As the weather warms up, more and more people in Spokane are going to be out on their motorcycles. If you’re a rider, you probably know you have to be extremely careful. But the issue is that virtually everything is a risk–especially drivers at intersections. A recent story from KREM lays out just how dangerous this situation can be.
A motorcyclist was killed when they were struck by an SUV at the intersection of South Madison Road and East Palouse Highway. An initial investigation by the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) found that the SUV was headed south on Madison Road when they slowed for a stop sign. The motorcyclist was headed west on Palouse Highway when the SUV entered the intersection ahead of them. The driver of the SUV later stated that he didn’t see the motorcyclist before colliding with them. EMTs with Spokane County Fire District 8 administered medical aid to the motorcyclist, but it was ultimately unsuccessful. The rider was pronounced dead a short time later.
SCSO deputies don’t believe impairment was a factor in the collision and no arrests have been made, but the accident is still under investigation. The driver and passenger in the SUV were uninjured.
Why Can’t Drivers See Motorcyclists at Intersections?
If you’re on your motorcycle and a driver can’t see you, it’s obviously a recipe for a serious accident–much like the one in the story above. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for these accidents to leave you facing serious–even fatal–injuries. No two accidents are alike, but understanding why a driver can’t see you is important:
- Motorcycles are harder to spot – Compared to cars and trucks, motorcycles are smaller and slimmer. At busy Spokane intersections—especially during rush hour or in bad weather—it’s easy for drivers to overlook them entirely.
- Drivers aren’t always looking for motorcycles – Most Spokane drivers are used to scanning for other cars, not bikes. This “inattentional blindness” means they might glance your way but not actually register that you’re approaching.
- Left turns are a major hazard – One of the most common causes of motorcycle crashes in Spokane is when a driver turns left across a rider’s path. They either misjudge your speed or don’t see you at all–often with serious consequences.
- Visual obstructions hide motorcycles – Parked cars along downtown streets, delivery trucks, street signs, or even trees can create blind spots. A rider can be hidden from view until it’s too late for the driver to react.
No matter what the reason is, a driver not seeing you significantly raises the risk of an accident. When one of these does happen, you have options that our team can help you with.
Legal Support After a Spokane Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle accidents in Spokane can leave riders facing major injuries, lost income, long-term physical pain, and even worse–death. It’s a situation nobody wants to face, but our team at Crary, Clark, and Domanico can help you through the claims process. We can help you recover damages for:
- Medical treatment and ongoing care
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Damage to your motorcycle and gear
- Funeral expenses and wrongful death damages (in fatal crashes)
We work with riders and their families throughout Spokane. We’ll walk you through your legal options, explain what your case might be worth, and handle everything from investigation to negotiation. Set up a free consultation with our team today.
