The Danger of Left Turn Motorcycle AccidentsLeft-turn accidents are one of the most common types of motorcycle crashes. These accidents occur when a driver pulls out in front of a motorcyclist while making a left turn. The results can be disabling or deadly for the rider.

Why Left-Turn Crashes Happen

Most left-turn crashes occur because car and truck drivers making left turns don’t see the motorcyclists coming or because they misjudge how close the rider is to them. The drivers…

  • May not know how to account for the motorcycle’s smaller size.
  • My not watch for motorcyclists on the road.

The crashes may be caused, in part, by how our brains work and how they account for smaller vehicles. However, this is no excuse for causing a bike crash and it should not impact your fair recovery.

How to Protect Your Recovery If You’ve Been Hurt in a Left-Turn Collision

If another driver tried to make a left turn in front of you and caused a crash, then you need to know how to recover. You can protect your recovery by:

  • Reporting the accident to the police. The police will come investigate your crash.
     
  • Getting prompt medical care. Accept medical care at the scene of the crash and get follow-up care as needed.
     
  • Following your doctors’ instructions. Do not go back to your regular activities or to work before you have medical clearance to do so.
     
  • Knowing your rights and fighting for fair damages. You may be able to recover for past, current and future medical expenses, lost income, out-of-pocket costs, pain, suffering, and other damages. But, in order to recover these damages, you will you have to negotiate an insurance settlement or be awarded a court verdict.
     

Your recovery starts at the accident scene and continues until you have recovered fair damages for your injuries. However, even once you have recovered there is more that can be done to prevent similar accidents from happening in the future.

How to Prevent Left-Turn Motorcycle Accidents

Some left-turn motorcycle accidents may be prevented if:

  • Drivers are educated. Raising driver awareness of motorcycles on the road and the prevalence of left-turn motorcycle crashes may be the most important step that can be taken to reduce these accidents.
     
  • riders and bikes are highly visible. Brightly painted bikes, reflective clothing, and daytime use of headlights can go a long way toward preventing motorcycle crashes.
     
  • Distracted driving is stopped. Many left-turn accidents take place because drivers are focused on something other than the road. Cell phones and passengers, for example, can all take a driver’s eyes and mind away from the task at hand.
     
  • Dangerous left turns are eliminated. Studies have shown that high-traffic left turns are dangerous for all drivers. Traffic circles and non-traditional intersections can replace problem intersections and improve traffic flow.


Together, these things can make a difference and they can help prevent some left-turn motorcycle crashes. Please help be part of the solution. Request your own Watch for Motorcyclists Stickers today and help educate and encourage others to be aware of the riders with whom they share the road.

Jason F. Abraham
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Helping car accident and personal injury victims throughout Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa since 1993.