Los Angeles Left-Turn Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Left-Turn Motorcycle Accidents in Southern California

Many motorcyclists approach intersections with a heightened sense of dread—and for good reason. At any time, a motorist may make a left turn in front of you, and there may be nothing you can do to avoid a collision. These types of accidents often result in serious injuries and, in the most tragic of cases, they can even be fatal.

At Scott J. Corwin, A Professional Law Corporation, we have the experience to hold careless drivers and their insurance companies fully accountable when they fail to yield to motorcycles at intersections. If you were injured in a left-turn motorcycle accident in Los Angeles or anywhere in Southern California, reach out to our firm today to learn how we can help.

Call us at (310) 683-2300 or contact us online to schedule an appointment with Attorney Scott J. Corwin today. 

Why Are Left-Turn Accidents So Common?

Based on 2020 data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 42% of all two-vehicle, fatal motorcycle accidents, which amounts to 1,158 crashes, happened due to the other motorist turning left in front of an approaching motorcycle. Only 21% of those same types of crashes occurred while both vehicles were traveling along straight roads and not trying to turn or merge. But what makes these types of collisions so common?

There are many factors at play when it comes to left-turn motorcycle accidents. Some of the most common causes include:

• Unprotected Turns: A significant number of left-turn accidents involved unprotected turns or turns where there is no traffic signal or stop sign. Motorists turning left without the protection of traffic control devices must wait for breaks in oncoming traffic, but they often attempt to turn too early or too late, leading to serious collisions.
• Inexperienced Drivers: New drivers, including teens, often misjudge the amount of space they have to make left turns, whether at protected or unprotected turns. They may attempt to turn too early across the path of an oncoming motorcyclist, leaving the motorcyclist little or no time to avoid the collision.
• Distracted Drivers: Those who use cellphones, text, or are otherwise distracted behind the wheel put everyone else on the road at risk. These drivers often make unsafe left turns simply because they are not paying attention. They may fail to see an oncoming motorcyclist or believe they have more time to turn.
• Drunk Drivers: Drivers who are impaired by alcohol or drugs have delayed reaction times and clouded judgment. As such, drunk or drugged drivers may behave dangerously behind the wheel, such as by making unsafe left turns. This can have devastating consequences for motorcyclists who may not have time to avoid a crash.
• Traffic Law Violations: When motorists run red lights or stop signs, make left turns where it is unlawful to do so, or otherwise violate traffic laws, they can cause serious accidents with others on the road. Unfortunately for motorcyclists, these collisions often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities.

Other common factors in left-turn motorcycle accidents include poor visibility, inclement weather, driver fatigue, and roadway defects, such as faulty traffic signals or poorly constructed intersections.

At Scott J. Corwin, A Professional Law Corporation, our Los Angeles left-turn motorcycle accident attorney knows how to investigate these claims to determine exactly what happened and, most importantly, who is liable.

Who Is to Blame for a Left-Turn Accident?

In most cases, the negligent motorist is the one to blame for a left-turn accident. This could be a motorcyclist who acted carelessly, but far more often, it is the driver of the other vehicle involved who bears most—if not all—of the blame.

In some cases, fault might be shared between two or more parties. If the insurance company or the court finds you partially to blame for the collision, you are still able to seek compensation for your damages, but you will not be able to recover the full amount you are seeking. Rather, your total recovery will be reduced by your at-fault percentage. So, if you are found to be 30 percent to blame, you can only recover up to 70 percent of the total amount you are seeking in damages.

Because California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, there is no percentage of fault (except 100 percent) that prohibits you from filing a claim for damages. As long as you can prove that the other party was at least 1 percent at fault for the crash, you can seek compensation for your losses, including your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

How Scott J. Corwin, a Professional Law Corporation Can Help

When the cause of a motorcycle accident is carelessness by another driver, you are entitled to compensation. At Scott J. Corwin, A Professional Law Corporation, our Los Angeles left-turn motorcycle accident attorney represents bikers injured as a result of motorists failing to yield the right of way when making left turns. We also represent family members of fatal motorcycle crash victims.

A high percentage of serious motorcycle injuries happen in left-turn collisions at intersections. What does the responsible driver always say? “I didn’t see him coming.” While that may be the case, Attorney Scott J. Corwin will still fight for your right to maximum compensation.

Why You Need an Attorney for Your Left-Turn Motorcycle Accident Claim

As long as you had the green light (or the right of way in an unmarked intersection), the person who made a left turn in front of you and hit you is at fault. Unfortunately, motorists often try to shift blame to motorcyclists even in cases where the fault is clear. For example, the person in the car may claim that you were driving recklessly.

In California, your recovery from a personal injury lawsuit is reduced by any percentage of liability that is assigned to you. So, if the insurance company claims that you were 25 percent at fault, your recovery can be reduced by 25 percent.

To protect your right to full compensation, it is important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after an accident. Attorney Scott J. Corwin is a distinguished member of the Motorcycle Injury Trial Lawyers Association (MITLA) and has been selected for inclusion in the Southern California Super Lawyers® list every year since 2007. He also maintains a 10.0 Superb rating on Avvo and has earned numerous positive reviews from past clients.

If you were injured in a left-turn motorcycle accident in Los Angeles or the surrounding areas, contact Scott J. Corwin, A Professional Law Corporation today at (310) 683-2300 for a free consultation.