Certain styles of motorcycles are relatively large and loud. Some riders even modify their motorcycles to make them noisier. Although motorcycles are often eye-catching, drivers who hit motorcycle riders might claim that they didn’t see the motorcycle.
While that may simply sound like an excuse, it could very well be the truth. Drivers may not notice the motorcycle near them in traffic unless they intentionally watch for motorcycles and other smaller vehicles.
There are limits to human attention
People traveling in motor vehicles have too much incoming visual information to process everything accurately. The brain must assess circumstances rapidly and determine what requires a driver’s focus.
Generally speaking, larger vehicles that appear to be a safety threat tend to command people’s attention in traffic. Smaller vehicles that represent less risk, including motorcycles and bicycles, may not seem like a safety concern to the brain as it subconsciously assesses the situation.
Psychologists refer to this experience as inattentional blindness. People can look directly at a motorcycle and never realize that it is there on a conscious level. Drivers can adjust for this cognitive shortcoming by intentionally checking for motorcycles, as well as bicycles and pedestrians.
Regardless of why a driver hits a motorcycle, they may be liable for the property damage and injuries that they cause. Their liability insurance can help cover losses, and they may face a lawsuit if their insurance isn’t enough to address the costs of a motorcycle crash.
Reviewing a crash report with a personal injury attorney could help injured motorcycle riders seek compensation through insurance claims or personal injury litigation.