When Cars Pull Out in Front of Motorcycles, Serious Injuries May Result

You’re approaching an intersection. Cars at the intersection are stopped, waiting for the flow of traffic to pass. You’re just about to clear the intersection when suddenly, a car moves directly into your path – giving you no time to prevent a crash.

Whether you collide with the car that pulled out or hit the road as you swerved, you may suffer serious injuries. Here, we discuss common causes and injuries in these crashes, as well as steps to take if you or a loved one were injured when a car pulled out in front of your motorcycle. 

Why Cars Pull Out in Front of Motorcycles

A common phrase among drivers who collide with motorcyclists is, “I didn’t see the motorcycle.” Yet, the reasons why a driver fails to see a motorcyclist can vary. Common reasons that appear in police reports and other research include:

• Drivers are distracted or aren’t paying attention to traffic.
• Drivers are impatient, pulling out the moment they perceive a gap in a line of cars without checking whether that “gap” is occupied by a motorcycle. 
• Drivers don’t wait long enough to accurately judge the motorcycle’s speed and thus assume they have more space to pull out than they do. 
• Other traffic or roadway conditions or events obscure the view of a motorcyclist from a driver. 

In some cases, dim lighting, traffic, and other factors can make a motorcyclist to blend in with their surroundings, raising the risk of a driver not seeing a motorcyclist. However, one study found that motorcyclists cannot make themselves highly visible in all situations. While bright clothing and motorcycle lighting can help, these factors may also blend into some environments. Instead, drivers must take the time to look at their surroundings and identify motorcycles, pedestrians, and other travelers before proceeding. 

Injury Risks for Motorcyclists

Motorcycle safety gear has come a long way since the first helmet was tested in 1914. Today, high-tech plastics, Kevlar, and other materials offer better protection than the first helmets. 

No matter how high-tech the safety gear, motorcyclists still ride exposed to the elements – and to the direct force of a crash. This exposure is one of the highlights of riding for many bikers. Yet the fact remains: a motorcyclist lacks the protection of a vehicle’s frame, panels, seat belts, or airbags. In a crash, a biker typically suffers more severe injuries than someone in a vehicle. 

When a car pulls out in front of a motorcyclist, serious injuries can result. The car may hit the motorcyclist side-on, pinning the biker between the car and the motorcycle, knocking the motorcyclist to the pavement, or even running over the motorcyclist. 

If the car turns out slightly ahead of the motorcycle, it may miss the bike – but the motorcyclist may be unable to slow down or stop in time to avoid a collision with the side or rear of the car. In these crashes, head, neck, and spinal cord injuries can easily occur. 

Other types of catastrophic injuries common in motorcycle crashes include broken bones. Fractured bones may require one or more surgeries to treat. Recovery may take months; if a motorcyclist has to regain muscle after bones have healed, physical therapy can take a year or more. 

Blunt force trauma injuries, damage to organs and other tissues, “road burn,” amputations, scarring, and disfigurement may also occur. Motorcyclists can face multiple types of injuries after a crash – complicating their path to recovery and increasing the risk of permanent damage. 

What To Do If You’re Injured By a Car Pulling Out in Front of Your Bike

If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident, keep these steps in mind:

• Prioritize safety. Move yourself and others out of the way of traffic, if you can. Lights, flares, and other safety tools can help you warn oncoming drivers. 
• Call 911. Call emergency services for help. First responders can treat injuries, secure the scene, and document what happened. See a doctor as soon as possible if you didn’t receive emergency care, and follow doctors’ instructions. 
• Focus on the facts. Don’t admit fault, even if you suspect you messed up. Instead, talk about the facts: when and where the crash happened, what you were doing when the collision occurred, and what you saw, heard, or felt. 
• Speak to a lawyer. An attorney can answer your questions and help you protect your legal rights. 

After a serious crash, you may be able to do little except allow emergency medical teams to rush you to the nearest hospital. You may not even remember the immediate aftermath of the crash. If a loved one was hit, you may not have been present at the scene to help. 

While it’s best to take these steps as promptly as you can, it’s understandable if you need assistance. Taking swift action is crucial, but you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Our South Carolina motorcycle accident attorneys at the Steinberg Law Firm will ensure every detail is meticulously handled, providing you with the support and confidence you need. Reach out today to secure the legal guidance and rightful compensation you deserve for your motorcycle crash injuries. Our firm offers free consultations, no fee until we collect compensation for you, and virtual case handling, so there is no need to come to our office.