What is Inattentional Blindness in a Motorcycle Accident Case?
While it might seem unbelievable, many motorcycle accidents are caused by what is known as “inattentional blindness.” This occurs when a driver checks for other vehicles but literally does not see a nearby motorcycle.
Inattentional blindness has been shown to be a serious contributor to motorcycle accidents, as many studies have concluded that drivers are much more likely to not see a motorcycle compared to other vehicles. Fortunately, inattentional blindness is not a defense to causing a motorcycle accident. Drivers that fail to see a rider before striking them are just as liable for the damages they cause.
For a free case review with a dedicated NJ motorcycle accident lawyer, call Jerry Friedman at 1-800-529-4464 today.
What is Inattentional Blindness in a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit?
Numerous scientific studies have shown that failing to see a motorcyclist despite their visibility is due to a phenomenon referred to as inattentional blindness. For instance, a National Library of Medicine study concluded that participant drivers in the study were twice as likely to miss a motorcycle on the road than a taxi. Basically, inattentional blindness is when drivers overlook an unexpected object that is clearly visible. While these types of motorcycle accidents can be difficult to prove, Jerry has years of experience helping injured riders get the compensation they deserve from inattentive drivers. It should be noted that this is distinct from blind spots and is a function of the brain rather than the motorcyclist being physically blocked out.
Our brains process an enormous amount of information daily, leading to some things being given lower priority. While driving, the brain decides which tasks are most important and filters out others. Unfortunately, motorcyclists are often filtered out, resulting in potentially life-altering or deadly collisions. This phenomenon is commonly known as looked-but-failed-to-see (LBFTS) and is a significant contributor to motorcycle accidents.
Individuals who are usually careful while driving can still fail to notice motorcycles nearby. Even on a clear day with minimal traffic, a driver can suddenly emerge in front of a motorcycle rider without ever noticing them. As drivers, we tend to be more aware of cars and trucks on the road and sometimes miss seeing motorcycles. However, taking steps to increase visibility can greatly improve your safety while riding. However, you are entitled to compensation from an inattentive driver if they injured you through their negligence. Claiming that they did not see the motorcycle before they hit it is rarely a suitable defense in a motorcycle accident lawsuit.
How Inattentional Blindness Can Cause a Motorcycle Accident
Inattentional blindness can be the root cause of many types of motorcycle accidents. Remember, this is not the same as failing to check for a motorcycle. In these types of accidents, drivers usually check their blind spots and before crossing an intersection but fail to actually see a motorcycle. They are literally blind to the rider near them. The following are the most common types of motorcycle accidents that can be caused by inattentional blindness:
Cutting Off a Motorcycle
It is unfortunately common for drivers to cut off motorcyclists who rightfully have the right of way at intersections. While many drivers will knowingly cut off a motorcyclist to beat them across the intersection, some cause an accident because they never saw the rider. This is why drivers are instructed to check both directions and check again before crossing to ensure that they do not miss an approaching motorcycle. Motorcyclists are often unable to come to a complete stop in time and could end up colliding with a car or having to lay down their bikes to avoid a crash. These accidents are not only extremely dangerous, but they are also often deadly for unsuspecting riders.
Illegal Lanes Changes
It is also common for drivers to switch lanes without noticing a motorcycle positioned next to or slightly behind their vehicle. Unfortunately, this situation occurs because the driver often fails to see a motorcyclist in their mirrors or blind spots when they check. This also indicates that some drivers might not be listening while they are driving since motorcycles tend to be louder vehicles than others on the road. Negligently changing lanes leaves virtually no time for the driver to react appropriately before causing a collision with a cyclist.
Rear-End Collisions
Many accidents involving motorcycles occur due to a driver following a motorcyclist too closely, also known as “tailgating.” While it seems ludicrous that a driver would fail to see a motorcycle just ahead of them, driver negligence knows no bounds. In situations motorcyclists should move over or slow down to avoid a tailgating driver, but this can lead to a catastrophic accident if the driver does not even realize the rider is there. Thus, even in the most unlikely circumstances, never assume that a car driver sees you and is considering your safety.
How Can I Avoid a Motorcycle Accident Caused By Inattentional Blindness?
While it might seem unfair that you should compensate for other drivers’ inattentiveness and negligence, it is wise to take extra steps to ensure your safety while you are riding on your motorcycle. For instance, you can add more reflectors to your bike and regularly check your lights so that your visibility is maximized. Installing extra lights on your bike’s front, rear, and sides is also recommended.
It is also important to make your presence known when other vehicles are near you. Alerting multiple human senses can greatly increase your safety. For instance, your muffler might add extra noise to alert a driver or play your stereo loudly. It is crucial that you drive defensively to protect yourself from inattentive drivers around your bike.
Another common tactic to make yourself more visible to other drivers is wearing clothes with bright colors or clothing with reflective material on it. The reflection from your gear might be the only thing that signals to a driver that you are there if they are not paying close attention. You can also get a brightly colored helmet and gloves to increase your chances of being seen.
Keep in mind that even though drivers might look directly at you, they may not actually register your presence. Therefore, it is important to be prepared to react to any sudden movements. Always be aware of your surroundings and stay vigilant so that you do not become a victim of another driver’s inattentional blindness.
Call Jerry to Get Help from Our Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Contact Jerry Friedman at 1-800-529-4464 to get a free evaluation of your case with an Atlantic City motorcycle accident attorney with years of experience.
