Motorcycle accidents can happen in numerous ways. Some of them are single-vehicle crashes, such as when a rider hits a wet patch on the road or loses grip in a corner and high-sides the bike.
But one thing that many motorcyclists fear is being involved in a two-vehicle accident. Often, these accidents are caused by drivers in larger vehicles, such as passenger cars, pickup trucks or commercial trucks. To a large degree, motorcyclists are at the mercy of the drivers around them.
The left-turn accident
One of the most common two-vehicle accidents is the left-turn crash. Motorcyclists need to be aware of the risks, which may help them anticipate the mistakes other drivers are going to make.
In this accident, a driver turns left in front of a motorcycle, perhaps at an intersection or just when they are crossing a two-way street, such as someone who is pulling into their driveway on the left-hand side of the road.
If a driver does not see a motorcycle or fails to yield the right of way, it puts the motorcyclist in a dangerous position. They could swerve to their own left to avoid a crash, but that could be more dangerous, as they swerve into oncoming traffic. But because the turning vehicle is moving to their right, if the motorcyclist swerves to the right and toward the shoulder, they are moving in the same direction. They may still strike the side of that vehicle as it turns.
This accident often happens in a split second, and the motorcyclist has the right of way. Those who suffer serious injuries in such a crash need to know how they can seek financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages and more. The negligent driver who made the incorrect turn may be liable for these expenses.