Left Turn Accidents Cause Motorcyclists Serious Injuries

September 14, 2023 | Motorcycle Accident

Any motorcycle accident has the potential to cause the rider serious damage. Unlike drivers, motorcyclists do not have the protection of a safety belt, airbags, or a steel frame around them. Riders are at particularly high risk in left turn accidents. Below, our Columbus motorcycle accident lawyer explains more about these types of crashes and who is liable for them.

What is a Left Turn Accident? 

Drivers typically look to ensure there are no other cars in the oncoming lane when they turn left. However, they frequently fail to see bikers as compared to other vehicles, leading to direct collisions. Bikers may be thrown from their bikes or skid across the ground. Either can result in broken bones, road rash, burns, and other serious injuries.

Who is Liable for a Left Turn Accident?

 The liable party is almost always the one who made the turn. In fact, the Ohio Revised Code states that when an operator of any vehicle intends to turn left, they must yield the right of way to any other vehicle approaching from the opposite direction.

The does have some exceptions, however. For example, if a motorcyclist was acting negligently at the time of the crash, they can be found at least partly liable for the accident. This would come into play if the biker was in the wrong lane or illegally passing through an intersection.

Filing a Claim Against a Negligent Driver

Injured bikers can file a claim against a negligent driver after a left turn accident. A claim can provide compensation for a biker’s medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and for the cost of repairing the motorcycle. A successful claim hinges on strong evidence. If you can, gather pictures of the crash scene, video surveillance footage, testimony of eyewitnesses, and any police report that was filed after the accident.

Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Columbus Can Help You Claim Full Damages

If you have been injured by a negligent driver, you do have the right to claim damages. At Oliver Law Office, our Columbus motorcycle accident lawyer can collect the evidence you need and build a strong case so you can maximize your damages. Call or text us now at 614-220-9100 or chat with us online to book a free case evaluation and to learn more about how we can help.

Source:

codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-4511.42#:~:text=Section 4511.42 | Right-of-way rule when turning left.&text=If, within one year of,misdemeanor of the fourth degree.