Left-Turn Accidents Are Among the Most Dangerous Collisions
Motorcyclists face a serious risk at intersections, especially when drivers fail to yield while making a left turn. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 42% of all fatal motorcycle crashes involve a vehicle turning left in front of a motorcycle.
These crashes often happen because drivers misjudge the motorcyclist’s speed, fail to check their blind spots, or simply don’t look for motorcycles before turning. If you or a loved one was injured in a left-turn motorcycle accident, a Tampa motorcycle accident lawyer from Armando Personal Injury Law can help you hold the negligent driver accountable and recover compensation for your injuries.
Why Do So Many Left-Turn Motorcycle Accidents Happen?
1. Drivers Misjudge Motorcycle Speed
Motorcycles appear smaller than cars, making it harder for drivers to judge their speed accurately. This often leads to drivers turning left directly into a motorcyclist’s path.
2. Blind Spots and Distracted Driving
Many left-turn crashes happen because a driver doesn’t see the motorcyclist. Causes include:
- Blind spots – Larger vehicles have significant blind spots, and a motorcycle can be easily hidden.
- Cell phone use – A distracted driver may glance at a stoplight but fail to check for motorcycles.
- Failure to yield – Some drivers see a motorcycle but assume they have the right of way.
3. Aggressive or Impatient Driving
Some drivers try to “beat” an oncoming motorcycle rather than waiting for a safe gap in traffic. This reckless decision often leads to devastating crashes.
Who Is at Fault in a Left-Turn Motorcycle Accident?
In most cases, a driver making a left turn is at fault if they fail to yield to an oncoming motorcycle. Florida law (Statute 316.122) states:
“The driver of a vehicle intending to turn left… shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction which is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard.”
This means drivers must wait until it is safe to turn—failure to do so is considered negligence.
While left-turning drivers are usually responsible, insurance companies may try to shift blame by arguing:
- The motorcyclist was speeding.
- The motorcyclist ran a red light.
- The motorcyclist was lane-splitting (illegal in Florida).
Even if a motorcyclist is partially at fault, Florida follows comparative negligence laws, meaning injured riders can still recover damages, but their compensation may be reduced proportionately by their percentage of fault.
How to Prove Fault in a Left-Turn Motorcycle Accident
1. Traffic Laws and Police Reports
A police report citing the driver’s failure to yield is strong evidence in a motorcycle accident claim.
2. Witness Statements
Eyewitnesses can confirm that the motorcyclist had the right of way, proving the driver’s negligence.
3. Surveillance and Traffic Camera Footage
Video evidence from traffic lights, businesses, or dashcams can show exactly how the crash happened.
4. Accident Reconstruction
If liability is disputed, an accident reconstruction expert can analyze skid marks, vehicle damage, and impact points to prove who was at fault.
Common Injuries in Left-Turn Motorcycle Accidents
Left-turn crashes are especially dangerous for motorcyclists because they often result in direct impact with the vehicle or a high-speed ejection from the bike. Unlike car drivers, motorcyclists have little protection beyond a helmet and riding gear, which means even a low-speed collision can cause severe injuries, including:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Even with a helmet, riders can suffer concussions or more severe brain injuries, leading to memory loss, cognitive issues, or long-term disabilities.
- Broken Bones and Fractures: Riders often land on their hands or arms, leading to broken wrists, shoulders, or collarbones. Leg fractures are also common when the motorcycle falls on the rider.
- Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis: A hard impact can cause herniated discs, nerve damage, or even full paralysis in severe cases.
- Road Rash and Soft Tissue Damage: When a rider is thrown from the bike, skin abrasions (road rash) can lead to painful infections or permanent scarring. Torn ligaments and muscle damage can require surgery and months of rehab.
- Internal Injuries and Organ Damage: Blunt force trauma can cause internal bleeding, punctured lungs, or ruptured organs, which may not be immediately obvious but can be life-threatening.
If you’ve suffered any of these injuries in a left-turn motorcycle crash, don’t wait to take legal action. The cost of medical treatment, lost wages, and long-term care can be overwhelming. A Tampa motorcycle accident lawyer can fight to get you the compensation you need to recover.
Compensation for Motorcycle Accident Victims in Florida
Motorcycle accident injuries are often severe and life-altering. If another driver’s negligence caused your crash, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation)
- Lost wages and future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage (motorcycle repair or replacement)
- Wrongful death damages (if a loved one was killed in a left-turn crash)
Why You Need a Tampa Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Insurance companies often try to deny or undervalue motorcycle accident claims. At Armando Personal Injury Law, our Tampa motorcycle accident attorneys fight to ensure injured riders get the compensation they deserve. Our team can:
- Investigate the accident and gather evidence
- Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies
- Take your case to trial if necessary
If you were injured in a left-turn motorcycle crash in Tampa, don’t settle for less than you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
“Armando goes above and beyond. Even settled for greater than anticipated. Kept me up to date throughout the whole process. I would recommend him to anybody.” – Josh C., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐