Motorcycle Blind Spot Accidents: What Happens if a Driver Says “Sorry, I Didn’t See You?”

June 30, 2026

What happens when a motorist says ‘Sorry I didn’t see you’ to a Motorcyclists after an accident?

The usual phrase is something along the lines:

“Sorry mate, I didn’t see you.”

Within the motorcycling community, this has become so common that it has its own name, SMIDSY, an abbreviation for “Sorry Mate, I Didn’t See You.”

Whilst some drivers may genuinely fail to notice an approaching motorcycle, that does not automatically excuse what has happened. Every motorist has a legal duty to look properly before pulling out, changing lanes or turning across the path of another road user.

Blind spot accidents remain one of the leading causes of serious motorcycle collisions in the UK. They often result in devastating injuries because riders have little protection and very little time to react.

At Motorbike Claims, our specialist solicitors regularly represent riders injured in blind spot and SMIDSY accidents. If another driver’s failure to see your motorcycle caused your injuries, you may be entitled to claim compensation.

What Is A Motorcycle Blind Spot Accident?

A blind spot accident occurs when a driver fails to see a motorcycle before carrying out a manoeuvre.

Common examples include:

A driver changes lanes on a motorway.
A vehicle pulls out from a side road.
A car turns right across an approaching motorcycle.
A vehicle exits a driveway.
A motorist moves out of stationary traffic.
A driver merges onto a dual carriageway.

Many drivers later admit they looked but simply failed to notice the motorcycle.

Unfortunately, this does not necessarily remove responsibility.

Why Are Motorcycles Harder To See?

Motorcycles present a much smaller visual profile than cars or vans.

Unlike larger vehicles, motorcycles occupy less of a driver’s field of vision and can sometimes be hidden behind pillars inside the vehicle or disappear within a driver’s blind spot.

However, experienced drivers are expected to know this.

That is precisely why the Highway Code requires motorists to make careful observations before changing direction or moving across traffic.

Drivers should never assume the road is clear simply because they cannot immediately see another vehicle.

What Is A SMIDSY Accident?

SMIDSY stands for:

Sorry Mate, I Didn’t See You.

It describes collisions where a driver genuinely believes they looked but nevertheless pulled into the path of a motorcycle.

This commonly happens because of what psychologists describe as a “Looked But Failed To See” error.

The driver looks towards the road but their brain is subconsciously searching for larger vehicles such as cars, buses and lorries. A motorcycle may simply not register, despite being clearly visible.

Whilst this helps explain why these accidents occur, it does not provide a legal defence.

Drivers must take reasonable care to ensure the road is clear before moving.

Common Motorcycle Blind Spot Accidents

Blind spot collisions occur in many different situations.

Lane Change Accidents

Drivers frequently change lanes without checking mirrors or looking over their shoulder.

Motorcyclists travelling alongside another vehicle may be forced off the road or struck directly.

These collisions are particularly common on motorways and dual carriageways.

Side Road Collisions

A driver emerges from a side road believing it is safe.

They later state they never saw the approaching motorcycle.

These accidents often occur at relatively high speeds and frequently cause serious injuries.

Right Turn Accidents

One of the most common motorcycle collisions occurs when a vehicle turns right across the path of an oncoming rider.

The driver may claim they believed they had sufficient time or simply failed to notice the motorcycle altogether.

Roundabouts

Drivers entering or leaving roundabouts sometimes concentrate on larger vehicles whilst overlooking approaching motorcycles.

If this sounds familiar, you may also wish to read our guide on motorcycle roundabout accidents.

Filtering Traffic

Motorcyclists filtering through slow moving traffic are particularly vulnerable to blind spot accidents.

Drivers changing lanes or making unexpected manoeuvres may not anticipate a motorcycle approaching between lines of traffic.

Filtering is generally lawful when carried out safely and responsibly.

Being injured whilst filtering does not automatically mean the rider was at fault.

What Does The Highway Code Say?

The Highway Code places significant responsibility on motorists to keep a proper lookout before moving off or changing direction.

Drivers should:

Check mirrors carefully.
Look over their shoulder where appropriate.
Check blind spots.
Signal correctly.
Ensure the manoeuvre can be completed safely.

These simple observations help prevent many motorcycle accidents.

Failing to carry them out may amount to negligent driving.

Who Is Responsible?

Every accident depends upon its individual circumstances.

However, liability often rests with the driver who failed to observe the approaching motorcycle.

Examples include:

Failing to check mirrors.
Failing to check blind spots.
Pulling into the rider’s path.
Changing lanes without proper observation.
Turning across the motorcycle.
Emerging from a junction when unsafe.

Insurance companies occasionally argue that the rider was travelling too quickly or was not visible.

These allegations require careful investigation using the available evidence.

Can A Motorcyclist Ever Share Responsibility?

Sometimes insurers argue that the rider contributed to the accident.

For example:

Excessive speed.
Dangerous overtaking.
Riding without headlights in poor visibility.
Unsafe filtering.

Even where contributory negligence is alleged, it does not necessarily prevent compensation.

Many injured riders still recover substantial damages where the primary cause of the accident was the driver’s failure to observe them properly.

Serious Injuries Caused By Blind Spot Collisions

Motorcycle blind spot accidents often involve significant force.

Common injuries include:

Broken arms.
Fractured wrists.
Shoulder injuries.
Collarbone fractures.
Pelvic injuries.
Leg fractures.
Head injuries.
Brain injuries.
Spinal injuries.
Psychological trauma.

Some riders require multiple operations together with lengthy rehabilitation before returning to work.

Others may never fully recover.

Evidence That Can Strengthen Your Claim

Strong evidence is often the key to establishing liability.

Useful evidence includes:

Helmet camera footage.
Dashcam recordings.
CCTV footage.
Independent witness statements.
Police reports.
Vehicle damage.
Photographs of the accident scene.
Medical records.

Helmet camera footage is particularly valuable because it often captures exactly what happened in the seconds before impact.

What Compensation Can Be Claimed?

Every motorcycle accident claim is different.

Compensation may include:

Pain, suffering and loss of amenity.
Loss of earnings.
Future loss of income.
Medical treatment costs.
Physiotherapy.
Rehabilitation.
Motorcycle damage.
Care provided by family members.
Travel expenses.
Future financial losses.

The amount recovered depends upon the seriousness of the injuries and the overall financial impact of the accident.

Why Choose Motorbike Claims?

Motorbike Claims specialises in representing injured motorcyclists throughout England and Wales.

We understand that motorcycle accidents are different from ordinary road traffic collisions.

Insurers frequently attempt to argue that riders were travelling too quickly, filtering dangerously or placing themselves at unnecessary risk.

Our experienced solicitors know how to investigate these allegations and obtain the evidence needed to prove liability.

We can assist with:

Obtaining CCTV and helmet camera footage.
Taking witness statements.
Arranging independent medical examinations.
Recovering loss of earnings.
Negotiating directly with insurers.
Issuing court proceedings where necessary.

Whether your accident involved a blind spot collision, a driver pulling out from a junction, filtering traffic, a roundabout collision or another common motorcycle accident, our team has the experience to help.

No Win No Fee Motorcycle Accident Claims

Many motorcycle accident claims can be pursued under a No Win No Fee agreement.

This means you can access specialist legal representation without paying legal fees upfront.

Following a free initial consultation, we can assess your claim, explain your legal options and advise whether you have reasonable prospects of success.

Contact Motorbike Claims

Every driver has a responsibility to keep a proper lookout before moving their vehicle.

When they fail to do so, the consequences for motorcyclists can be life changing.

If you have been injured because a driver failed to see your motorcycle, contact Motorbike Claims today.

Our specialist motorcycle accident solicitors have extensive experience dealing with blind spot and SMIDSY accidents and are committed to helping injured riders recover the compensation they deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a SMIDSY motorcycle accident?

SMIDSY stands for “Sorry Mate, I Didn’t See You” and refers to accidents where a driver claims they failed to notice an approaching motorcycle before causing a collision.

Is a driver always liable if they say they did not see the motorcycle?

Not automatically, but drivers have a duty to make proper observations before changing direction or pulling out. Simply saying they did not see the motorcycle is rarely a complete defence.

Can I claim if I was filtering?

Yes. Filtering is generally legal when carried out safely. Each case depends on the circumstances and the evidence available.

What evidence is most useful?

Helmet camera footage, CCTV, dashcam recordings, witness statements, photographs, police reports and medical evidence can all help support a motorcycle accident claim.

How long do I have to make a claim?

In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to begin court proceedings, although exceptions apply in certain circumstances.