When Vehicles Turn Left, It Can Mean Danger for Motorcycles: An Experienced Michigan Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Explains
If you’ve been hurt or your loved one died when a vehicle attempted to turn left in front of your motorcycle, you already know the damage that can be done.
But you also need to know that you’re not alone.
Left-turn accidents are a common cause of motorcycle accident injuries and fatalities. Our experienced Michigan motorcycle accident lawyers are here to advise you and guide you through the legal process. We work to win.
Two Studies Highlight the Problem for Motorcyclists When Other Drivers Turn Left
In 2023, the National Highway Safety Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released Traffic Safety Facts about motorcycles. The study, based on 2021 data, revealed that 43% of fatal two-vehicle accidents involving motorcycles occurred when the motorcycle was going straight and the other vehicle was making a left turn.
Another 2023 study confirmed the danger of left-turn accidents for motorcyclists. The study published in the Traffic Injury Prevention journal and supported by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that “Crashes in which another vehicle turned left in front of an oncoming motorcycle were, by far, the most frequent type of fatal 2-vehicle motorcycle crash.”
Why Do Left-Turn Accidents Happen?
Our Michigan motorcycle accident lawyers will thoroughly investigate your accident to determine why it happened and who is liable. Common causes of left-turn motorcycle crashes include:
Drivers May Have Issues With Visibility
When a vehicle turns left, visibility can be more limited than when heading straight or making a right turn. Additionally, motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles on the road, making them hard to see.
Drivers May Misjudge Speed
The vehicle making the left turn may misjudge the speed of an oncoming motorcycle. By the time they start to make the turn, it may be too late to avoid an oncoming motorcyclist.
Drivers Can Fail to Yield
A motorcycle driver that is heading straight has the right of way. When an accident occurs, it may be because the left-turning vehicle fails to yield to the biker. This often occurs when a driver is distracted, drowsy, or otherwise negligent.
What Motorcyclists Can Do After a Left-Turn Accident
After seeking medical attention and following common protocols of what to do after a motorcycle accident, you may be overwhelmed with different concerns. Physical injuries, mental and emotional stress, loss of wages, and much more can follow the accident. There are a few things you can do following the accident:
Get Follow-up Medical Care
Attend all appointments and follow the advice of your medical team. This will help your physical recovery and may be useful evidence in your motorcycle accident case.
Avoid Mistakes
Right now, you may be in physical pain and still have to manage your job, family, everyday responsibilities, and a motorcycle accident case. It can be a lot. We encourage you to avoid potentially costly mistakes by staying off social media, referring insurance adjusters to your motorcycle accident lawyer, and contacting a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident.
Work With an Experienced Michigan Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Having a lawyer who understands motorcycle accidents and has a track record of success in this area can make a powerful difference in your case. While past results do not guarantee an outcome in your case, Keller & Keller has decades of experience, and we know how to win.
In one left-turn motorcycle accident case, our client was riding his motorcycle through an intersection in Michigan. A driver making a left turn hit our client. Our client was knocked unconscious and suffered multiple broken bones. We were able to resolve his case for $1.3 million.
Keller & Keller Is on Your Side After a Left-Turn Motorcycle Accident
Although it can feel daunting, you don’t have to handle your legal case alone. Keller & Keller can work with you to ensure everything possible is being done to protect your rights, and we won’t charge you any upfront legal fees. From the initial investigation and gathering of evidence to issues that may arise during the legal process, we’re here to take the stress out of handling your motorcycle accident and fight for your fair recovery.
