Left Turn Motorcycle Accidents In Buffalo, New York

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Left turn accidents are one of the most frequently occurring types of motorcycle crashes. Approximately 42% of all motorcycle crashes involve other drivers turning left in front of oncoming traffic. Left turn collisions can be particularly treacherous for motorcyclists because they are considerably more vulnerable to injury due to their lack of physical protection. Even cars that merely swerve into the path of an unsuspecting motorcyclist can cause riders devastating injuries. Left turn accidents can cause motorcyclists to suffer catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, skull fractures, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, disfigurement or even death.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA), 36% of fatal motorcycle accidents involve left turn crashes. Even the most cautious motorcyclists face the risk of a crash, especially when going unnoticed or being disregarded by other motorists. Drivers should always yield to oncoming motorcyclists when turning left, but, unfortunately, the lives of many bikers are turned upside-down every year because drivers fail to do so.

Jed Dietrich, Esq., recognized as a Best Lawyer of America and New York Super Lawyer, and his team of left turn motorcycle accident lawyers in Buffalo, New York have successfully battled to obtain over $175 Million in verdicts and settlements for people who were seriously injured in Buffalo, New York and beyond. Our team possesses the knowledge and skill necessary to diligently investigate your motorcycle accident to make certain that you are in a position to obtain the highest possible recovery for your injuries. For instance, Jed Dietrich, Esq. fought to obtain a $750,000 settlement for a 52-year-old motorcyclist after a vehicle failed to yield the right-of-way and crashed into him. If you were injured on a motorcycle because someone wrongfully made a left turn in front of you, call us today at 716-839-3939 to find out how we can help you!

Common Causes Of Left Turn Motorcycle Accidents

Left turn accidents commonly center around the other driver’s negligence and occur for various reasons including:

1. Distracted driving: Driving safely requires the complete concentration of a motorist. Taking your eyes off the road for even a few seconds can have disastrous consequences. When drivers are eating and drinking, talking on the phone, texting or playing with the radio, they can easily make dangerous mistakes.
2. Failing to see the motorcyclist: Motorcycles are much smaller than other vehicles on the road, which often means that they are much less noticeable. Large trucks or other vehicles with blind spots may not be able to see bikers. Left hand crashes can happen when a driver fails to see a motorcyclist and proceeds to turn in front of him or her.
3. Passing another vehicle: When a motorist is attempting to pass another vehicle before turning, he or she may be too concentrated on passing to notice the approaching motorcycle. Or else, the motorist may speed to pass the vehicle and be unable to stop by the time they see the motorcyclist.
4. Attempting to beat the light: Drivers attempting to beat a red light to turn left may misjudge the speed of the oncoming motorcyclist.
5. Illegally driving through an intersection: Some drivers make illegal left turns when motorcyclists have the right-of-way at stop signs or when traffic lights are red.
6. Weather conditions: Various weather-related conditions such as rain, snow or ice can make it more difficult for both turning cars and oncoming motorcycles to reach complete stops.

If you were injured in a left turn motorcycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, call highly experienced, aggressive, tenacious and hardworking Buffalo, New York left turn motorcycle accident injury lawyer, Jed Dietrich, Esq., for the help that you need! The Dietrich Law Firm P.C. is available 24 hours per day and 7 days per week at 716-839-3939. Call us today!

Measures To Prevent Left Turn Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists may be able to avoid some left turn collisions by riding defensively and taking extra measures to protect themselves. Some practices that motorcyclists can follow to lessen their chances of being the victim of a left turn accident include:

1. Slow down: Slowing down when approaching intersections can help motorcyclists react to the impulsive actions of other drivers on the road, such as cars turning in front of them.
2. Anticipate an accident: Riders need to anticipate the possibility of a crash every time they enter an intersection. It is important to monitor oncoming traffic to see if any cars are turning left. Regardless, of whether the other motorists are attempting to turn left legally or illegally, a motorcyclist must react accordingly.
3. Try to be visible: Motorcyclists should turn their headlights on, during the day and at night, and wear bright and reflective clothing to be more visible to other drivers.
4. Remain vigilant: Always observe other motorists for any indications that may help determine whether or not a driver intends on proceeding, even if he or she does not have the right-of-way. Constantly be aware of your surroundings and avoid any distractions, such as texting or talking.
5. Presume all oncoming traffic cannot see you: Never take for granted that others on the road see you. Try to make eye contact with other drivers before proceeding.
6. Assume cars will turn left: Always presume that oncoming vehicles will turn left at intersections. Be prepared to react accordingly.
7. Always have an escape route: Every motorcyclist should have a plan in mind in case any dangerous situations should arise.
8. Cover your brakes: Keep your hand on the brake at all times so that you can react in an instant. Having a better reaction time can potentially save your life.

Determining Liability In Left Turn Motorcycle Accidents

The majority of left turn accidents happen because other drivers attempting to turn fail to notice oncoming motorcyclists or miscalculate their distance or speed. However, just because a driver fails to see a rider, or misjudges how far away the motorcyclist is, does not mean that they are released from liability for the accident. Most motorcycle crashes involving other vehicles making left turns entail the other driver's carelessness, negligence or recklessness.

All drivers owe other motorists a duty of reasonable care in order to avoid injuring others. As such, it is the legal duty of every driver to ensure that lanes of oncoming traffic are safe before turning. Under New York law, failing to yield right-of-way when making a left turn into oncoming traffic is regarded as negligence per se, because it violates New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1141. Thus, there is a good chance that the driver making the left turn in front of a motorcyclist will be considered at fault for any resulting accidents.

While motorcyclists are not eligible for benefits under New York’s No-fault Law, they are not required to meet the threshold for serious injuries under the law. Because motorcyclists are not covered by New York State’s No-Fault insurance statutes, they are responsible for their own hospital bills and other medical expenses. Injured motorcyclists can seek compensation from negligent drivers for damages such as medical costs, rehabilitation, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, permanent disfigurement and emotional distress. In the tragic event that you lost a family member in a left turn motorcycle accident, you may have the right to file a wrongful death claim. A wrongful death claim can help to provide financial support to surviving family members and offer a sense of closure after the loss of a loved one.

If you, or a loved one, suffered a serious injury in a left turn motorcycle accident, contact Jed Dietrich, Esq. and his top rated team of left turn motorcycle accident lawyers in Buffalo, New York at the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. for a free consultation. There are strict time constraints applicable to claims for injuries that resulted from a motorcycle accident, so do not delay. Contact Jed Dietrich, Esq. today! Our team is available 24 hours per day and 7 days per week at 716-839-3939, or through the online consultation form.

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Call the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. immediately at 716-839-3939 so that our aggressive, tenacious and hardworking personal injury lawyers can fight to obtain the best result for your personal injury claim in Buffalo, New York. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there is never a fee until we WIN for you!

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