Left hand turn motorcycle accidents are among the most common types of motorcycle accidents.
According to some experts, as many as 40 percent of all motorcycle accidents happen when a driver or motorcyclist is making a left hand turn.
When a motorcycle accident occurs during a left hand turn, it is either the motorcyclist or the driver who has failed to obey traffic laws, and yield to the right of way. In such cases, the results are often devastating even if the accident occurs at very low speed. This happens primarily because the motorcyclists have little protection from the elements and the difference between the weight of the passenger vehicle and motorcycle.
Due to the fact that Illinois does not have helmet laws in place, the outcome of these accidents is often disastrous if the motorcyclist is not wearing a helmet at the time of crash. In this post, our Chicago personal injury lawyer will discuss some common scenarios that can lead to left hand turn motorcycle accidents.
Examples of left hand turn motorcycle accidents
- A passenger vehicle or truck driver tries to make a left hand turn from an improper lane and pins a motorcyclist trying to pass him. In this case, the driver is also failing to follow traffic laws
- A motorcyclist is riding through an intersection when a driver tries to make a left hand turn, failing to obey right of way laws
- A motorcyclist is trying to make a left hand turn when another vehicle driver runs a red light and hits a motorcyclist
It is not always the other driver who is solely responsible for causing left hand turn accidents. In some cases, the motorcyclist may act negligently or recklessly, and fail to obey traffic laws.
Injuries sustained in left hand turn motorcycle accidents
When this kind of accident occurs, the type of injuries the motorcyclist suffers will depend on a variety of factors including:
- The speed of the motorcycle and the other vehicle at the time of crash
- The way in which impact occurred, whether it was a head on collision
- Whether or not the motorcyclist was wearing a helmet at the time of crash
Common injuries resulting from left hand turn motorcycle accidents
- Neck, back, and spinal cord injuries
- Head and brain injuries
- Burns
- Cuts and bruises
- Loss of limbs
Making a safe left hand turn
Making a left hand turn is one of the simplest things to do, but it often ends up being the most dangerous maneuvers we make while driving. Here are some simple tips that you can follow to make safe left hand turns:
- Ensure that you are in the right lane for a left hand turn
- Slow down your vehicle approximately 100 feet before the intersection
- Ensure that you always use the proper signal when turning
- Do not attempt the left hand turn until you are absolutely sure that it is safe to do so
Need help with your Chicago motorcycle accident claim?
Get in touch with an experienced Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer at Willens & Baez. Give us a call today at (312) 957-4166 to learn more about protecting your rights after an accident.
