Left-Turning Vehicles Can Kill Motorcyclists

Boston Attorneys Fighting for Victims of Serious Motorcycle Accidents

One of the greatest dangers to the motorcycling public is the danger of opposite-traveling vehicles turning left and cutting them off without warning. Sadly, our Boston motorcycle accident lawyers know that this is one of the most common causes of serious injury and death to individuals on motorcycles in our country. Often, these turns are at intersections controlled by lights and turn signals. The reality is that motorcyclists face some of the most devastating injuries on the road. This is due to the lack physical protections around bikers. Because of the small size of bikers and bikes, they can be more difficult to see, especially distracted drivers who may not be paying careful attention to the roadway. One of the most common scenarios that leads to motorcycle injuries is a left turn collision. As vehicles enter an intersection, they may fail to yield the right of way to an oncoming motorcyclist and hit them in a T-bone collision. At Breakstone, White & Gluck, we have handled numerous cases of this nature. With our team, you will receive the responsive and personalized legal counsel that you deserve.

Determining Fault for a Left Turn Collision

According to Massachusetts traffic safety laws, there are strict rules for drivers who are making a left turn across oncoming traffic because it is such a potentially dangerous maneuver. Drivers are required to engage their left turn signal at least 100 feet prior to engaging in the turn, and they must wait until the way is completely clear before proceeding with their turn. If two vehicles approach an intersection from opposite directions at about the same time, the vehicle intending to turn left MUST yield to the vehicle traveling straight. Quite often, the motorist making the left turn is at fault for striking the oncoming motorcycle. You can establish that the other driver was at fault by showing that they failed to yield the right-of-way when required. Since these crashes happen so quickly in busy intersections, it can be difficult to establish exactly what happened. Retaining an experienced and knowledgeable Boston injury lawyer can make all of the difference when it comes to investigating and proving your claim

If it appears that the other driver is at fault for your injuries, your attorney can file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf, seeking compensation for your injuries and damages. In the lawsuit, your attorney will need to show that the other driver did not drive his or her vehicle with sufficient care and skill at the time of the accident and that this caused your injuries. In general, drivers are required to keep their eyes on the road, to pay attention to their surroundings, and to obey traffic laws, including left turn laws. Therefore, if you can show that the driver violated one of these rules, perhaps by referring to a police report, you will have a strong case that the driver should be held liable for your injuries.

After proving that the other driver was careless, your attorney must show that this carelessness was the direct cause of the injuries that you suffered. If you were speeding at the time of the accident, for example, the other driver might challenge the causation element. Once we establish a causal connection, we will offer evidence showing the amount of damages that you have suffered as a result of the crash. This includes past and future medical expenses, as well as any lost wages or lost earning capacity. Since motorcycle accidents result in such devastating injuries, it is critical that you seek the full amount of compensation that you need and deserve.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Boston Lawyer Following Your Crash

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a broadside collision involving a left turn, you may be entitled to compensation. Understanding how to protect your rights, deal with insurance companies, and explore a potential lawsuit can be overwhelming, especially if you are recovering from painful injuries. Our attorneys have handled claims for people in cities such as Boston, Cambridge, Waltham, Lowell, Newton, Somerville, Quincy, Dedham, Norwood, Brookline, Attleboro, Barnstable, Brockton, Plymouth, Worcester, Lawrence, and Springfield. To schedule your free consultation, call us now at 1-800-379-1244 or contact us online.