What Is the Most Common Cause of Intersection Motorcycle Accidents?
Vehicle drivers turning left when a motorcyclist is going straight or being passed is the most common cause of motorcycle accidents at intersections. Turning left at an intersection requires focus and concentration. A motorcycle is significantly smaller than a car, so a vehicle driver should practice vigilance and caution to detect the motorcycle in time to avoid a collision.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident at an intersection, the driver could be liable for negligence in causing the accident. A florida motorcycle accident lawyer in your area will collect evidence that proves the accident’s cause. Whether the at-fault driver turned left or committed another negligent action that led to your accident, you could recover damages.
The Right Way to Make a Left Turn at an Intersection
When a driver turns left, they should make their turn sooner rather than later and appropriately signal their intention to alert motorcyclists and other drivers. The driver should also:
- Scrutinize the intersection
- Slow their vehicle to a safe turning speed
- Look in both directions and over the shoulder
- Turn from the left-most lane whenever possible
- Turn into the safest available lane
If a fort myers motorcycle accident lawyer represents you, they will collect the evidence you need to document a negligent left turn.
How Left-hand Turns Lead to Motorcycle Accidents
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 42% of fatal intersection accidents involving a motorcycle happen when a vehicle driver is turning left. Causes can include:
- Fully or partially obstructed view
- Failure to acknowledge blind spots
- Inaccurate assessment of the motorcycle’s speed
- Poor depth perception
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
A vehicle driver must cross traffic when making a left turn, which should prompt them to take extra care. Failing to appropriately execute a left turn can lead to dangerous motorcycle collisions.
How to Prove the Vehicle Driver Made a Negligent Left Turn
Your right to recover damages depends on proving the vehicle driver’s negligence. If a fort lauderdale motorcycle accident lawyer will build a strong collection of evidence when they represent you. The evidence your motorcycle accident attorney will collect typically starts with a police report. It will document witness observations, the accident’s date, time, and location, and the at-fault driver’s actions. It will note points of impact, apparent motorcycle damage, and injuries. Additional supportive evidence includes:
- Medical records
- Written prognosis
- Employment records
- Injury photos
- Accident scene photos and video footage
- Accident reconstruction
- Expert testimonials
Your attorney will collect evidence for you while you heal from the accident. Rather than tax you or your family by doing so, they will order, compile, and organize the evidence. They will also present it to the at-fault party and their representative.
Your Evidence Collection Can Lead to a Financial Settlement
Most Miami motorcycle accident attorney cases do not go to trial. Your case likely won’t go to trial, either. To steer your case toward a settlement, your attorney will:
- Build the strongest possible case file
- Create and send a demand letter to the opposing party
- Field and weigh settlement offers
- Describe each offer’s feasibility
Your west palm beach motorcycle accident lawyer will provide ongoing updates on your case and the settlement negotiation process. They will not usurp your right to decide whether to accept or reject a settlement offer. They will make counteroffers on your behalf when a settlement is unacceptable and guide you toward a well-informed final decision. Once you accept a settlement, you cannot pursue further compensation.
Compensation Your Lawyer Can Demand After a Motorcycle Accident
A motorcycle driver or rider does not have the same protective surroundings vehicle occupants have, so they are more likely to sustain serious or fatal injuries in a collision. The negligent driver can be held financially liable for accident-related expenses.
You can demand the following after the accident:
- Economic damages, including ongoing medical bills, ongoing loss of income, loss of future earning capacity, and motorcycle damage or destruction
- Non-economic damages, including lasting disability or disfigurement, ongoing pain and suffering, mental and emotional trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life
Wrongful Death Lawsuits
Families with a loved one who was fatally injured in a motorcycle accident might be able to recover wrongful death damages, including funeral, burial, and cremation expenses. Your family can recover compensation for losing your loved one’s financial and familial contributions. Damages in these cases can also include loss of consortium, companionship, and guidance.
Call Us Today for a Free Motorcycle Accident Review
The most common cause of motorcycle accidents at intersections is negligent left-hand turns. If you or someone you love suffered injuries in this type of accident, our motorcycle accident attorney can review the situation and advise you of your legal options. They can build a strong case and demand financial compensation once they accept your case.
Contact our case review team at (954) 633-8270 to get started today, and learn more about how our client-focused, results-driven team at the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato will go to bat for you.
