Left turn accidents are among the most common and dangerous threats motorcyclists face, often occurring when a car driver simply fails to see the motorcycle or misjudges its speed while making a turn.
In Wisconsin, these collisions involve clear violations of right-of-way rules, yet insurance companies often try to shift blame onto the motorcyclist using prejudiced assumptions about rider behavior.
If you were injured in a left turn motorcycle accident, a Milwaukee motorcycle accident attorney can help you fight back against these unfair tactics and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Left Turn Crashes for Motorcyclists
Left turn motorcycle crashes typically occur at intersections when a driver making a left turn fails to yield to oncoming traffic, including motorcycles traveling straight through.
Because motorcycles are smaller and less visible than passenger vehicles, drivers often claim they “didn’t see” the rider, even when the motorcycle had the clear right of way.
Several dangerous driver behaviors contribute to these preventable collisions:
- Failure to check blind spots before initiating a left turn
- Distracted driving, including texting, adjusting controls, or talking to passengers
- Misjudging a motorcycle’s speed and assuming there’s enough time to complete the turn
- Failure to signal intentions before turning left
- Running red lights or turning on yellow without ensuring the intersection is clear
- Inattentional blindness, where drivers look but don’t actually register the motorcycle’s presence
- Impaired driving due to alcohol, drugs, or fatigue affecting judgment and reaction time
Severe Injuries in Left Turn Motorcycle Collisions
When a vehicle strikes you broadside or forces you to crash while attempting evasive maneuvers, the resulting trauma can be severe and long-lasting. Unlike drivers protected by airbags and steel frames, you are exposed and vulnerable.
Motorcyclists involved in left turn accidents frequently suffer:
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions that can lead to cognitive impairment, memory loss, and permanent disability
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis resulting from the violent impact and fall
- Broken bones and fractures, particularly in the legs, arms, ribs, and pelvis
- Road rash and severe lacerations requiring skin grafts and causing permanent scarring
- Internal organ damage that may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening
- Crush injuries when pinned between vehicles or trapped under a car
Proving Driver Negligence in Left Turn Motorcycle Crashes
In Wisconsin, victims of motorcycle accidents have the right to pursue compensation through personal injury claims against the at-fault driver. However, you must prove the other driver was at fault for the crash in order to secure this compensation.
Establishing liability requires proving that the driver breached their duty of care by failing to yield the right of way and that this negligence directly caused your injuries.
You can leverage several pieces of evidence to establish negligence:
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Traffic camera footage or surveillance video
- Accident reconstruction analysis by experts
- Photographs and videos of the scene
- Your medical records
Cannon & Dunphy S.C. Will Protect Your Rights Every Step of the Way
When a driver turns left into your path, the collision that follows can be catastrophic. While you are on the road to recovery, trust Cannon & Dunphy S.C. to secure the resources you need to heal.
We’ve helped countless motorcyclists hold negligent drivers accountable for failing to yield the right of way. Contact us at (262) 239-4124 for a free, confidential consultation about your left-turn motorcycle accident case.