In San Bernardino, distracted driving has become one of the leading causes of traffic accidents, including motorcycle crashes. Whether it’s texting while driving, talking on the phone, or using in-car entertainment systems, distracted driving puts motorcyclists at severe risk. Motorcyclists are already vulnerable on the road, and distractions only make the situation worse. In this post, we will explore how distracted driving contributes to motorcycle accidents, what makes motorcyclists more susceptible to these accidents, and the steps you can take if you’re involved in a motorcycle accident due to distracted driving.
What is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving refers to any activity that diverts attention away from driving, including manual, visual, or cognitive distractions. This includes:
- Manual distractions: When a driver takes their hands off the wheel to do something else, such as texting, adjusting the radio, or eating.
- Visual distractions: Anything that takes a driver’s eyes off the road, such as looking at a phone, reading a text, or engaging in a conversation with a passenger.
- Cognitive distractions: When a driver’s mind is not focused on driving, such as daydreaming, being lost in thought, or talking to someone on the phone without hands-free technology.
These distractions prevent drivers from paying full attention to the road and their surroundings, leading to dangerous accidents, particularly for motorcycle riders who need more space and attention on the road. If a distracted driver is near a motorcyclist, they may fail to notice the rider’s presence or react quickly enough to avoid a collision, leading to severe consequences.
Why Motorcycle Riders Are More Vulnerable to Distracted Drivers
Motorcycles are smaller and less visible than other vehicles, making it harder for distracted drivers to spot them, especially in traffic or during busy hours. In addition, motorcycles do not offer the same level of protection as cars. In a crash, riders may suffer serious injuries, including:
- Head and brain injuries: A motorcyclist’s head is more exposed in an accident, and a helmet may not always prevent traumatic brain injuries.
- Broken bones and fractures: Due to the lack of protection, a rider may suffer broken bones, fractures, and even dislocations upon impact.
- Spinal cord injuries: Motorcycle crashes can lead to spinal injuries, which may cause permanent damage, including paralysis.
- Road rash and other skin injuries: In a high-speed accident, a motorcyclist may be thrown from the bike, causing severe abrasions and skin injuries.
With distracted drivers failing to notice motorcyclists or react quickly, the risks of injury or death increase significantly for riders. Unlike passenger cars, motorcycles lack a protective frame and airbags, meaning that the rider’s body absorbs most of the impact in a crash. This makes distracted driving even more dangerous for motorcyclists.
How Distracted Driving Contributes to Motorcycle Accidents
There are many ways distracted driving can directly lead to a motorcycle accident:
- Failure to yield: Distracted drivers may fail to yield to a motorcyclist when turning at an intersection or merging onto the highway. This is especially dangerous for motorcyclists who often have to navigate through fast-moving traffic.
- Not checking blind spots: Drivers distracted by their phones or passengers may fail to check their blind spots when changing lanes, leading to a collision with a motorcyclist riding beside them.
- Increased reaction time: Distracted drivers have slower reaction times, meaning they may not stop or swerve in time to avoid hitting a motorcyclist who is in front of them or riding through a green light.
- Running red lights: A driver distracted by their phone may fail to notice a red light, running it and causing an accident with a motorcyclist who has the green light.
- Sudden lane changes: Distracted drivers often make unexpected lane changes, which can be hazardous to motorcyclists who have limited space to maneuver.
San Bernardino Distracted Driving Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving is responsible for over 3,000 deaths annually in the United States. In California, over 50% of all road accidents involve some form of distraction, and the numbers continue to climb. San Bernardino County, with its growing population and busy roadways, sees a significant portion of these incidents. Motorcycle accidents in the area have risen by over 20% in the past five years, with distracted driving being a major contributing factor.
In addition to distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, and reckless driving also play a role in motorcycle accidents. However, distracted driving is one of the most common causes of accidents involving motorcyclists. Understanding this trend is essential to addressing the issue and promoting safer roads for everyone.
How Distracted Driving Affects Legal Claims in Motorcycle Accidents
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident due to a distracted driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. However, proving liability in these cases can be complex. In California, the law follows a comparative negligence rule, which means that both parties involved in the accident can share some level of fault. For example, if the distracted driver is found 80% at fault, but you were also speeding and found 20% at fault, you may still recover 80% of the damages.
To build a strong case, it’s crucial to gather evidence from the accident scene. This can include:
- Witness statements: Eyewitnesses who saw the accident occur can provide valuable testimony to support your claim.
- Phone records: If the driver was texting or talking on the phone at the time of the accident, phone records may serve as evidence of distracted driving.
- Traffic camera footage: Some intersections and highways have traffic cameras that capture accidents. This footage can show the exact moment the crash occurred.
- Police reports: A police report that documents the accident and the driver’s actions is crucial in proving fault.
Having a skilled motorcycle accident lawyer by your side can ensure that all necessary evidence is gathered and that your rights are protected. An attorney can also help negotiate with the insurance company to ensure that you are compensated fairly for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
What To Do If You’re in a Motorcycle Accident with a Distracted Driver
If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident with a distracted driver, it’s important to act quickly to protect your legal rights:
- Call the police: Always call the police to report the accident, especially if there are injuries involved. The police report will serve as an official document of the incident.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, it’s important to get checked out by a healthcare professional. Some injuries, such as concussions, may not show immediate symptoms.
- Gather evidence: Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, the other vehicle involved, and any damage. Collect contact information from any witnesses.
- Contact a lawyer: A lawyer experienced in motorcycle accidents can help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights during the claims process.
Conclusion
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by a distracted driver in San Bernardino, securing experienced legal representation is crucial. At San Bernardino Motorcycle Accident Lawyer, we understand the challenges motorcyclists face when dealing with distracted drivers. Our dedicated team is committed to helping you obtain the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
For valuable information on how to stay safe on the road, be sure to check out our Top Motorcycle Safety Tips for Riders in San Bernardino.
