According to some reports, the most common type of motorcycle accident is the left-turn crash. This doesn’t mean that the motorcycle itself is turning, but is proceeding straight. The trouble is that another vehicle turns left in front of the motorcycle, which then strikes the side of that vehicle.
Part of the problem here is that it’s almost impossible for a motorcyclist to avoid this crash. As soon as the vehicle turns across their lane, they may only have a split second to react. If they swerve to their right, toward the shoulder, they’re moving in the same direction as the turning vehicle and may hit it anyway. If they swerve to the left, though, they’re driving into oncoming traffic lanes, which could result in an even more serious collision.
Why do other drivers make this mistake?
In many cases, drivers make this mistake simply because they’re not expecting motorcycles. This can lead to an issue called inattentional blindness, where they don’t see the motorcycle even when they’re looking at it.
Additionally, many drivers who are waiting to turn left are watching traffic because they’re looking for a safe gap. Because of the small size of a motorcycle, it could be hidden behind other oncoming vehicles. The driver who is waiting to turn believes that they have an upcoming gap and simply turns as soon as it arrives, without taking the time to double-check and see that there’s actually a motorcycle driving in the gap already.
This type of crash can lead to traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and other severe injuries. If this has happened to you, be sure you know how to seek financial compensation.
