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.
How Can You Prove Fault in a Maryland Left-Turn Motorcycle Accident?
To prove fault in a Maryland left-turn accident, plaintiffs must show that the defendant’s negligent driving caused the accident. Failing to obey Maryland traffic laws can provide some evidence of fault. Under Maryland law, drivers making a left turn must yield the right-of-way to any oncoming vehicles. This rule applies on private roads and busy highways at intersections with or without a stop sign. Unless left-turn drivers have a green arrow traffic light, they do not have the right-of-way. While the driver making the left turn is often the at-fault party, there are circumstances when the fault lies with the injured party. For example, the injured driver or motorcycle rider may have committed a separate traffic violation, such as running a red light.