Although motorcycles are enjoyable, bikers are more likely to sustain serious injuries in an accident than other drivers because they’re far more exposed. Any type of accident can put a motorcyclist at risk, but left-turn collisions are especially serious and result in hundreds of biker deaths in the United States every year.
If you suffered from injuries after an accident, you need to contact a motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible. An experienced motorcycle legal team can help you gather evidence proving your claim against the at-fault driver, and they can negotiate a higher claim on your behalf.
Here’s what you need to know about left-turn motorcycle accidents, including contributing factors that cause these collisions and how to prevent them.
Left Turn Motorcycle Accident Statistics
Every year, over 80,000 bikers are injured in the United States, and around 5,000 suffer from fatal injuries.
While any motorcycle accident can result in serious injuries, left-turn accidents are incredibly deadly. Data reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that there were 2,598 fatal motorcycle accidents involving multiple vehicles in 2017. Out of those 2,598 deaths, 1,098 bikers (42%) were killed in left-turn accidents.
Additionally, the NHTSA reported that around 22% of traffic accidents are left-turn accidents and over 53% of crossing-path accidents involve a driver making a left turn. The U.S. Department of Transportation even stated that left-hand turns are one of the most dangerous driving maneuvers.
The reason why turning left can be so dangerous is that bikers and other motorists are dealing with multiple potential hazards at once, especially if the left-hand turn is at an intersection. Those turning left need to be cautious because of obstructed views, speeding drivers in the oncoming lane, and traffic lights and signage.
Bikers and motorists struck while making a left turn are at serious risk of suffering from deadly t-bone collisions, which can leave a motorcyclist with debilitating or fatal injuries.
Causes of Left Turn Motorcycle Accidents
Many different factors can contribute to or cause a left-turn accident. Some of which include:
- Failing to yield: Those turning left must yield to oncoming traffic unless traffic signage indicates that they have the right of way.
- Misjudging the speed of an oncoming vehicle: Bikers and other motorists turning left need to be especially cautious about oncoming cars’ speeds. Misjudging the speed of an approaching car can lead to a serious left-turn collision.
- Speeding and reckless driving: While those turning left have a responsibility to yield to drivers who have the right of way, the oncoming drivers still have a duty of care to not breach the speed limit and must follow traffic laws. A reckless driver who collides with a biker turning left may be partially liable for the accident, even if they had the right of way.
- Driving while distracted: Distracted drivers pose a serious threat to others on the road. If you text, eat, self-groom, or engage in another distraction at the wheel, you may fail to spot an oncoming vehicle when turning left.
- Driving while impaired: Drugs and alcohol can impair a driver’s judgment and reaction time, meaning they’re more likely to make a deadly mistake while turning left.
- Poor visibility: Improper visibility is a common contributing factor for left-turn accidents and is especially dangerous for bikers. Motorcycles are smaller and more difficult to spot than other vehicles, meaning that they’re more likely to be struck if there’s an obstructed view. Limited visibility caused by bad weather can also contribute to these accidents.
- Confusing roads and intersections: Poorly designed intersections, inadequate signage, or confusing traffic patterns can contribute to left-turn accidents.
Preventing Left Turn Motorcycle Accidents
The majority of left-turn accidents occur due to the negligence of the turning biker or driver. Those turning left can help prevent these collisions by:
- Avoiding distractions
- Never driving while under the influence
- Avoiding driving while tired
- Maintaining a safe speed when turning
- Following traffic signals
- Using proper signaling
- Practicing extra caution when checking for oncoming traffic
Motorcyclists can take additional measures to protect themselves by:
- Increasing their visibility by wearing bright clothing
- Avoiding wearing dark clothing in low light conditions
- Slowing down and looking both ways at intersections
- Ensuring that their brakes are in optimal condition in case they need to stop their vehicle suddenly
- Looking for indicators that a driver is about to turn left, such as the direction of their wheels
Left Turn Motorcycle Accident Compensation
If you were injured in a left-turn accident, you can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company, but you’ll need to first go through your own insurance company. Kentucky uses a no-fault system that requires motorcyclists and other motorists to acquire $10,000 of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage.
If the PIP insurance doesn’t cover all of your injury-related expenses or you’re seeking compensation for vehicle damages, you can file a claim against the negligent driver.
Left Turn Motorcycle Accident Liability
To recover damages from another driver, you’ll need to be able to prove that they were at fault for your accident.
Some examples of proof that you can use include:
- Photographic and video evidence of the collision’s aftermath
- Surveillance footage
- A police accident report
- Eyewitness statements
- Accident reconstruction experts
You’ll also need to provide evidence that you suffered losses as a direct result of the negligent driver’s actions. The types of evidence you need to supply will depend on the damages you seek, which may include medical bills, lost wages, property damage, loss of future earnings, and pain and suffering.
Some forms of evidence include:
- Medical records, including doctors’ notes
- Medical bills and all related expenses
- Repair estimates
- Testimony from medical experts corroborating the extent of your injuries
- Testimony from friends, family, and co-workers indicating that you suffered from physical, mental, or emotional pain as a result of the crash
- Employment records indicating that you took time away from work because of your injuries
Contact a Kentucky Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you’re struggling to recover the due compensation you deserve after a motorcycle accident, you need to contact a personal injury attorney who can assist you with your case.
For expert Kentucky motorcycle accident lawyers, contact McCoy & Sparks Attorneys at Law. Call our Bardstown office today at 844-459-9467, or you can schedule a free case consultation online here.