Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog
Although many people take left turns every day without issue, left turns can be a factor in many Maryland motorcycle accidents. Left turns have been a subject of research in recent years, including a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA). In that study, the NHTSA found that in 22.2 percent of crashes studied, the critical pre-crash event was turning left. Turning right accounted for only 1.2 percent of crashes. One study carried out in New York City found that left turns were three times as likely to produce a serious injury or fatality compared to right turns, and left turns were twice as likely to cause a pedestrian or bicyclist fatality compared to right turns. According to that study, 108 pedestrians and bicyclists were killed by left-turning vehicles during a four-year period.
According to the senior vice president for research at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, left turns are difficult because drivers have to make a number of decisions within a short period of time. Left turns are also particularly dangerous for pedestrians, since they have a walk light at the same time that a turning driver has a green light. Another researcher explained that the front piece of the car’s frame can obstruct pedestrians from view. The New York City study also found that the wide turn radius involved in left turns makes them more dangerous because it leads to higher speeds and exposes pedestrians more.
Left turns are also particularly dangerous for motorcyclists. According to statistics from the NHTSA, in 2013, there were 2,182 fatal two-vehicle crashes involving a motorcycle and another type of vehicle. In 922 of these cases (42 percent), the other vehicle was making a left turn while the motorcycle was going straight, passing, or overtaking another vehicle.
Man Killed in Left-Turn Motorcycle Accident
Recently, a man was killed while driving a motorcycle when the motorcycle crashed into the back of a local bus, according to one news source. The crash took place in Tampa, Florida. Local police said that the motorcycle was traveling at a high speed and crashed into the rear corner of the bus. The bus was traveling in the opposite direction and was making a left turn at an intersection. No injuries were reported concerning the bus driver or the bus passengers. Police have begun an investigation and will continue to investigate the crash.
Call a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Maryland or in the surrounding areas, contact Lebowitz & Mzhen, Personal Injury Lawyers. Our injury attorneys have over 20 years of experience fighting for the rights of Maryland accident victims, as well as victims in Washington, D.C., and Virginia. We have helped countless accident victims file claims and pursue the compensation that they need and deserve. Call us now at 800-654-1949 or contact us online to set up a free, no-obligation consultation. There is no risk in calling because we will not bill you for our services unless we can successfully help you recover compensation for your injuries.