Left Turn Motorcycle Accidents

Many motorcycle accidents happen at intersections, and specifically when a driver is making a left-hand turn. They may not see the motorcycle or believe the motorcycle will make it to the intersection before they get through it.

In these cases, the motorcycle rider tends to be the person to suffer the most significant losses, and even the loss of life.

There are several factors to consider about left-turn motorcycle accidents, including who is at fault and how to prove your right to compensation. Talk to a Lexington motorcycle accident lawyer about your case today. 

Why Left Turns Are a Common Cause of Motorcycle Accidents

Left-hand turns are one of the most common reasons motorcycle riders face serious injury risks. A motorcyclist is most at risk when they are approaching an intersection where a vehicle is making a left-hand turn directly in front of them.

According to long-held data, left turn lanes contribute to the highest risk accidents for riders. Most of the time, these intersections are dangerous because drivers do not see or notice the motorcycle rider approaching the intersection.

Even if you have the right of way as the motorcycle rider, the car may still make the left turn and, in doing so, it strikes you or turns too slowly and you strike the side of the car. This can happen for numerous reasons:

• The driver was distracted at the time of the turn.
• They were trying to beat the red light.
• The driver looked for pedestrians, did not see any, and turned, failing to notice the motorcycle.
• The driver was intoxicated behind the wheel and unable to act fast enough to avoid striking the other driver.
• The driver was tired, which led to a mistaken assumption of the right of way.

In each of these situations, it can be hard to prove who is at fault. Hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer could be essential to proving your case.

How to Prove the Driver Was at Fault

To determine who is at fault in a left-turn motorcycle accident, police will start the process of gathering details at the scene. That includes speaking to witnesses, asking questions of all involved, and using any dash camera footage. They may also be able to use traffic footage to demonstrate what took place.

If you are found to be at fault as a motorcycle rider, but you know the other party was at fault, speak to your attorney about additional evidence. Your lawyer may use professionals to recreate what occurred.

They may seek access to medical records to demonstrate the driver was intoxicated or seek additional video footage from area businesses.

When Both Parties Play a Role

In many situations, both drivers could be at fault. If the motorcycle rider was speeding, for example, that may cause them to be at least somewhat at fault for what occurred.

Kentucky law allows you to recover damages even when you are partially at fault. However, the value of your compensation is reduced by the percentage of fault that is placed on your role in this decision.

Schedule a Consultation to Learn About Your Rights

At Gary C. Johnson P.S.C., we work hard to protect your rights. If you were in a left-turn motorcycle accident, contact us to set up a free consultation with our legal team to learn how to hold those who hurt you accountable.