Left turns are generally made without any issue, but they are actually quite dangerous for Maryland motorcyclists. In fact, about one-fifth of all crashes in the United States are caused during a left turn, according to a study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA). Even more alarming, in 42 percent of all fatal two-vehicle crashes involving a motorcycle and another type of vehicle, the other vehicle was making a left turn while the motorcyclist was going straight, passing, or overtaking another vehicle, according to statistics from the NHTSA in 2013. This type of tragic left turn accident occurred last week, killing the motorcyclist in the crash.
According to one news source, the motorcyclist was killed in the left-turn crash with a truck. A preliminary investigation by local law enforcement indicated that the 21-year-old truck driver was attempting to make a left turn and crashed into the motorcyclist as the motorcyclist was driving straight in the opposite direction. Police are continuing to investigate the crash and no charges have been filed yet. The 46-year-old motorcyclist had been riding a 2003 Harley Davidson and died at the scene of the crash.
Why Are Left Turns So Dangerous for Motorcyclists?
Left turns are dangerous because drivers have to decide a number of things in a short period of time, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The NHTSA advises drivers to make sure to take the time to look in one’s rear and side-view mirrors and to wait until drivers can see around any obstructions and to scan the roadway for all users, including pedestrians and motorcyclists, who can be hard to see. The NHTSA reports that 41% of all motorcycle crashes are due to drivers reportedly failing to see motorcycles. Drivers may be distracted or it may be that weather, signage, or other parties played a role in the crash. Drivers may also have been under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or medication. There are a number of factors and assigning blame and liability for the crash can be complicated in a personal injury lawsuit.
Injury victims and their families may be able to file lawsuits against multiple parties liable for the crash—and may need to defend against claims of the victim’s fault in the crash. An experienced personal injury lawyer can assist by identifying who to file a claim against, what claims to file, and how to properly back up those claims.
Have You Been Injured in a Maryland Motorcycle Accident?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Maryland motorcycle accident, contact an experienced Maryland injury attorney as soon as possible. Lebowitz & Mzhen, LLC has represented injured victims for over 20 years in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia. They understand the complex issues that arise in personal injury cases and take pride in advocating for the rights of victims. They have helped numerous accident victims file claims and pursue the compensation that they deserve. To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation, call Lebowitz & Mzhen at 1-800-654-1949 or contact them online. Calling is free, and we will never bill you for our representation unless we can help you recover compensation for your injuries.