Maryland Motorcycle Accidents Caused by Improper Left-Hand Turns

Motorcyclists have the very same rights to use the roads as other motorists, and this means that other motorists must yield the right-of-way to motorcyclists when necessary. However, each year, there are thousands of motorcycle accidents involving a motorist’s failure to yield to a motorcyclist.

Of all Maryland motorcycle accidents, the most common are when a motorcyclist is traveling straight and another vehicle attempts to make a left-hand turn in front of the motorcyclist. Indeed, National Highway Transportation Safety Administration data suggests that approximately 40% of all motorcycle accidents involving a motorcycle and another vehicle are caused by the driver making a left-hand turn in front of the motorcyclist.

Left-turn motorcycle accidents are common for a number of reasons. First, motorists may not be accustomed to sharing the road with motorcycles, which have a slimmer profile than cars. This often results in a motorist’s inability to accurately gauge how fast a motorcycle is traveling at the moment the motorist decides to initiate a left-hand turn. Another common reason for left-turn motorcycle accidents is the motorist’s failure to see an approaching motorcycle. This is often due to distracted driving on the motorist’s part.

Young Man Killed in Left-Hand Turn Motorcycle Accident

Earlier this month, a 24-year-old man was killed when the motorcycle he was operating was struck by another vehicle. According to a local news report, the motorcyclist was traveling straight when the other motorist attempted to make a left-hand turn into an apartment complex as the two vehicles approached. Sadly, the 18-year-old motorist miscalculated the amount of time she had to complete the turn and turned right into the path of the motorcyclist. The motorcyclist was left with no time to avoid the other vehicle and crashed squarely into the side of the vehicle.

The motorcyclist was thrown from the bike and was taken to the hospital as soon as emergency responders arrived on the scene. He was later pronounced dead from the injuries he sustained in the accident. Two others involved in the accident were also taken to the hospital and are expected to make a full recovery. There was no indication that speed was a factor in the accident, but authorities told reporters that a full investigation will be conducted.

Have You Been Injured in a Maryland Motorcycle Accident?

If you or a loved one has recently been injured in a Maryland motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. The dedicated team of Maryland personal injury attorneys at the law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers has extensive experience assisting victims and their families with seeking the compensation they deserve. We offer victims free consultations to discuss their case with no expectations or obligations. To schedule your free consultation with a Maryland injury attorney at Lebowitz & Mzhen, call 410-654-3600 today. Calling is free, and we will not bill you for our services unless we are able to help you get the compensation you deserve.

More Blog Posts:

Court Discusses Recreational Use Immunity Statute in Recent Bicycle Injury Case, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published January 18, 2018.

Parental Responsibility for Maryland Motorcycle Accidents, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published February 6, 2018.

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