At Maison Law, we represent those injured in serious motorcycle accidents in Tulare and throughout the rest of Tulare County. We understand how overwhelming it can be to face the aftermath of a motorcycle collision on your own, especially when you are facing serious injuries due to a left-turn accident. You have every right to hold a party liable for their negligent acts so that you can bring a successful claim.
Drivers are expected to pay close attention to motorcyclists on our roads so that severe accidents can be prevented. However, this does not always mean that these accidents will never happen, as road mistakes are made every hour of the day. In just 2022, the Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS) showed that 122 motorcycle accidents took place in all of Tulare County, with 14 lives being lost and 130 people receiving hospitalization. If you have been hurt in a left-turn motorcycle accident in Tulare or anywhere in the surrounding area, it is crucial that you seek immediate legal help.
How Do Left-Turn Motorcycle Accidents Occur?
Left-turn motorcycle accidents are one of the most catastrophic accidents that occur between motorcyclists and passenger vehicle drivers. These collisions occur when a motorcyclist is struck by a vehicle that is making a left turn, generally at an intersection. In many of these cases, a driver who is attempting a left turn fails to look before proceeding into an intersection, leading to the collision.
There are several main reasons for these life-altering collisions, including the following:
Poor Visibility: In some situations, poor visibility means that a motorist will not see somebody on a motorcycle. This poor visibility can be caused by many reasons, from weather conditions to blind spots.
Driver Distractions: When drivers are distracted, a left-turn motorcycle accident can sometimes result. Many distracted drivers claim that they didn’t see a motorcyclist until it was too late due to texting, using a GPS, or eating behind the wheel.
Speeding: When a motorcyclist is traveling through an intersection, a speeding driver could crash into them in the blink of an eye as they make a left turn. This is especially true when a driver is turning on red at high speeds.
Intoxicated Driving: When a driver is traveling impaired, they might be as aware of their surroundings as in other situations. This means that they might not see a motorcyclist until it is too late or might forget to use their turn signals at an intersection, causing a severe accident.
Determining Fault in a Tulare Left Turn Motorcycle Accident
Motorists are expected to give the right-of-way to others when they are making a left turn at an intersection. California Vehicle Code 21801 actually states that a driver has to yield to all oncoming traffic when they are making a left turn until it is safe to go. So, what happens when a driver fails to abide by these rules and makes a dangerous left turn, causing a serious accident with a motorcycle?
In a large number of cases, a driver is to blame in a left-turn accident involving a motorcyclist due to the fact that they did not yield to the motorcyclist. However, because traffic can be speedy at intersections, it is not always easy to tell exactly what happened in the midst of an accident. With the help of witnesses and experts, you can determine liability in your claim so that you can identify all parties responsible for your accident and move forward with damages.
It is not uncommon for an at-fault driver to attempt to pin the blame on you. Because insurance adjusters do not always take motorcyclist claims as seriously as they should, this can leave you in a difficult position as you try to prove otherwise. In some cases, you may be found partially liable for your accident, which means that California comparative negligence laws will come into play. This means that you can still recover damages but they might be reduced by your percentage of fault in the collision.
Damages in a Left Turn Motorcycle Accident Claim
If you can show that one or more parties are liable for your left-turn motorcycle accident, you may be able to recover financial damages that can help you get back on your feet. Your lawyer will be able to help you determine what is fair in your case and ensure that all damages are accounted for.
You may find that you are eligible for some of the following damages in your motorcycle accident claim:
- Hospital and other medical-related expenses
- Future medical costs for surgeries, prescriptions, and more
- Lost income and future lost earnings from missed time at work
- Emotional distress/Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
On top of this, you and your family may be able to recover damages if you have lost a loved one in a Tulare motorcycle accident due to a left-turning driver. These claims are handled with precision, which is why it is crucial that you seek legal help immediately following an accident.
Contact a Tulare Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you have suffered injuries and other damages in a Tulare left-turn motorcycle accident, you have options moving forward. Speaking with a Tulare motorcycle accident lawyer can ensure that your rights are being protected and that you have all of your questions answered regarding your case.
At Maison Law, we will compassionately fight to assist you and your family after a left-turn accident that has caused catastrophic harm. No matter the circumstances of your case, you deserve a case review and a lawyer on your side who will protect you through this daunting process. Please do not hesitate to contact us today for more information on how you can receive a confidential and completely free consultation.
