After being struck by a Hyundai Sonata while turning left, a 19-year-old motorcyclist is now in critical condition. The car struck the motorcycle before it could complete its turn, throwing the rider off his bike. Brookdale University Medical Center was able to rush the teenager to serious injuries. Although the accident’s cause is still under investigation, many factors could have contributed to it. In this article, we will explore the legal options available to those injured in this type of accident.
Distractions
While distracted driving is common in car and truck accidents, it is also a major cause of motorcycle accidents. Drivers who are distracted are more likely to make mistakes and cause crashes, but the most dangerous distraction is a motorcyclist’s own attention. A motorcycle is smaller than a car, so it can be more difficult for other drivers to see it. Drivers who are distracted may not look in the side mirror when changing lanes, or look behind them before turning.
Other common distractions include texting while driving, talking on the phone, or reaching for something. Drivers should be aware of the dangers of texting while driving. According to the NHTSA, it takes five seconds for a driver to read a text message while driving. That’s more than enough time for the driver to travel the length of a football field. Distracted drivers may not be able to focus on driving and may not see motorcycles on the roads.
You could be struck head-on by a motorcycle if you don’t take enough care while driving. A motorist may not see the motorcycle when changing lanes or turning. This is one of the most devastating accidents a motorcyclist can suffer, as he or she is likely to be thrown into the air and hit by the driver’s car.
A motorcyclist may have been distracted while driving when a driver made a dangerous left turn and did not notice the motorcycle. However, this doesn’t mean that the motorcycle rider was not at fault. Drivers of cars and SUVs need to be alert for motorcycles and use extreme caution when crossing intersections. As he approaches the turn, the driver should use a turn signal.
Distracted driving can result in an accident. However, it is important to be aware that signs, telephone poles, and other roadside objects can be distracting. Signs are often all a motorist needs to know that a blind curve is approaching. Efficient evasive actions will allow the rider more time to react and stop in the right time. A distracted driver may also accidentally veer into the adjacent lane.
The inattention of the driver
Motorcycle accidents are less common than car accidents, but they can be much more serious. Accidents can be deadly because of inattention to the left. If you or a loved one were injured in such an incident, you may be eligible for compensation from the negligent driver. Fortunately, the law makes this possible. Bicyclists in Virginia and across the United States can sue the responsible party to get compensation for their injuries.
Often, drivers make mistakes due to inattention or distraction. Distracted drivers fail to look out for motorcycles and may not notice the motorcycle until it is too late. Drivers may also be distracted by their phones and fail to see the motorcycle. As a result, the driver does not perceive the motorcycle and ends up making a left turn too late. A distracted driver may also be texting or multitasking when the accident occurs, which could cause the driver to miss the motorcycle.
Drivers have been known to be distracted while driving by reading, using a GPS or applying makeup. These actions can lead to driver errors that can lead to fatal richmond motorcycle accident attorneys. Motorcycles are also smaller than cars, making them harder for other drivers to see. Distracted drivers may not check their mirrors before changing lanes, backing out or changing lanes.
Another mistake is to abruptly turn left while driving. While it is possible to turn right and miss a motorcyclist, it is best to wait for the left-turning vehicle to pass before making a left turn. This could result in a side-swipe collision, which can prove deadly for a motorcyclist. This problem has been addressed by legislation.
Driver inattention and lack visibility are the main causes of motorcycle accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly half of all motorcycle accidents happen at intersections. Left-turning vehicles pose a particular danger. Drivers need to be attentive and watch out for motorcycle riders or they could be hit by a truck trailer. Inattention can cause catastrophic injuries, including traumatic brain injuries.
Failure to recognize motorcycles
Motorcyclists are often in an accident when a motorist doesn’t recognize them and makes an unsafe turn. Distracted drivers may not be able to see the motorcycle, fail or recognize its turn signal, and make unsafe left turns without checking with oncoming traffic. The driver may not recognize a motorcycle, which could lead to an accident that can cause serious injuries or even death. If the motorist is distracted or trying to overtake, it can be dangerous to not recognize a motorcycle as you make a left turn.
A motorist’s failure to recognize a motorcycle increases the risk of an accident, as most motorists fail to pay attention to motorcycles when driving over long distances. Driver distractions such as eating and talking on cell phones can make the problem worse. A minor distraction from a mobile phone could cause a serious accident. The driver’s attention will be diverted by the conversation. In addition, a motorcycle’s single headlamp can confuse motorists, causing a collision.
Motorists have legal recourse if they hit a motorcycle due to a driver’s failure to recognize the motorcyclist. In most cases, a motorist’s left-turning vehicle is at fault, but it is possible for a motorist to claim he or she looked but failed to notice a motorcycle. Motorists can use an “anti-SMIDSY” maneuver to combat these challenges. To gain more perspective, the motorcyclist should wiggle the front of the bike when an oncoming vehicle makes left turns. The motorcycle must also adhere to the speed limit.
Drivers must be more alert and aware of motorcycles when approaching intersections. Motorcycles are much smaller than cars and are harder to see than vehicles in other lanes. A motorcycle accident can be caused by the driver not looking in their mirrors. When making a left turn, it is important to be cautious and follow the speed limit. This is especially true if a motorcycle is parked.
Liability of left-turning vehicle
Often times, drivers assume that the other driver is at fault when a motorcycle crash occurs, but this may not always be the case. Even if you were turning left yourself, the other driver may be partially at fault. A left-turning vehicle must cross oncoming traffic and make a wider turn, increasing the likelihood of hitting another vehicle or motorcyclist. As a result, the driver is at an increased risk of hitting another motorcyclist or pedestrian in the process.
A left-turn motorcycle accident claim could result in monetary damages for the injured motorcyclist. These damages could include medical bills, lost income, vehicle repairs, and pain and suffering. A personal injury attorney can review your case and help you plan your next steps. A motorcycle accident attorney will identify the responsible party and help you determine if you should seek compensation for your injuries. Motorcyclists may also be partially responsible in some cases, if they fail to obey traffic laws such as yielding to other cars.
Left-hand turns are the most common cause for motorcycle accidents. This is when a passenger vehicle fails to see a motorcyclist going straight through an intersection. This type of accident is especially dangerous for motorcycle riders, as motorcycles are smaller and less visible to drivers of other vehicles. All drivers have a duty not to injure motorcyclists and are often held responsible.
Although the other driver may be at fault, some left-hand-turn accidents involve unforeseen circumstances. Distracted drivers might not be able to see the motorcyclist in the time they need and may not be able to determine the speed of the motorcycle. The other driver could be held responsible, even though he didn’t slow down to turn. Collisions can be avoided by turning left safely.
In most left-turn motorcycle accidents, both parties are at fault. The motorcyclist is partially at fault. However, the driver who made the left-hand turn may also be at fault. This is true if the other driver was speeding, distracted, or disobeying traffic laws. But, there are other scenarios in which a driver may be at fault for a motorcyclist accident.