Many of the risks that motorcyclists face stem from the fact that they have to share the road with larger vehicles. Even if a motorcyclist has the best riding equipment available, they are simply not going to be as safe as someone in a car in the event of a collision. They simply don’t have the same level of protection. When a motorist in a larger vehicle makes a mistake, even an experienced and safe motorcyclist could be significantly injured as a result.
One of the most common reasons that motorcyclists sustain crash-related harm involves a left-turn accident scenario.
How it happens
Left turns are inherently dangerous. If a truck or a passenger car is turning in front of a motorcycle, it means that it has to cross through oncoming lanes. When the driver does this at an inopportune moment, or when they don’t actually have enough space, a motorcyclist can be injured.
For example, you may be approaching a vehicle that has stopped with its blinker on to turn. You assume that they’re going to wait for your motorcycle to go by, so you don’t slow down. But then, at the last second, they start their turn. You have no time to reduce your speed or swerve, and you strike the side of the vehicle.
What should you do?
Swerving to the right and driving onto the shoulder means that you’re serving in the same direction that the other vehicle is turning. But if you swerve the other way, to the left and into the now-open lane, you’re driving into oncoming traffic. This means that motorcyclists often have no option but to hit the brakes and brace for impact.
If this happens to you, you could suffer serious spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, skull fractures and many other complications. You will need to seek medical care right away. As soon as you can after that, consider seeking legal guidance to clarify your options to seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages and other costs.