Distracted driving occurs when a driver engages in any activity that diverts their attention away from operating their vehicle safely. This behavior compromises the driver’s focus on the road, endangering not only the driver but also passengers, other motorists, motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians.
Distracted driving is not limited to texting or using a phone – it can include eating, adjusting the radio, talking to passengers, or even daydreaming. While these distractions may seem minor, they can have devastating consequences, particularly for motorcyclists who are already at greater risk on the road. Motorcycles are smaller, less visible, and provide no protective barriers, leaving riders extremely vulnerable to inattentive drivers.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by a distracted driver, you have the right to seek justice and compensation for your injuries. our Boise motorcycle accident lawyer at Mountain States Injury Law is here to help you navigate the legal process and hold negligent drivers accountable. Take the first step toward recovery – call us at (888) 845-8745 for a free consultation. Let us fight for you while you focus on healing.
Common Types of Distractions in Boise Motorcycle Accidents
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines distracted driving as “any activity that takes your attention away from driving.” Distracted driving can be broadly categorized into three types: visual, manual, and cognitive distractions.
Visual Distractions
These are activities that take the driver’s eyes off the road.
Examples include:
- Looking at a phone screen or GPS
- Staring at billboards or roadside attractions
- Turning to check on children or pets in the car
Manual Distractions
These include activities that require the driver to take one or both hands off the wheel.
Examples of manual distractions include:
- Texting or typing on a smartphone
- Eating or drinking
- Adjusting the radio, air conditioning, or mirrors
Cognitive Distractions
Anything that takes the driver’s mind off driving is considered a cognitive distraction.
Some examples are:
- Daydreaming or zoning out
- Stress, anger, or emotional conversations with passengers
- Talking on a hands-free device or engaging in deep thought
While any type of distraction is dangerous, texting while driving is particularly hazardous because it combines all three types of distractions – visual, manual, and cognitive. This makes texting one of the leading causes of distracted driving accidents. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident due to these distractions, contact our distracted driving accident attorneys in Boise today.
Unique Risks for Motorcyclists in Boise
Motorcyclists face significantly greater risks on the road compared to drivers of larger vehicles. When distracted driving comes into play, the consequences can be particularly devastating due to the unique vulnerabilities of motorcycles.
Motorcycles’ Smaller Size Makes Them Less Visible
Motorcycles are smaller and more compact than other vehicles, making them harder to spot, especially in heavy traffic or poor weather conditions. Distracted drivers often fail to check blind spots or adequately scan their surroundings, increasing the likelihood of colliding with a motorcyclist.
A momentary lapse in attention, such as glancing at a phone, can mean a driver misses seeing a motorcycle approaching or turning.
Lack of Protection Compared to Other Vehicles
Unlike cars and trucks, motorcycles lack the structural protection that can absorb and mitigate the impact of a collision. A passenger vehicle’s metal frame, crumple zones, airbags, and seat belts provide layers of defense, reducing the force of an accident on the occupants and helping to prevent serious injuries. Motorcyclists, on the other hand, are entirely exposed to the elements and the full brunt of any collision forces.
Without these protective features, motorcyclists are highly vulnerable when involved in crashes. Upon impact, the rider’s body often bears the force directly, whether they are struck by another vehicle, ejected from the motorcycle, or thrown to the ground. Even at relatively low speeds, this can result in life-altering injuries such as:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Even when wearing a helmet, motorcyclists are at risk of brain injuries caused by the violent motion or impact of a collision.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Collisions can compress or damage the spine, leading to paralysis or permanent mobility challenges.
- Broken Bones and Fractures: Common in arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones, often requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
- Road Rash and Severe Lacerations: When a rider is thrown or slides along the road, friction can cause serious abrasions, infections, and permanent scarring.
Moreover, motorcycles lack stability compared to four-wheeled vehicles, making riders more susceptible to losing control in collisions. Even a minor impact can destabilize a motorcycle, causing the rider to be ejected or thrown into traffic, increasing the chances of multiple impacts or secondary injuries.
The absence of these protective measures underscores why motorcycle accidents often result in catastrophic outcomes, even in scenarios that might result in minor damage for drivers in enclosed vehicles. For motorcyclists, every precaution and defensive driving measure matters, as the consequences of a crash are far more severe.
Your Recovery Starts With the Right Legal Support
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by a distracted driver, you deserve justice and the compensation you need to recover. Our Boise distracted driving motorcycle accident lawyer at Mountain States Injury Law is here to help you hold negligent drivers accountable and guide you through the legal process with care and skill.
Don’t wait – reach out today to discuss your case with our experienced team. Fill out our easy online contact form or call us at (888) 845-8745 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us fight for your rights and help you move forward.