Most motorcycle riders are aware that they won’t come away unscathed from an auto accident. They are careful to avoid traffic laws and drive defensively. Unfortunately, sometimes circumstances are completely out of the motorcycle rider’s control, and they end up paying the price in an accident caused by another driver. Here’s why this situation often occurs during left turns at intersections.
Left Turns Require Proper Judgment
When one vehicle is attempting to turn left while another vehicle coming from the opposite direction has the right-of-way, the party executing the turn must use proper judgment to decide when it’s safe to turn. The driver should consider several factors before executing their turn, such as the speed limit and the lane in which the oncoming car is currently driving. By reasonably gauging these factors, a motorcyclist turning left in front of an oncoming vehicle should be able to execute their turn safely. But if the other driver is unreliable, changing lanes inappropriately, speeding, or driving in a reckless manner, there is little the motorcycle rider can do to avoid an accident once they’ve started to turn.
A more likely scenario is when a motorcyclist is involved in an accident while traveling straight through an intersection and the other vehicle is recklessly executing their left turn. If the driver who is turning does not yield properly at a flashing yellow arrow or solid green light, they are generally found to be at fault for the accident. Minnesota distracted driving lawyers often see cases where a driver was distracted while turning and did not see the oncoming motorcycle. It is also possible that the party responsible for the accident is under the influence of alcohol at the time, meaning they are experiencing altered judgment and perception. In these cases, the motorcycle driver is almost always severely injured, or even killed. There is no excuse for this type of injury, although many drivers will claim, “I never even saw the motorcycle coming!” This is absolutely considered negligent driving.
Minnesota Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Despite their best efforts, motorcyclists in Minnesota often find themselves the victims of severe crashes where they suffer head injuries, broken bones, internal bleeding, other devastating injuries, or even death. Minnesota personal injury attorneys work with these motorcycle accident victims or their family members to fight for compensation for their accident-related expenses and damages.
If you were injured at an intersection while riding your motorcycle, it is important to work with a trusted personal injury attorney who can collect evidence and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. Sieben Edmunds Miller’s car accident attorneys in Minnesota deal with all kinds of auto accidents, including those involving a motorcyclist or pedestrian. We know how to negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company, so you can feel comfortable knowing that you have a chance to be compensated for all of your accident-related expenses. We won’t stop until insurance takes your injuries seriously, even if we need to go to court to obtain compensation. Trust Sieben Edmunds Miller to take on your motorcycle accident personal injury case. Contact our team today.
