Car, truck, motorcycle and pedestrian accidents all happen for a number of reasons. One reason that some Tennessee residents may not be familiar with is inattentional blindness. What it is? What causes it? Can victims of inattentional blindness-related motor vehicle accidents seek compensation for their losses?
Inattentional blindness is something researchers have studied for some time. In 2018, a study on this topic, particularly how it contributes to car accidents, was released by a team from a leading university abroad. The study involved asking 56 adults to identify driving dangers by looking at a series of pictures. In one picture, researchers introduced an unexpected object in clear view in order to see if it would be noticed, such as a motorcycle. According to study results, 48 percent of participants missed that object completely — why does that matter?
Inattentional blindness is when a person sees something but then the brain filters out the information because it deems it unimportant. When driving, the amount of information taken in by the brain is significant. Sometimes it filters out information that it shouldn’t, such as seeing a motorcyclist or a pedestrian in one’s path or other unexpected objects. This may cause a driver to turn in front of another vehicle, fail to stop for a pedestrian or make a number of other mistakes behind the wheel. This matters because it shows that a person can literally be staring at something, but the brain may not register that it is there.
Following motor vehicle accidents, those responsible may claim that they looked but failed to see their victims. It is a common claim, but that does not mean it excuses their actions. Tennessee residents who have been injured or lost loved ones in collisions resulting from inattentional blindness may seek compensation for their losses by filing the appropriate civil claims against the parties deemed responsible in court. Through negotiation or litigation, maximum relief may be achieved.
