Left-Turn Motorcycle Accidents in Indianapolis
How a Left-Turn Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
Motorcycle collisions can leave a motorcyclist with costly injuries and property damage. While motorcyclists are sometimes considered at fault for accidents, as is often the case when bikers engage in lane splitting, many serious crashes occur because of the negligent drivers involved. Contact us at 317-401-8626.
Motorcycle-vehicle collisions are especially common when motorists make left turns in front of oncoming motorcycles. These left-turn accidents frequently have serious consequences for bikers, including common injuries that impact their ability to work.
If you were injured in a left-turn motorcycle accident or another crash, you can file a personal injury claim against the other driver to pursue compensation. Depending on your case, you may be able to recover compensation for property damage, medical bills, lost wages, loss of future earnings, pain and suffering, and more.
An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help you recoup your financial losses after a crash. They will help you understand how much money you deserve for your accident and will assist you in gathering evidence to corroborate your claim. From there, your motorcycle accident lawyer will present your case and demand fair compensation from the other motorist’s insurance company.
Without an attorney to assist you through the legal process, you may not know what your case is worth. The at-fault driver’s insurer may offer you a low-ball amount for the crash or deny financial liability entirely.
You need an experienced and aggressive legal advocate by your side to secure the most compensation possible for your crash.
Contact the dedicated Indiana motorcycle accident attorneys at Crossen Law Firm. We’ll stand firm and fight on your behalf to secure you the most money possible: 317-401-8626.
What Are Left-Turn Motorcycle Accidents and Where They Commonly Occur
Left-turn motorcycle accidents happen when a motorist turns left in front of a biker approaching in the opposite direction. These motorcycle crashes often occur because motorists fail to pay attention or miscalculate the speed or distance of oncoming traffic. Motorcycles can also be easily missed in drivers’ blind spots when making left turns.
These serious motorcycle accidents are common in the Indianapolis area and across the United States, as they make up a significant portion of biker fatalities.
Thousands of motorcyclists are also injured every year when involved in these collisions.
Indianapolis left-turn motorcycle accidents usually occur at intersections when left-turning drivers are supposed to yield to oncoming vehicles. A driver may turn left in front of an approaching motorcycle or other road users by mistake, creating an immediate hazard. Incoming motorcycles and cars may not have enough time to react to the other vehicle’s left-hand turn, causing a serious collision.
These crashes may also occur at any location where drivers make left turns perpendicular to oncoming traffic, such as highways or any street. It’s usually the driver’s responsibility to yield to oncoming motorcyclists and other vehicles in these common scenarios. The driver can cause serious or even fatal accidents by failing to yield.
What Indiana Laws Apply to Left-Turn Collisions?
Drivers on Indiana roads must abide by certain traffic laws that enforce the legal right of way and other essential procedures. Motorists must use their turn signals when they’re within two hundred feet of turning their cars. They should also reduce their speed when nearing and traveling through intersections.
Most importantly, drivers must avoid making left-hand turns when an approaching vehicle has the right of way. The driver turning left does have the right of way at an intersection if they have the protected left turn signal. Otherwise, they must yield to traffic that’s approaching from the opposite lane.
Liability Laws
Other Indiana regulations that apply in left-turn collisions are the state’s liability laws. Indiana is considered a fault state, meaning that the driver or biker involved who is at fault is liable for damages.
Liability in left-turn accidents is usually based on who had the right of way at the time of the crash. If a motorcyclist runs a red light and strikes a car that’s turning left, that motorcyclist would be at fault, as they broke a traffic law and failed to yield to the turning car.
Alternatively, if the motorcycle had the right of way and was following traffic laws, it would be the driver of the turning car who is at fault. The driver failed to yield to the biker who had the right of way and caused the motorcycle accident as a direct result.
Negligent Driving Behaviors That Cause Left-Turn Motorcycle Accidents
Any negligent behavior that distracts a vehicle driver’s attention or reduces their reaction time can cause a severe motorcycle crash.
Common driving behaviors that can cause or contribute to these devastating accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Driving while tired
- Reckless driving
- Ignoring traffic signals
- Speeding while turning
- Failing to check blind spots
Additionally, more than one party can be considered negligent and at fault for the same motorcycle accident. For example, if a motorcycle had the right of way but was lane splitting at the time of a left-turn accident, the biker may be considered partially responsible. While the left-turning car was primarily at fault, the motorcyclist could have avoided the accident if they hadn’t been lane splitting between the two lanes.
The motorcyclist’s percentage of responsibility would reduce the total amount they could recover in an accident settlement. For instance, if they’re considered 20% liable, their settlement amount would be 20% less than the full recovery amount.
Catastrophic Injuries a Motorcyclist May Sustain in a Left Turn Accident
Motorcycle crashes can cause numerous types of injuries, ranging from minor to fatal. Sadly, it’s common for motorcycle riders to suffer severe injuries in these accidents. These can temporarily or permanently impair a victim, making it challenging for them to work and enjoy life.
Types of catastrophic injuries a motorcyclist may sustain include:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Severe road rash
- Amputations
- Burn injuries
- Bone fractures
- Internal bleeding
You need to seek immediate medical attention after a motorcycle collision, even if you don’t think your injuries are catastrophic or serious.
The extent of your injuries may not be immediately apparent, and delaying treatment can have severe or even fatal consequences.
Contact the Left-Turn Motorcycle Accident Attorneys at Crossen Law Firm
If you’ve suffered from a motorcycle accident, don’t delay seeking compensation from the at-fault party. Motorcycle-vehicle collision cases are often complicated, and your attorney will need time to build your case.
For dedicated and experienced motorcycle collision attorneys in Indiana, contact Crossen Law Firm.
Our team will help you hold the negligent party accountable for your losses and work to maximize your compensation.
You can request a free consultation or call 317-401-8626.
-
“Trevor was courteous, professional, fair, and an excellent communicator throughout our entire interaction! Would highly recommend.”
- Hussain -
“What a relief it was that we had someone like Trevor Crossen on our side. Everyone in the office were very pleasant and helpful. We would have been lost if not for him. This is a group that you need to be there when you have to fight for what is right. Automobile accidents are hard enough on you without having to have someone see you through all the paperwork and legal issues. There is no one else I would trust to take us through than Crossen Law Firm they are the best!”
- Bob Taylor -
“Mr. Trevor Crossen has been sìuch a blessing. I was so lost when we first met. He took great care to make sure that I was treated with dignity, he walked me through the whole process from beginning to the end. I had no idea what to expect but he took the time to explain everything and made sure I was treated the way I should be. I would highly recommend Trevor to anyone. The others in the office were so kind and helpful. If you want someone truly on your side Trevor Crossen is the man you need. Thank you all for being there for me.”
- Denise Taylor -
“I honestly don’t know where to start! Trevor is an exceptionable person, he honestly cares for those he works with and his clients! He has completely changed my mind of how lawyers act! He is a man of integrity and I, especially today on thanksgiving, am thankful I chose his law firm to represent me! I highly recommend that you choose Crossen law firm!! Thank you Trevor for all that you’ve done for me and continue to do!”
- Ben Steiner -
“Trevor and His Team Were a "True Guiding Light" for MY Family & I During a Very Difficult and Emotional Time in Our Lives! Thank You Team Crossen”
- Joe A
Why Crossen Law Firm?
Call our office today at (317) 401-8626 to discuss your case.