With Delano’s beautiful weather and variety of sights to see, motorcyclists can be spotted everywhere on our roads for a large percentage of the year. However, major highways like Highway 99 and a variety of intersections make for dangerous roads where motorcycle accidents happen every week. Some types of motorcycle accidents that occur on our roads are more common than others, such as left-turn accidents.
At Maison Law, we want victims of motorcycle accidents to understand the legal process after an accident and what they could face along the way. Legal representation can maximize your damages and help you face the insurance company when you are feeling stressed or alone. Contact us for assistance from a Delano motorcycle accident lawyer.
What is a Left-Turn Accident and How Do They Happen?
A left-turn motorcycle accident occurs when a motorcyclist is approaching an intersection and a vehicle makes a left turn in front of them. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, approximately 53% of crashes involving crossed paths involve left turns, making them both common and dangerous accidents for motorcyclists.
When motorists fail to pay attention to the roads around them or drive over the speed limit, there is always a risk that a left-turn accident could happen and affect a motorcyclist’s life. There are several reasons why these accidents occur, which include the following:
Visibility Issues: When there is poor visibility, a motorist may claim that they did not see a motorcyclist until it was too late due to an obstruction in the road or a blind spot.
Distractions: Sometimes, a driver can become distracted by something inside their vehicle. They might not see a motorcycle until they are already making the left turn and an accident has occurred.
Speeding: Speeding drivers sometimes try to make a yellow light as quickly as possible. However, it turns red and a motorist suddenly collides with a motorcyclist who started through the intersection at the same time.
Though many of these accidents happen when a motorist fails to check for oncoming traffic, there are any number of reasons why a left-turn accident can occur. The consequences of these accidents can be severe or even deadly for a motorcyclist.
Proving Fault in a Left-Turn Motorcycle Accident
In a wide variety of cases, a motor vehicle driver will be at fault for a left-turn accident because they were moving across oncoming traffic, putting them directly in line with the motorcyclist. The driver must use their duty of care and yield to traffic, as it is their responsibility. If the driver was traveling at high speeds, driving distracted, driving under the influence, or engaging in any other type of reckless behavior, they could be liable for the accident in full.
Unfortunately, left-turn accidents can be complex matters. This is especially true when the other driver’s insurance company is attempting to pin the blame on you. They might try to fight you and say that you were driving through an intersection on a red light, which means that you will need significant evidence like witness statements or surveillance records to prove your claim. This is why it can be incredibly beneficial to speak with a lawyer after a motorcycle accident involving a left turn.
Remembering Safety at Intersections
Because left-turn accidents involving motorcyclists have become so prevalent on our roads, it is important to always keep safety measures in mind. Here are some of the best ways to ensure that a left-turn accident doesn’t occur:
- Always yield the right-of-way to traffic
- Signal the left turn well in advance
- Stay alert of what is happening around you at all times
- Allow plenty of time to maneuver your vehicle across all lanes of traffic
When you are a patient driver, a motorcycle accident can always be prevented, which can prevent serious injuries and save lives.
Contact a Knowledgeable Delano Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
It is not always easy to prove liability in a motorcycle accident, especially one involving vehicles at an intersection. At Maison Law, we have years of handling motorcycle accident personal injury claims and will evaluate your claim from start to finish.
You may be concerned about the insurance company taking advantage of you or missing out on financial opportunities that could be available to you. Please contact us at Maison Law for a free case consultation that will remain completely confidential. We will only be paid once we win your claim for you.
