What Is the Most Common Type of Collision Between Cars and Motorcycles?

Accidents that happen between cars and motorcycles often have devastating consequences, leaving motorcycle riders with severe injuries and trauma that can last a lifetime. Understanding the most common type of collision helps highlight the risks motorcyclists face and emphasizes the importance of safety measures for both drivers and motorcyclists.

The most commonly reported type of crash happens when a car makes a left-hand turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle. The National Traffic Safety Administration reports that there were more than 3,000 fatal two-vehicle crashes in 2021 involving a motorcycle and another type of vehicle. Forty-three percent (1,315) of these crashes happened when the other vehicles were making left turns while motorcycles were going straight or passing them.

This situation is responsible for a significant percentage of motorcycle crashes and raises important questions about visibility, awareness, and fault.

Left-Turn Collisions

Left-turn crashes typically happen at intersections and crossroads where both visibility and timing play a critical role in driver safety. When a car attempts to turn left, the driver might fail to notice an approaching or passing motorcycle, or misjudge its speed and distance.

Motorcycles are smaller and harder to see than cars, making them more susceptible to being overlooked, especially when cars are turning. When this happens, motorcyclists are left with barely any reaction time, which often leads to a severe accident.

Cars may turn directly into the path of an oncoming motorcycle, leaving riders unable to swerve or brake in time to avoid a crash.

Even at lower speeds, serious injuries, including brain injuries and spinal trauma, can result, especially given the minimal protection that motorcycles offer compared to enclosed vehicles.

Why Left-Turn Collisions Are So Common

Several factors contribute to the high frequency of left-turn collisions between cars and motorcycles.

Drivers may be distracted, fail to check for smaller vehicles or misunderstand the right-of-way rules.

In some cases, drivers underestimate the speed at which motorcycles are traveling, leading them to turn when it is unsafe. Poor weather conditions and obstructed views at intersections further increase the risk.

Motorcycles are particularly vulnerable because they are less stable than cars and lack structural barriers to absorb the impact. Riders must rely on visibility and defensive driving techniques to avoid accidents but can’t always predict when a car may suddenly turn into their path.

Even experienced cyclists can have difficulty maneuvering fast enough to avoid a left-turn crash.

The Legal Implications

When a left-turn accident happens, figuring out who was at fault is a vital step in resolving legal claims. In most of these cases, it’s the driver making the left turn who’s considered at fault, as they must yield to oncoming traffic.

However, exceptions may arise if the motorcyclist was exceeding the speed limit, running a red light, or violating other traffic laws.

Motorcyclists injured in left-turn collisions often face medical expenses, lost wages, and long recovery periods. Filing personal injury claims can help recover compensation, but to establish fault, you must be able to offer clear evidence. This is where the experienced attorneys at Pittman, Roberts & Welsh, PLLC, can help.

Police reports, eyewitness statements, and camera footage are often pivotal in proving who was responsible for an accident. Depending on state laws, comparative negligence regulations may also come into play, reducing compensation if you (the motorcyclist) are found partially at fault for the crash.

Preventing Left-Turn Collisions

Preventing left-turn collisions requires an effort from both drivers and motorcyclists. Drivers must develop better awareness of motorcycles on the road, taking extra care at intersections and yielding were required.

Check your mirrors and blind spots frequently, always use your turn signals, and ignore distractions. These alone can significantly reduce the chances of being in an accident.

As a motorcyclist, you can also take some steps to increase your visibility and safety, including:

• Wearing brightly colored or reflective gear
• Keeping your headlights on during the day
• Using defensive driving skills that can reduce the risk of being overlooked

Infrastructure improvements, such as better signage and protected left-turn lanes, can also play a role in reducing these types of accidents. Traffic engineers continue to explore ways to make intersections safer for all road users.

The Impact of Left-Turn Collisions on Motorcyclists

The injuries you may sustain in a left-turn collision are often severe due to the lack of protection your motorcycle provides.

You can suffer fractures, head injuries, spinal damage, or road rash, which can lead to long-term medical complications and rehabilitation. The emotional impact of these crashes shouldn’t be overlooked either, as many motorcyclists experience anxiety, fear, and even PTSD about returning to the road.

Financial burdens can compound the physical and emotional toll, especially if you aren’t able to work during your recovery, which can be prolonged. Insurance claims and legal processes add another layer of complexity, requiring careful navigation to secure the maximum compensation for your medical bills, property damage, and any other related losses.

At Pittman, Roberts & Welsh, PLLC, we know from experience that left-turn collisions between cars and motorcycles are some of the most common traumatic accidents on the road. By understanding these risks and using safer driving behaviors, you can help reduce the frequency of these crashes and protect yourself and vulnerable motorcyclists.

Both drivers and riders share responsibility for improving road safety by staying alert, following traffic regulations, and respecting each other’s rights on the road.

When accidents do occur, understanding the legal framework for determining fault and seeking professional advice can make all the difference in your recovery and amount of compensation.

We can help.