Left turns are one of the most dangerous driving situations for motorcyclists. Keep reading to find out why a left hand turn motorcycle accident is so dangerous and what steps you can take to stay safe.
Why Are Left Turns So Dangerous for Motorcyclists?
Statistics from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) show that over 50% of crossing-path motorcycle accidents occur from left turns. Left turns are dangerous because the motorcyclist has to cross the path of oncoming traffic. Driver error from either the motorcyclist or someone in oncoming traffic can result in a motorcycle accident.
Motorcycle left-hand turn accidents are even more common than passenger vehicle accidents because motorcycles take up less space. Other vehicles may not notice a motorcycle changing lanes or turning left without physically turning around and looking in their rear view. If you add in driver distractions, fatigued driving, or driving under the influence, the risk of left-turn motorcycle accidents increases even more.
How to Safely Make a Left Turn
You can’t avoid left turns when riding a motorcycle. You can take certain steps to decrease your risk, including:
- Assessing oncoming traffic while yielding: The law requires that all drivers yield before making a left turn and only do so when it’s safe. Give yourself an extra few seconds to assess the situation to make sure there is enough space to turn safely.
- Staying alert: Distractions can hinder your judgment and lead to you turning left before it’s safe to do so. Avoid distractions, including using your smartphone, changing the radio station, or even checking out your nearby surroundings.
- Avoiding intoxication: Alcohol and drugs also reduce your reaction time. Avoid the use of alcohol or drugs when riding a motorcycle.
- Signaling your left turn well before turning: Signal that you plan on making a left turn at least 150 feet before turning. This lets other drivers know that you plan on slowing down and turning. It also lets oncoming traffic know that you plan to turn. It’s also a good idea to check your lights before going out riding.
Be patient, assess the safety of the turn, and always use your turn signal. Avoid alcohol use and distractions. These can help keep you safe.
Injured in a Left Turn Accident?
Even when taking every safety step to avoid a left turn accident, you can’t control the other drivers on the road. If you’re injured in a left turn accident while riding a motorcycle, you’ll likely have a lot of costs. Even the smallest motorcycle accidents can lead to expensive medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The repair costs for a motorcycle can also be expensive.
Were you injured in a left turn or motorcycle accident? If so, consider contacting a personal injury lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, FL. You have just a short time to file a case to recover your damages. Other drivers on the road don’t always give motorcyclists the attention they deserve. In some cases, this may be considered negligence, which means you may be able to recover your costs.
Contact a Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Left Hand Turn Motorcycle Accident Case in Florida
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a motorcycle accident in Florida? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Lawlor, White & Murphey represent clients injured because of a motorcycle accident in Coconut Creek, Plantation, Weston, Fort Lauderdale, and throughout Florida. Call 954-525-2345 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 2211 Davie Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312, as well as offices in Pembroke Pines, Weston, Coconut Creek, Plantation, and Pompano Beach, FL.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.