Distracted Motorists Endanger Motorcyclists
Distracted driving is a growing epidemic that law enforcement agencies in Las Vegas and all across the country are trying to fight. Laws are in place making it illegal for motorists to operate their vehicles while distracted. But many people disregard them and continue to focus on anything but the road, endangering the lives of everyone around them, including motorcyclists.
In fact, many motorcycle accidents are caused by inattentive drivers. Motorists must keep their eyes on the roads and hands on their steering wheels. Their thoughts should be primarily on the task of driving. This includes actively checking their vehicles’ mirrors and the roads for other motorists, especially bikers, and extending proper road courtesies.
Driver distractions create additional dangers for bikers
Why are inattentive motorists such a huge problem for bikers? Even a driver paying attention may misjudge the distance and speed of a motorcycle because of its relatively small size. While a glance in a rearview mirror may reveal a passenger or commercial vehicle, a motorcycle may only be visible to someone doing a head check. When drivers are looking at their cellphones, adjusting the features in their vehicles or doing other things, it becomes even harder to keep track of motorcyclists.
Some people are not even aware of when bikers pull up beside or in front of them until it is too late. Motorists often fail to correctly assess traffic at intersections where head-on collisions with motorcyclists are likely to occur, as well.
Many drivers do not accept responsibility
Unfortunately, drivers rarely admit when they are in the wrong in car accidents, especially when it comes to distractions. Many of them assume that they can deny accountability because there is no evidence. However, there are other methods law enforcement, insurance companies and motorcyclists can use to prove that accidents are the result of distracted drivers, such as with eyewitness testimonies, police reports, traffic surveillance cameras, phone records and more.
Motorcycle accident victims have the same rights as car accident victims when it comes to seeking compensation. Because distracted driving car and motorcycle collision claims are not always easy for them to manage, many of them find it beneficial to speak with an attorney for guidance and support on the matter.