Modesto is home to many dangerous intersections, from Yosemite Boulevard and La Loma Avenue to McHenry Avenue and East Briggsmore Avenue. Though these areas are dangerous due to many reasons and involve accidents with various types of vehicles, motorcyclists are most at risk for catastrophic results when involved in an intersection accident. Left-turn accidents are known for being some of the most severe accidents that put motorcyclists at risk every year in Modesto and beyond.
Our attorneys at Maison Law are here to assist you after your life has been upended by a Modesto motorcycle accident. We understand how overwhelmed you may be feeling immediately after your accident, especially if you have sustained severe injuries and property damages due to the negligence of another party. Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information on your claim today.
Why Left-Turn Accidents Are So Dangerous for Motorcyclists
Left-turn collisions involving motorcyclists are some of the most severe accidents that occur on our roads. In fact, according to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA), approximately 36% of fatal motorcycle accidents involve drivers making left-hand turns. These accidents leave motorcyclists particularly vulnerable, which is a recipe for disaster in the event of a collision.
Especially when traffic is at an all-time high, a left-turn motorcycle accident is more likely to lead to catastrophic or fatal results. As a passenger vehicle travels through an intersection on a left turn, they will typically run into the motorcycle. The motorcyclist could be thrown off onto the ground, leaving them vulnerable to other vehicles traveling through.
Main Causes of Left-Turn Motorcycle Accidents
In many situations involving a left-turn motorcycle accident, the driver will claim that they “never even saw the motorcyclist” until it was too late. Some common scenarios that lead to these collisions include the following:
Visibility Issues: Most accidents involving a left-turning vehicle and a motorcycle involve a passenger vehicle driver who did not see the motorcyclist. As a driver is turning, they might miss an individual on a motorcycle, which can lead to severe results.
Driver Distractions: Distracted driving can easily lead to a left-turn accident. These distractions include motorists who are texting, eating, or talking to passengers in their vehicle.
Illegal Turns at an Intersection: Motor vehicle drivers sometimes illegally turn left on red lights, which can lead to devastating consequences for a motorcyclist. Motorcyclists should always stay aware of what is happening at an intersection so that these accidents can be prevented as frequently as possible.
Driver Error: There are many situations where a driver does not check their blind spots before entering an intersection or misjudges the speed of a motorcycle. This means that a left-turn motorcycle accident can happen in the blink of an eye.
All too frequently, we hear insurance companies try to pin the blame on a motorcyclist when one of these accidents occurs, even when it is not their fault. This is why it is crucial that a motorcyclist has legal help on their side when determining liability is called to attention.
Proving Liability in a Left-Turn Motorcycle Accident
In one of these accidents, the driver who is turning left is almost always liable, as they are expected to yield the right-of-way to vehicles headed straight through an intersection. There are some scenarios where a motorcyclist could share partial liability, such as when a motorcyclist’s headlight is out and the driver cannot see them.
To prove liability in a left-turn motorcycle accident, the injured party will have to show the following:
- The driver owed the motorcyclist a legal duty of care
- The driver breached this duty of care through negligent acts
- The breach in care led to the accident
- The accident caused damages to the rider
Damages Available for a Motorcyclist Involved in an Accident
After a left-turn motorcycle accident, a motorcyclist could be eligible for a wide array of damages that can help them get back on their feet on physical, emotional, and financial levels. You should never have to worry about the bills that pile up against you after a motorcycle accident, which is why it is important that you bring a claim against an at-fault party as soon as possible. Some of the damages that you may be eligible for include the following:
- Medical expenses stemming from your accident
- Medical expenses you are expected to incur in the future
- Lost wages due to missed time at work
- Loss of future earnings
- Disability damages
- Property damage
- Punitive damages, in some cases
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death damages if a life has been taken due to an accident
In California, you have to abide by a strict statute of limitations of two years if you choose to bring a personal injury claim. After this deadline passes, you will no longer be able to bring a claim for damages. This is why it is crucial that you seek legal help as soon as possible after an accident.
Contact a Modesto Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
It can be a frustrating experience to sustain injuries in a motorcycle accident. As the bills pile up and you focus on your physical recovery, you may be feeling alone and confused. Luckily, there are options available for you during these challenging times.
At Maison Law, we have diligently assisted those injured in motorcycle accidents over the years throughout California. Our Modesto motorcycle accident lawyers have a vast understanding of California accident laws and can provide you with the resources that you need to be successful in your claim after a left-turn accident. We want to ensure that you get the damages you need to help you through this devastating time. Please contact us today for a no-obligation and completely confidential case review.