Articles Posted in Left Turn Accidents

Last updated July 13, 2026 · Reviewed by the attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen

Summer is the heart of riding season in Maryland, and it is also when the most dangerous crashes tend to happen. On July 12, 2026, a collision on Route 301 in Upper Marlboro killed three people when, as WTOP reported based on Maryland State Police findings, a turning vehicle failed to yield to a motorcycle already traveling through the roadway. It is a pattern that repeats across the state every year: a driver turns across a rider’s path, and the person on the motorcycle has nowhere to go. Understanding why these crashes happen, and how the law treats them, matters for every Marylander who rides.

The Turn a Driver Never Completes Safely

Motorcycle crashes often happen in an instant, and left-turn accidents are some of the most common and most dangerous. In Maryland, drivers turning left across traffic frequently claim they “didn’t see” an oncoming motorcycle—until it’s too late. For riders, the result can be devastating: catastrophic injuries, long recovery periods, and a frustrating battle with insurance companies.

If you were hit in this type of collision, you may be entitled to compensation. Under Maryland law, the driver making the left turn is typically responsible—unless they can prove you were speeding or otherwise at fault. But don’t assume that means a quick settlement. These cases often require investigation, medical records, and legal advocacy to move forward successfully.

A two-vehicle crash in Howard County claimed the life of a 76-year-old motorcyclist when a truck driver failed to yield while making a left turn. The incident occurred at U.S. Highway 87 and Driver Road intersection, where a Harley-Davidson rider traveling northeast collided with a Ram 2500 attempting to turn left. The motorcyclist was transported to a local hospital but later succumbed to injuries.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. Initial reports indicate that the truck driver failed to yield the right of way before completing the turn, leading to the deadly collision. No injuries were reported for the individual operating the pickup.

Left turn accidents are some of the most dangerous for motorcyclists. This is mainly because drivers often fail to see motorcycles when making a left turn at an intersection. Motorcycles are smaller and less visible than cars or trucks, which can lead to drivers underestimating the distance or speed of an approaching bike.

When a vehicle turns left in front of an oncoming motorcycle, the motorcyclist often has little time to react. This can result in severe collisions, with the motorcycle crashing into the side of the turning vehicle. The impact can throw the rider from their bike, leading to serious injuries such as broken bones, head trauma, or even death.

Why Do Left Turn Accidents Happen?

Left-turn accidents typically occur when a driver turns without yielding right-of-way to a driver traveling straight ahead. In particular, left-turn motorcycle accidents often lead to severe injuries or fatalities. Due to the typical size and weight of a car, motorcyclists lack adequate protection when they collide with a much larger vehicle. When a left-turn driver strikes a motorcycle, the motorcyclist or their passengers may choose to bring a negligence lawsuit to recover compensation for their injuries. However, motorcyclists should first understand how courts determine fault in a left-turn motorcycle accident.

A recent news article reported on a left-turn accident that left a motorcyclist dead. According to the article, a woman in Florida was driving north when she turned left at an intersection. As the woman made the turn, she struck a motorcyclist traveling south, who was thrown off his motorcycle. The motorcyclist was taken to a nearby hospital, where he sadly died from his injuries.

Left turns are one of the most dangerous driving maneuvers for drivers, especially novice drivers, older adults, and motorcyclists. Even the most careful drivers can find themselves in a precarious situation when they are making a left turn. Maryland left-turn accidents, especially those occurring during a yellow light can have disastrous consequences to drivers, passengers, and bystanders. Those who suffered injuries involving a negligent driver may be able to recover compensation against the at-fault parties. Presenting an iron-clad case for recovery is especially important in Maryland because of the state’s strict contributory negligence statute

According to Maryland’s Traffic Code, yellow lights are a warning to notify drivers that they should slow down because the light is about to change to red. However, many people read this signal as a notice to quickly make the light before it turns red. While accidents involving yellow lights may stem from various situations, most of them involve one driver proceeding straight and another driver trying to make a left, before the light turns red.

The law imposes a duty on turning drivers to ensure that the roadway is safe to make the maneuver. As such, in most cases, the driving turning left will be liable for the accident. However, each case presents unique facts and circumstances, and an attorney can assist injury victims in presenting a compelling case for recovery.