Making a left turn is one of the most dangerous actions a car can take when a motorcycle is traveling through the same intersection. Left-hand turns often put riders at risk of being struck by a driver who does not see them but then strikes them, sometimes at rapid speeds, causing serious risk of injury and loss of life. Talk to a Phoenix, AZ motorcycle accident lawyer from Sargon Law Group today.
How Do Left-Turn Motorcycle Accidents Happen
Left-turn motorcycle accidents typically occur when a car, truck, or other vehicle is at an intersection and wishes to make a left-hand turn onto another road. As they turn, the driver fails to look or see the motorcycle rider who is traveling in the opposite direction. This leads to the driver striking the motorcycle in either a head-on collision or a broadside accident. The impact is often severe and limiting.
Possible Injuries in a Left-Turn Motorcycle Accident
When a heavy, fast-moving vehicle (or even a slower-moving vehicle) strikes a motorcycle like this, the rider is likely thrown from the bike, causing a high risk of serious injuries such as:
- Head damage, including traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage due to cracked vertebrae and damage to the spinal cord itself
- Intense lacerations and wounds, including the onset of road rash from the car dragging the rider
- Amputations due to the complexity of injuries to limbs and digits
- Neck injuries sometimes leading to serious chronic pain development
- Broken bones often with complex fractures requiring multiple surgeries
Data from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration shows that about 34% of all motorcycle accidents resulting in death occurred in intersections. Because of the severity of such injuries, some people lose their lives at the scene of the accident while others pass from complications over days, weeks, or longer.
Potential Causes for Left-Turn Motorcycle Accidents
It may seem hard to understand how such accidents can occur. Even as one of the most common and dangerous types of motorcycle accidents, it can be hard to prove the car driver was at fault. To do so, you must understand the cause of the accident, such as:
- Driver distraction behind the wheel
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Running a red light or failing to obey a yellow light warning to slow down
- Fatigue
- Impairment
- Lack of visibility due to poor lighting
- Road hazards or visual blocks
No matter what the underlying cause of the accident is, victims can use videos of the intersection, witness statements, and accident recreation tools to help demonstrate what took place. This then allows for a better understanding of what took place.
Potential Damages Recoverable in a Motorcycle Accident
Victims of motorcycle accidents like this can create a claim for any losses they have that are directly related to the accident. There are numerous types of potential damages applicable, such as:
- Medical bills
- Ongoing physical limitations, including disability
- Loss of quality of life
- Lost wages or earning capacity
- Property damage to the motorcycle
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Wrongful death if the rider dies from their injuries
Seek Legal Support for Any Losses You Have
Victims of a left-turn motorcycle accident benefit from working with an experienced Phoenix motor vehicle accident attorney to guide them through the claims process. To maximize your ability to recover fair damages, contact Sargon Law Group. Allow our legal team to hold those who hurt you accountable for the losses you have.