LA Century Law explains motorcycle accidents at intersections in California. Our experienced San Bernardino motorcycle accident attorneys discuss why they’re so deadly and what victims need to know:

Why Left-Turn Crashes Are the Most Deadly for Motorcyclists

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 42% of fatal, two-vehicle motorcycle crashes involve a turning passenger vehicle.

Left turns can be especially deadly for motorcyclists because:

Speed. When drivers misjudge speed and stopping distance at an intersection, crashes can occur at high rates of speed.
Reaction time. When a driver cuts across the motorcycle’s path, the motorcyclist can’t slow down or react.
Lack of physical protection. A motorcyclist doesn’t have the protection of a vehicle frame. Instead, it’s their body that absorbs the full crash impact.
Crash forces. The motorcyclist may be thrown or pinned under a vehicle.

Human factors and the physics of the crash can make left-turn motorcycle accidents especially devastating for riders.

California Left Turn Motorcycle Accidents and the Rules of the Road

California Vehicle Code §§ 21800-21809 creates right-of-way laws for motor vehicle traffic, including for left turns. These laws apply to passenger vehicles and motorcycles alike:

Entering traffic. Drivers entering traffic must yield the right of way until they can proceed with reasonable safety.
Traffic lights. When an intersection is controlled by traffic lights, drivers must observe them.
Approaching an intersection. Drivers approaching an intersection must yield the right-of-way to drivers already in the intersection.
Stop signs and inoperative traffic lights. If two drivers arrive at an intersection from different directions at the same time, the vehicle on the right goes first, including when there are stop signs or inoperative traffic control signals.
Terminating highways. If a highway terminates at an intersection, the driver on the continuing highway has the right of way.
When making a left turn. Drivers intending to turn left must yield the right of way to approaching drivers who are close enough to be a hazard.
Signaling. Drivers must signal before making a left turn.

California Vehicle Code §§ 21800-21809.

How California Law Assigns Fault in Left-Turn Motorcycle Accidents

California law assigns fault in a left-turn motorcycle accident by looking at who violated the rules of the road. One of the vehicles involved had the right of way. The other driver who enters the intersection without the right of way will be at fault for the accident.

But it’s not always that simple. The oncoming vehicle may have been traveling at a high rate of speed. The speed may have prevented the turning driver from seeing the approaching vehicle. That could make both parties at fault.

In addition to motorists being at fault for an accident, it’s possible that the government entity responsible for designing and maintaining the road is at fault. They may have designed the road in a way that limits sight of oncoming traffic. They may have made the roadway too steep, causing vehicles to slide into the intersection. In addition, a nearby property owner may be liable for vision obstructions.

To determine fault for a motorcycle left turn or blind spot crash, California law considers all the circumstances and the actions of everyone involved. The standard is objective – what a reasonable person should have done in the circumstances so as not to create a safety hazard to others. Fault may be assigned entirely to one party, or it may be shared.

Blind Spot Accidents: When a Driver Simply Didn’t Look

A passenger vehicle turning left has multiple blind spots. The pillars that structure the windshield and support the roof create a vision obstruction during a left turn. In addition, the swing of the vehicle during the turn can create a left blind spot that is large enough to hide a motorcycle. Drivers need to be aware of these vision instructions.

Sometimes, a driver’s mind just looks for larger passenger vehicles. But motorcyclists have the right to use the roads, too. As drivers check their blind spots and make sure an intersection is clear, they must look for motorcyclists in their path.

It’s not enough just to look – the driver must truly see that it is safe to proceed through the intersection.

What Evidence Proves a Car Driver Was at Fault at an Intersection?

With fault for a motorcycle accident hinging on who has the right of way, proving fault is an important question. Fault may be proven by:

Witness statements. Including the victim’s own statements, others in vehicles, and bystanders.
Admissions. The other driver may make admissions about driving actions or about fault in general.
Video. Dash cameras, traffic surveillance, and nearby private cameras may show the crash.
Accident reconstruction. Using known facts about the accident to reconstruct the series of events.
Debris and road marks. Debris and marks left on the road may indicate what happened.
Vehicle data. A vehicle may have an event recording that tracks braking, speed, and other helpful data points.

The official collision report can be a good place to start. It contains the investigating officer’s observations and may have witness contact information.

It’s important to remember that a collision report is not conclusive of fault. Only a jury (or judge for a bench trial) can make a final determination of fault. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer from LA Century Law can help you prove fault for a left-turn intersection motorcycle accident.

Comparative Fault and Its Effect on Intersection Motorcycle Claims

If the victim shares fault for a left-turn motorcycle accident, it may reduce the total amount of compensation. California does not have a cliff effect where a certain percentage of fault will prevent compensation entirely. Still, shared fault can reduce the victim’s compensation award.

Serious Injuries from Intersection Motorcycle Crashes

Serious injuries from an intersection motorcycle crash may include broken bones, soft tissue damage, disability, bodily system dysfunction, and brain trauma. The victim may experience significant pain and suffering. Injuries can interfere with work and personal activities.

All these losses may be part of a claim for compensation.

Contact LA Century Law After an Intersection Motorcycle Accident

If you or a loved one has been hurt in an accident at an intersection in California, please contact LA Century Law. We are California motorcycle accident attorneys. Call or message us now.

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