Left-turn collisions are among the most dangerous types of crashes for motorcycle riders. When a driver turns left in front of an oncoming motorcycle, the rider has little time to react and almost no protection from the force of the collision. These failure-to-yield accidents in Charlotte often result in devastating injuries that change lives forever.
At Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys, we have spent over 45 years fighting for injury victims throughout North Carolina and South Carolina. Our team understands how challenging it can be for motorcycle accident victims to pursue compensation. Read what our past clients say about working with us and contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case with a Charlotte left-turn motorcycle accident lawyer.
How Can a Charlotte Motorcycle Accident Attorney Help You?
After a serious motorcycle crash, you need a legal team that will handle every aspect of your motorcycle accident claim while you focus on healing. You can count on our legal team to:
- Conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the collision
- Gather and preserve all available evidence before it disappears
- Identify every party that may share responsibility for your injuries
- Consult with accident reconstruction experts and medical specialists
- Calculate the full value of your current and future losses
- Handle all communication with insurance adjusters
- Negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement
- Take your case to trial if the insurance company fails to make an acceptable offer.
Why Do Left-Turn Motorcycle Crashes Typically Happen?
Most left-turn motorcycle accidents occur because drivers fail to see approaching riders or misjudge the riders’ speed. Several common factors contribute to these dangerous collisions.
Drivers often fail to yield the right of way at intersections, driveways, and parking lot entrances. They may quickly glance, see no cars approaching, and turn directly into the path of an oncoming motorcycle. Because motorcycles have a smaller profile than passenger vehicles, drivers sometimes look past them.
Speed perception also plays a role. Many drivers struggle to accurately judge the distance and speed of approaching motorcycles. A driver may believe they have plenty of time to complete a turn, only to realize too late that the motorcyclist was traveling faster than expected.
Distracted driving increases the danger in these situations. A driver checking a phone or adjusting the radio may never see an approaching rider at all.
What Are Common Injuries in Left-Turn Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcycle riders lack the structural protection that surrounds occupants of passenger vehicles. When a car or truck strikes a motorcycle during a left-turn collision, the rider often suffers severe injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Road rash
- Internal organ damage
- Crush injuries.
Many victims require multiple surgeries, extended hospital stays, and months or years of rehabilitation. Some never fully recover from their injuries.
Who Could Be at Fault in a Left-Turn Motorcycle Collision?
In most left-turn motorcycle accidents, the driver who turned across traffic typically holds responsibility when they fail to yield to oncoming traffic. The driver may be responsible regardless of whether the collision occurred at an intersection, a driveway entrance, or any other location where the driver attempted to cross the motorcyclist’s path.
Employers may share liability if the at-fault driver was working at the time of the crash. Commercial vehicle operators, delivery drivers, and rideshare drivers may expose their employers to claims.
Government entities could be held responsible in a personal injury lawsuit if poor road design, missing signage, or malfunctioning traffic signals contributed to the collision. Similarly, property owners may face liability if landscaping or the structures on their property hid a motorcyclist from a driver’s view.
What Evidence Proves Liability After a Left-Turn Crash?
Building a strong motorcycle accident claim requires solid evidence that demonstrates how the collision occurred and who caused it. Key evidence in these cases includes:
- Witness statements – Testimony from people who saw the crash can establish that the driver turned directly into the motorcycle’s path.
- Traffic camera footage – Video from nearby businesses or traffic signals may capture the collision.
- Crash reconstruction analysis – Expert witnesses can examine physical evidence to determine the positions and speeds of the vehicles.
- Vehicle damage analysis – The location and type of damage to both vehicles can reveal how the collision happened.
- Police reports – Officers can document their observations and note traffic violations.
- Cell phone records – These records can prove whether the driver was texting or making calls at the time of the crash.
Our attorneys will work to gather this evidence quickly, before it gets lost or destroyed.
What Steps Should I Take After a Left-Turn Motorcycle Accident in Charlotte?
Immediately after a crash, take the following actions to protect your health and optimize your case for compensation:
- Call 911 immediately – Be sure to request police and medical assistance.
- Seek medical attention – You should also follow all medical treatment recommendations and keep detailed records of every appointment. Insurance companies often argue that gaps in treatment show that a motorcycle accident victim’s injuries aren’t serious.
- Document everything you can – Evidence is central to any successful case. Take photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. You can also help your case by getting contact information from witnesses, as well as by writing down your own recollection of events while the details of the collision remain fresh.
- Contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer – Make sure to consult an attorney before speaking with insurance adjusters. What you say to insurers could affect your claim. Your attorney will protect your rights.
Contact Our Charlotte Motorcycle Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
For over 45 years, Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys has built a reputation based on trust, compassion, and results. As a family-oriented firm, we treat every client as a valued member of our community — not just another case file.
Our motorcycle accident attorneys have secured substantial compensation for injured riders throughout North Carolina and South Carolina. Our case results serve as a testament to our commitment to excellence. You can reach our Charlotte office 24/7 to discuss your case. Contact us today to learn more and receive a free consultation concerning your case.
