Motorcycle Accidents

More than 5,000 motorcyclists were killed in 2019 as a result of crashes. One of the most common causes of these crashes is the dreaded left turn. In fact, left-turn motorcycle accidents can occur during the day or night in the rain or shine. Although, there are some conditions that can make these traffic accidents more likely to occur.

Since a motorcycle accident is different from a typical car accident, there are a few special considerations you have to make. Keep reading to learn how you can prevent left-turn motorcycle accidents.

How Left Turn Motorcycle Accidents Happen

Most left-turn motorcycle accidents occur because motorcycles fit into blind spots easily. Cars may not be able to see motorcyclists before they run into them. A lack of driver training makes this matter even more deadly. Drivers aren’t as trained to look out for motorcycles like they are for cars.

Also, drivers may have a difficult time determining the speed of an oncoming motorcycle, as they move faster than they appear. For example, a car may make a left turn in front of a motorcycle under the assumption the biker was further back than anticipated. Then, a collision ensues. Motorcycle accidents like these are worse at night when a motorcyclist is even less visible.

Fault in a Left Turn Auto Accident With a Motorcycle

In most cases, the blame is shifted towards the motorcyclist. Because of stereotypes surrounding these kinds of drivers, auto accident lawyers can make claims about their habits. They may say that they were driving too fast or not wearing bright clothing, making them less visible.

The legal implications differ depending on the state the motorcyclist lives in. Therefore, bikers should make sure they are knowledgeable of their state traffic laws. However, regardless of state, it’s important for the motorcyclist to establish relative fault. The evidence from the police and individual reports will help in building a fair case for both parties.

Then, the next step would be consulting with a skilled attorney to discuss your case. The experience of the attorney you decided to go with will have a direct impact on the case. 

What a Motorcyclist Should Do After a Traffic Accident

Immediately after the accident, you should exchange contact information with the other driver. You should also gather insurance information so that you can recover damages for property loss and injuries.

If there are any witnesses, you should gather their contact information, as well. They observed the collision, so they may be the eyewitness testimony you need to prove your innocence.While you’re doing this, there are some rules you should follow while at the scene of the accident:

• Never admit fault around the driver or any witnesses
• Do not discuss the crash and what you think happened
• Avoid trying to determine fault or confront the other party

While you’re gathering contact information, you should take notes about the scene. Take multiple pictures of all of the vehicles that were involved in the accident. Then, take pictures at the sight of the accident to show the traffic conditions.

You should also take note of the weather conditions. Include proof of these conditions in your photographs. File a police report within 24 hours of the accident. The closer you file to the accident, the better. In fact, you can file a report at the scene of the accident.

After you leave the site of the accident, you should have a medical evaluation. A practitioner can evaluate and accurately document any injuries that you might have sustained from the accident. If the practitioner prescribes or recommends any treatments, you need to adhere to them.

Once you’ve gotten all of this done, you need to contact a motorcycle accident lawyer and let them know all of the details. Ask them if there’s anything else you need to do before returning home. They may need some additional information to help you through the case.

How Motorcyclists Can Stay Safe on the Roads

The best way to prevent motorcycle accidents is by adhering to all traffic laws strictly. There should be no question that you were following all traffic laws at the time of the accident.

In addition, you should wear bright clothing so that drivers are more likely to see you in any weather.  As you’re driving, keep a good distance from other drivers on the road. Never push the operational limits of the motorcycle.

Always wear a helmet that meets or exceeds federal safety standards. Purchase a new helmet if it’s damaged or more than four years old. If you’re riding for long distances, you should take frequent breaks so that you’re on high alert at all times. When you find yourself approaching a car that’s making a left turn, you should use the “anti-SMIDSY” maneuver. SMIDSY stands for “sorry mate, I didn’t see you.”

The anti-SMIDSY maneuver involves wobbling the front of the bike to give the driver in the car a better perspective of your traveling speed and relative distance. While this doesn’t guarantee that the accident won’t happen, it does lessen the likelihood that the driver will make a dangerous turn.

When in doubt, always proceed with caution. You never know what the driver can and cannot see. So, you should always assume that they can’t see you. You should always have an escape route in case a car pulls out in front of you. Look to your left and right to see if there’s somewhere to avoid a potential crash.

After a Motorcycle Accident…

As cities become more populated, motorcycle accidents are becoming more common. If you were involved in a crash, consult with a motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. Time is limited to recoup damages. Working with an experienced lawyer right away will protect your rights and prevent you from missing out on the compensation that is owed to you.

With the help of our skilled team at Alpha Accident Lawyers, you can get the legal guidance that you need in the case of a traffic accident. Contact us today to get the legal help that you need. We offer a free consultation and are available to assist 24-hours a day, seven days a week.