Motorcycle riding can be exhilarating and liberating but comes with its fair share of risks. Riders must be aware of the most dangerous traffic situations they may encounter. The deadliest of these is a collision with left-turning vehicles.
Vehicles making left turns pose a unique risk to motorcyclists. When a crash occurs, it can inflict life-changing injuries on riders, such as skull fractures, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, or death, despite helmet use.
If you’ve been injured by a left-turning vehicle, you may be eligible for compensation from the negligent driver responsible for the accident. Engaging a skilled Miami motorcycle accident lawyer from Aigen Injury Law can help you secure a fair settlement from the driver’s insurance company.
The Dangers of Left-Turning Vehicles for Motorcycles
Collisions involving a vehicle making a left turn and a motorcycle continuing straight are alarmingly common and frequently deadly. Approximately 42% of two-vehicle crashes involving motorcycles and passenger vehicles occur when the other car is making a left turn.
This hazardous scenario typically occurs as a motorcyclist, often having the right of way, approaches an intersection and a car or truck driver makes a left turn directly in the motorcycle’s path. The driver making the turn might misjudge the motorcycle’s speed or distance, resulting in a severe collision.
Why is This Scenario So Common?
In 2020, there were 2,741 fatal crashes between vehicles and motorcycles, with 1,158 of these accidents involving the other vehicle turning left. Here’s why left-turn accidents are so common:
- Perception and visibility: Motorcycles are smaller and less visible on the road than larger vehicles. 41% of all motorcycle crashes happen because other drivers fail to see the bike. Drivers of cars or trucks may not accurately gauge the speed and distance of an approaching motorcycle, especially when the rider is in a blind spot.
- Misjudgment of speed: Drivers often underestimate the speed at which motorcycles are traveling. This misjudgment can lead to a driver believing they have enough time to complete their left turn safely when, in reality, they do not.
- Impaired judgment: Distracted driving, impaired drivers, and drivers in a hurry can all contribute to poor decision-making when making left turns, increasing the risk of collisions with motorcycles.
- Limited time to react: Motorcycles have a smaller footprint and can accelerate and decelerate more rapidly than larger vehicles. This means that even a momentary lapse in a driver’s judgment can lead to a collision, leaving the motorcyclist with little time to react.
- Making an unlawful left turn at an intersection: Some drivers turn left against a red light or when the motorcyclist has the right of way at a stop sign, leading to potentially fatal outcomes for the rider.
- Overtaking a vehicle: When a driver attempts to overtake another car, they may be speeding or so concentrated on the vehicle they are passing that they fail to notice an approaching motorcycle.
Other Hazardous Traffic Situations for Riders
While left-turning vehicles are a risk to motorcyclists, there are several other hazardous traffic situations they should be aware of, including:
- Lane changing: Sudden lane changes by other drivers, especially without signaling, can catch motorcyclists off guard and lead to collisions. 21% of motorcycle crashes in 2020 happened when both vehicles were going straight.
- Rear-end collisions: Being rear-ended by a larger vehicle is a major concern for motorcyclists, as it can result in severe injuries or fatalities.
- Road hazards: Uneven road surfaces, debris, potholes, and slippery conditions can be treacherous for motorcycle riders, causing loss of control and accidents.
- High-speed traffic: Riding in heavy, high-speed traffic increases the risk of accidents, as there is less room for error and less time to react to sudden changes in traffic flow.
Why You Need an Attorney After a Motorcycle Crash
As a motorcyclist, you may face prejudice after a crash, even if you weren’t at fault. Outdated perceptions by insurers, police, and bystanders may lead to an inaccurate assessment of what happened, leaving you without the means to secure compensation.
To safeguard your rights, engage a skilled motorcycle accident attorney from Aigen Injury Law. Our team is prepared to challenge any assertions from the other driver’s insurance company that you were at fault and strive for a fair settlement. Our approach includes:
- Protection of rights: Ensuring that your rights are protected and that you are not taken advantage of by insurance adjusters or the other party involved.
- Knowledge of motorcycle laws: Using our knowledge of specific laws and regulations governing motorcycles to build a strong case.
- Investigative resources: Gathering evidence, including traffic camera footage, witness statements, and accident reconstruction, to support your claim.
- Negotiating with insurance companies: Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts. We can use our negotiation experience to help you receive maximum compensation.
- Understanding of medical implications: We understand the long-term medical implications of your injuries. We can consider future medical costs and loss of earnings potential in your settlement.
Protect Yourself After an Accident
Left-turn accidents represent a significant threat to motorcyclists. Understanding the dangers, taking preventive measures, and being prepared for the legal challenges in the event of an accident are crucial.
If you are hurt by another driver’s careless actions, you don’t have to face it alone. An experienced Miami motorcycle accident lawyer at Aigen Injury Law can be your strongest advocate, fighting for your rights and ensuring you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
Contact our law firm for a free case review, and remember, having the right legal support can make a difference to the outcome of your claim.