Distracted and negligent truck drivers cause serious motorcycle crashes every year in Florida
Many motorcycle accidents occur in Florida due to distracted truck drivers who fail to see motorcyclists. Sometimes, these accidents occur when a truck driver changes lanes without looking and hits a motorcyclist. At other times, drivers turning left at an intersection fail to look and cause a collision with a motorcycle.
But is that a legitimate excuse? Can a truck driver say they didn’t see a motorcyclist and cause the collision, without being at fault? What legal options exist for injured motorcyclists hit by a distracted truck driver? Here are the details you should know.
Is not seeing a motorcyclist an excuse for causing a crash?
Negligent truck drivers sometimes claim they didn’t see the motorcycle before a crash, but that is never an excuse. Every driver on the road has a legal duty to stay alert and watch out for others, especially those who are more vulnerable, such as motorcyclists. Failing to look properly is negligence, and it can cause devastating motorcycle accidents.
Motorcycles are smaller and easier to miss, but that does not change a truck driver’s responsibility. Large trucks take longer to stop, have larger blind spots, and can cause massive damage in a collision. A quick glance in the mirror or a distracted moment is all it takes to put a motorcyclist’s life at risk.
The law does not accept “I didn’t see them” as a defense. Truck drivers are trained professionals who must use extra care when sharing the road. If they fail to look before changing lanes or turning, they can and should be held accountable for the harm they cause to injured motorcyclists.
Why do truck drivers cause so many motorcycle accidents?
Truck drivers are involved in a high number of motorcycle accidents because of the size and handling of their vehicles, combined with human error. Many of these crashes are preventable if drivers paid closer attention to their surroundings. Common reasons why truckers cause so many motorcycle crashes include:
- Blind spots: Trucks have wide blind spots, and motorcyclists can disappear from view if the driver doesn’t check carefully.
- Wide turns: Trucks often swing wide when turning, which can trap or strike a motorcyclist who is nearby.
- Distraction: A distracted driver who looks at a phone, GPS, or paperwork for even a few seconds may not see a motorcycle until it’s too late.
- Speeding: Trucks traveling above the speed limit or too fast for conditions cannot slow down in time to avoid hitting a motorcyclist.
- Fatigue: Long hours on the road can make drivers tired, which slows reaction times and leads to motorcycle crashes.
- Failure to yield: Trucks that pull out into traffic or change lanes without checking can collide with motorcycles that have the right of way.
These causes happen far too often and usually leave the motorcyclist with the worst injuries. Truck drivers are expected to follow strict safety rules, but some choose to ignore them to save time or meet delivery schedules. The result is that motorcyclists pay the price for a driver’s carelessness.
Who determines fault in a truck vs. motorcycle accident?
Fault in a truck and motorcycle crash is usually determined through an investigation by police, insurance companies, and sometimes accident reconstruction experts. Police officers at the scene collect statements, measure skid marks, and note visible damage to understand what happened. Their report often plays a major role in deciding fault.
Insurance companies also often conduct their own investigation, but they often look for ways to deny or reduce payouts. They may try to argue the motorcyclist was speeding or weaving through traffic. This is why independent evidence, such as witness statements and photos from the scene, is so crucial.
When a case goes to court, judges or juries may hear from expert witnesses who explain how the crash occurred. This is why you need an experienced motorcycle accident attorney who can present your case in a clear, strong, convincing manner.
What should I do if my motorcycle injury claim is denied?
A denied motorcycle injury claim does not mean the fight is over. Insurance companies often reject valid claims to protect their profits. Riders injured by negligent truck drivers still have options to pursue compensation.
- Hire an attorney: If you have not already done so, an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can challenge the insurance company’s decision.
- Review the denial letter: Understand the exact reason your claim was rejected.
- Gather more evidence: Collect medical records, crash reports, and witness statements that support your case.
- Get an independent medical evaluation: A doctor’s detailed report can prove the seriousness of your injuries.
- File an appeal: Insurers have formal processes to dispute denials, and your lawyer can handle this.
- Take legal action: If appeals fail, a motorcycle injury lawsuit may be the best way to recover what you deserve.
Denied claims can be frustrating, especially when medical bills and lost income accumulate. But too many injured riders give up because they think the insurer’s word is final. With the right legal assistance, many denials can be overturned. Taking action promptly increases the likelihood of obtaining the compensation you need.
Our Tampa motorcycle accident lawyers make your case matter
Motorcycle accidents caused by distracted truck drivers in Florida often turn into complicated legal cases. That’s because motorcyclists often get wrongly blamed for causing collisions in which a truck driver is clearly at fault.
A dedicated Tampa motorcycle accident attorney at Armando Personal Injury Law can set the record straight. We know what evidence to look for, which questions to ask, and which legal strategies are most effective. Our case results prove this, including numerous settlements and verdicts for motorcycle accident injury victims and their families.
Contact us and schedule a free consultation with a Tampa motorcycle accident attorney who knows how to fight for you. We handle cases involving motorcycle crashes throughout Florida.
“Very professional, productive, and gets the job done. Everyone kept in contact with me regarding my case. I recommend Armando Law. You will not be disappointed.” – Monique R.