Visalia has many dangerous roads and intersections. These roads are not only dangerous for drivers of passenger vehicles but also for motorcyclists, who have virtually no protection from harm in an accident aside from a possible helmet. When a driver makes a dangerous left turn in front of a motorcyclist, there is a chance that they will be thrown off of their motorcycle and onto the hard roadway below with immense force. This can lead to unexpected results and damages.
At Maison Law, we have compassionately assisted victims of Visalia motorcycle accidents over the years and will stand by your side if you have been impacted by one of these collisions. We understand how overwhelmed you may be feeling if you are faced with serious injuries and property damage. Contact a Visalia motorcycle accident lawyer today for a free consultation.
The Dangers of Motorcycle Accidents Involving a Left-Turning Vehicle
Left-turn accidents are one of the top reasons for injuries and fatalities in motorcycle accidents, making them incredibly dangerous. According to information provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation, 53% of crashes involving two vehicles that cross paths involve left turns. Only a small percentage of these accidents involve drivers who are making a right turn, though they still occur.
It is not uncommon for a negligent driver to state that they “didn’t see the motorcyclist until it was too late” when a left turn accident occurs. It is true that drivers sometimes do not see a motorcyclist until it is too late due to the fact that they are not as visible as large vehicles and trucks. However, drivers are supposed to take precautions and drive with care to ensure that motorcycle accidents do not occur.
Common Causes of Left-Turn Motorcycle Accidents in Visalia
In many left-turn crashes, a motorist doesn’t check all corners before entering an intersection, causing them to strike a motorcycle when they make a left turn. There are many other reasons that contribute to these accidents, which include the following:
Poor Visibility: Motorists do not always see a motorcyclist until it is too late, which usually stems from blind spots. This is why drivers are always supposed to check in all directions before pulling into an intersection.
Driver Distractions: If a driver is distracted for any reason, from using a GPS to texting on a phone, they might not notice a motorcyclist right away. This means that an accident could happen in the blink of an eye.
Speeding: If a vehicle is turning left and speeding, it could strike a motorcyclist headed through an intersection at high speeds and with immense force.
Driving Under the Influence: When a driver is impaired, they might not be as aware of their surroundings. This means that they could cause an accident with a motorcyclist when they head through a red light or fail to use a turn signal.
Determining liability is not always easy, especially when the other driver and their insurance company are trying to pin the blame on you. The motor vehicle driver is almost always at fault for a left-turn accident involving a motorcycle. However, you will still benefit from speaking with a lawyer who has handled these claims in the past.
It is also important to note that motorcyclists sometimes share liability in left-turn accidents. Perhaps the motorcyclist ran a red light or struck a vehicle after it started to make a left turn. In these situations where fault is shared, a motorcyclist’s damages could be reduced by their percentage of fault in California.
Avoiding Left-Turn Accidents Involving Motorcyclists
Some steps can be taken to avoid left-turn accidents with motorcyclists. If you want to reduce your chances of one of these devastating accidents, you can consider the following things as a motorcyclist:
- Wear clothing that makes you highly visible to others on our roads
- Approach every intersection with caution
- Slow down at intersections even if traffic seems clear
- Look both ways even when you have the right-of-way
- Stay proactive while riding
Contact a Visalia Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
If you have been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident involving a negligent motorist, you may be feeling helpless and alone. The insurance company may have started calling and the bills are already starting to pile up. You do not want to wait too long to file a claim and miss the statute of limitations, which is why it is crucial to speak with a Visalia motorcycle accident lawyer immediately following your collision.
At Maison Law, we will help you protect your rights as you navigate the complex California legal system after a motorcycle accident. Speaking with a Visalia motorcycle accident lawyer can put your claim into perspective when you believe that there is no way to move forward financially. We are here for you every step of the way. Contact us today for a no-obligation consultation.
