them to prove their cases and get the compensation they deserve. In fact, they often struggle to hold negligent drivers accountable. 

If a motorcyclist suspects that distracted driving played a role in their crash, it is crucial that they disclose that to their attorney immediately. The attorney may be able to subpoena cell phone records or look at surveillance camera footage to look for signs of distracted driving. It is against the law to drive while distracted, and proving the other driver’s state of mind can make it easier for you to get the compensation you are owed.

Once you become accustomed to the signs of distracted driving, you’ll see them everywhere. As a motorcyclist, this makes it easier for you to identify distracted drivers and steer clear of them. Look for drifting between lanes, erratic speeding up and slowing down, driving well below the speed limit, and of course—the rapid switch between eyes forward and eyes down at a phone.

Reach Out to Gardner Law Group Today

Have you been injured in a car crash in Biloxi? The team at Gardner Law Group is here for you. Call us at 228-436-6555 or contact our team online to schedule a consultation right away.