Left-turn accidents plague motorcyclists

On Behalf of Scott Marshall Injury Attorneys | July 21, 2022 | Car Accident Injuries

There are many different types of roadway accidents involving motorcycles that lead to serious injuries. Bikers can lose control when they hit gravel on the side of the road, they can collide with another driver who carelessly runs a red light, and they can be involved in accidents due to poor weather conditions.

But the most common type of motorcycle accident involves a vehicle making a left turn. Those who ride motorcycles should always be wary of this risk, as it is the most common way motorcyclists suffer serious injuries while riding.

Who’s to blame?

When drivers turn left in front of an oncoming motorcyclist, the first reaction is to blame the biker for speeding up. Sometimes drivers even say that it wasn’t their fault and that the bike “appeared out of nowhere” in their view. Many drivers do not hesitate to place the blame on motorcyclists.

But the real issue is often just that the driver failed to see the motorcycle. The motorcyclist may have been driving at a very responsible speed, but the small bike could have been hidden behind other vehicles. Or, the driver may have been distracted and failed to look out when turning.

Regardless of the reason, this type of oversight is extremely dangerous. Drivers have a responsibility to pay attention to the road for anything or any person legally allowed to operate or share the roadways, including motorcyclists, scooters, mopeds, bicyclists and pedestrians.

Fortunately, bikers who have been involved in a collision with an at-fault driver have rights under the law, such as pursuing compensation for medical and other expenses.