Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents: The Importance of Proper Mirror Usage
At Keller & Keller, we have seen first-hand how devastating motorcycle accidents can be for riders and their families. In New Mexico, motorcycles, while popular in our state, are more vulnerable to serious accidents than other vehicles on the road. As a result, it's crucial that all drivers—whether in a car, truck, or another motorcycle—operate their vehicles with heightened awareness. Unfortunately, in many of the cases we handle, investigations often reveal that one of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents is a simple yet avoidable mistake made by the driver of a car or truck: failure to check rearview and side mirrors.
The Role of Mirrors in Safe Driving![Motorcycle in Side View Mirror]()
Mirrors are one of the most basic and essential safety features in any vehicle. The rearview mirror allows a driver to see what's behind them, while side mirrors provide a view of the areas alongside the vehicle. These mirrors are critical tools for maintaining spatial awareness, ensuring drivers can safely change lanes, merge into traffic, or navigate through intersections.
At Keller & Keller, our Albuquerque motorcycle accident attorney team understands that the consequences of a car or truck failing to check these mirrors before making a maneuver can be catastrophic. Since motorcycles are smaller and less visible than other vehicles, the failure to see a rider in a rearview or side mirror can easily lead to a collision. This is especially true in busy urban areas like Albuquerque or along New Mexico's scenic highways, where motorcyclists are often sharing the road with larger/truck vehicles.
Common Mistakes We See in New Mexico
1. Changing Lanes Without Looking. One of the most common mistakes I see in cases involving motorcycle accidents is when drivers change lanes without checking their side mirrors. Motorcycles can be hard to spot, especially when they are in a vehicle's blind spot. Drivers of cars and trucks sometimes fail to look thoroughly before switching lanes, either because they are distracted or simply don't take the time to check for smaller vehicles like motorcycles. We have seen this mistake lead to a side-swipe collision or cause the motorcyclist (our client) to lose control and crash.
2. Failing to Yield or Stop at Intersections. Another frequent issue arises when a driver does not properly assess cross-traffic at an intersection. Motorcycles are more agile and can sometimes appear quickly from behind another vehicle. If a car or truck driver doesn’t use their mirrors properly to check for oncoming traffic or vehicles approaching from behind, they might pull out in front of a motorcycle or fail to yield, resulting in a dangerous accident.
3. Poor Visibility and Neglecting Blind Spots. Every driver has a responsibility to check their blind spots before changing lanes or merging into traffic. Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable when other vehicles fail to do so. The larger blind spots of trucks and SUVs are especially hazardous to motorcycle riders, who may be hard to detect even in a side mirror. When a driver fails to check these areas properly, it can result in a tragic collision that could have been avoided with a simple, proactive mirror check.
New Mexico Statistics on Motorcycle Accidents
According to the New Mexico Traffic Safety Division, motorcyclists make up a disproportionate number of traffic fatalities. In 2022 alone, there were 93 motorcycle-related fatalities in New Mexico, which accounts for approximately 15% of all traffic deaths in the state. Many of these accidents involve passenger vehicles failing to properly assess their surroundings, including neglecting to check mirrors before making turns or lane changes.
In cities like Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Las Cruces, where there is significant traffic congestion, motorcycle riders are at an increased risk. The state's sunny weather and scenic routes also attract motorcyclists year-round, which means that the importance of vehicle operators taking extra precautions—particularly with regard to mirrors—cannot be overstated.
Legal Implications for Drivers Who Fail to Use Their Mirrors
When a driver fails to check their rearview or side mirrors and causes a motorcycle accident, they may be liable for any injuries or damages resulting from the crash. As a personal injury attorney in New Mexico, I have represented numerous clients who suffered severe injuries due to such negligence. New Mexico follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning that even if the motorcyclist is partially at fault, they can still recover damages from the other party, provided that their fault is less than 51%.
In cases where the driver of a car or truck has failed to check their mirrors, the injured motorcyclist may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. This is especially important in motorcycle accident cases, as injuries can often be more severe due to the lack of physical protection on a motorcycle.
How Motorcyclists Can Protect Themselves
While other drivers' actions are often the primary cause of motorcycle accidents, motorcyclists can also take steps to protect themselves on the road. One of the most effective ways to prevent accidents is by being visible—wearing bright, reflective clothing, using headlights during the day, and positioning yourself on the road where you can be seen clearly by other drivers.
Additionally, maintaining a safe distance from vehicles, especially large trucks, can reduce the risk of being in a blind spot. Motorcycle riders should also practice defensive driving techniques, stay alert to the movements of surrounding vehicles, and anticipate potential hazards.
If You’ve Been Hit on a Motorcycle, Hit Back
We find motorcycle accidents in New Mexico are often the result of preventable mistakes, including the failure of drivers to check their rearview and side mirrors before making maneuvers. For motorcyclists, this lack of awareness can lead to catastrophic consequences. Whether you're a motorcyclist or a driver of a larger vehicle, it's crucial to be diligent about using mirrors and being aware of your surroundings at all times.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident here in Alburquerque or throughout New Mexico caused by a driver's failure to properly check their mirrors, it is important to seek legal representation. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. In New Mexico, where motorcycle traffic is high, ensuring safe driving practices is critical for everyone's well-being on the road.
At Keller & Keller, we urge you to stay safe and remember that when it comes to preventing motorcycle accidents, every glance in your mirrors counts.
