The Dangers Of Left Turn Motorcycle Accidents
Florida is home to, and sees its fair share of visiting motorcycle enthusiasts, many of whom are drawn to the state by its temperate climate and scenic highways. Unfortunately, there are downsides to using motorcycles, whether purely as a mode of transportation or as a hobby, as those who are involved in collisions are much more likely to suffer severe injuries. Left turn accidents, in which a driver fails to see a motorcyclist and upon turning, causes a collision, are especially dangerous for motorcyclists. Unfortunately, motorcycle riders in Florida aren’t allowed to purchase PIP insurance, which typically covers accident-related injuries. Instead, they must go through the other driver’s insurer to obtain compensation, which can be a complicated endeavor for those without the assistance of an experienced Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident lawyer.
What is a Left Turn Accident?
Left turn accidents, as their name suggests, occur when a driver fails to see an oncoming motorcycle and turns left in front of the rider. Often, these kinds of accidents occur in intersections, where a motorcycle is struck as it is traveling straight through the intersection. Unfortunately, this means that left hand accidents often occur at relatively high speeds, with the motorcycle rider unaware of the danger until it is too late to brake or swerve.
How Common are Left Turn Accidents?
Left turn accidents involving a motorcycle are much more common than most people realize. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that as many as 42 percent of all fatal motorcycle crashes that involved another vehicle occurred when a passenger vehicle turned left while the motorcycle was traveling straight.
Who is Liable for a Left Turn Accident?
Motorcycle riders who have the right-of-way and are injured when another vehicle turns left in front of them are often able to hold the driver liable for damages. Unfortunately, some at-fault drivers may try to lay some of the blame on the rider, claiming that the individual was speeding, or even that he or she should have done more to avoid the impending collision. The reality is that drivers often turn far too suddenly for a motorcyclist to take evasive action, which an injured motorcyclist can help prove by demonstrating the other driver’s negligence through photographs of the accident scene, eyewitness testimony, and traffic camera footage.
No-Fault Auto Insurance
Although Florida is a no-fault auto insurance state, the law actually doesn’t allow motorcyclists to purchase PIP insurance. This means that they must file a claim with the insurer of the at-fault driver in order to recover any kind of compensation for accident-related losses. If, however, the injuries suffered by the motorcyclist are severe, (which they almost always are in these kinds of accidents), the victim could also file a claim against the at-fault driver in court.
Contact Our Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one were injured in a motorcycle accident, you may need help recovering compensation from the at-fault driver who caused it. Please call 954-566-9919 to speak with one of the experienced motorcycle accident lawyers at Boone & Davis about your legal options.
Resource:
one.nhtsa.gov/links/GetUpToSpeed/index.html
