"Sorry Mate, I Didn't See You" (SMIDSY)
It's the most common and infuriating excuse in biking. If a driver pulled out and wiped you out, we connect you to specialists who prove fault.
Understanding the Scenario
SMIDSY stands for "Sorry Mate, I Didn't See You". It is the most infuriating excuse in the biking world, and the single most common cause of motorcycle crashes. You are riding normally down a main road. A car is waiting at a T-junction. The driver looks right at you. You assume they are waiting. Then, at the very last second, they pull straight out into your path. You slam the brakes, but physics takes over. You hit the side of their car and go flying. Why does it happen? Because the human brain is lazy. Drivers at junctions aren't looking for "traffic"; they are specifically looking for car-sized objects. Because a motorbike has a narrow profile, their brain simply edits you out. Sometimes you get lost in their A-pillar blind spot. Sometimes they just misjudge your speed entirely. But here is the critical point: failing to see you is not a legal defence. If you were there to be seen, it was their legal duty to see you. They were negligent, and they are entirely to blame for the carnage that follows.
If you've been in a smidsy, you may be eligible to pursue motorcycle accident claims or scooter accident claims. Understanding your rights is the first step to full recovery.
The Legal Angle
The law is incredibly strict on this. Drivers have a fundamental duty of care to observe the road properly. If they pull out when it is unsafe, they are at fault. Period. However, insurers hate paying out. Their first tactic is usually to argue "contributory negligence"—claiming you were speeding, poorly positioned, or not wearing bright enough clothing. The specialist solicitors we connect you with don't stand for this. They know exactly how to counter these dirty tactics using vehicle damage patterns, skid mark analysis, and witness statements to prove the driver was entirely to blame.
Evidence You Need
Building a strong case requires solid proof. Here is what typically makes the difference in this type of claim.
- Any admission of fault by the driver at the scene
- Dashcam footage from cars behind you
- Helmet camera footage
- Photographs of the junction showing clear visibility
- Photos of where your bike hit the car
- Independent witness contact details
Common Complications
Insurers will try to minimize your payout. These are the usual tactics they deploy for these specific accidents, and how specialists counter them.
The driver apologises at the scene but lies to their insurer later
The insurer claiming you must have been speeding because of the damage
Attempts to blame you for not wearing high-vis gear
Lack of independent witnesses to confirm you were riding safely
Claim Elements
What a non-fault claim could involve
If the crash wasn't your fault, your claim can encompass various elements. The specialists we connect you with can review your circumstances to pursue appropriate compensation.
Your injury
Potential compensation for the injury itself, assessed based on severity and recovery time by medical professionals.
Your bike & gear
Specialists may pursue the costs of repairs, vehicle replacement, and damaged protective clothing like helmets and leathers.
Financial losses
Claims can often include loss of earnings if you needed time off work, and other reasonable out-of-pocket expenses.
Illustrative only. We are an introducer service and do not handle claims or predict outcomes. Claims are pursued by regulated specialists and outcomes depend entirely on individual circumstances.
Questions riders ask
Answers to common queries regarding the claims process.
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Crashed your bike? We can connect you with specialists.
If the accident wasn't your fault, join the riders who've been connected to legal partners and explored their options for replacement bikes and compensation.
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