Left-turn accidents typically occur when a driver turns without yielding right-of-way to a driver traveling straight ahead. In particular, left-turn motorcycle accidents often lead to severe injuries or fatalities. Due to the typical size and weight of a car, motorcyclists lack adequate protection when they collide with a much larger vehicle. When a left-turn driver strikes a motorcycle, the motorcyclist or their passengers may choose to bring a negligence lawsuit to recover compensation for their injuries. However, motorcyclists should first understand how courts determine fault in a left-turn motorcycle accident.
A recent news article reported on a left-turn accident that left a motorcyclist dead. According to the article, a woman in Florida was driving north when she turned left at an intersection. As the woman made the turn, she struck a motorcyclist traveling south, who was thrown off his motorcycle. The motorcyclist was taken to a nearby hospital, where he sadly died from his injuries.
How Can You Prove Fault in a Maryland Left-Turn Motorcycle Accident?
To prove fault in a Maryland left-turn accident, plaintiffs must show that the defendant’s negligent driving caused the accident. Failing to obey Maryland traffic laws can provide some evidence of fault. Under Maryland law, drivers making a left turn must yield the right-of-way to any oncoming vehicles. This rule applies on private roads and busy highways at intersections with or without a stop sign. Unless left-turn drivers have a green arrow traffic light, they do not have the right-of-way. While the driver making the left turn is often the at-fault party, there are circumstances when the fault lies with the injured party. For example, the injured driver or motorcycle rider may have committed a separate traffic violation, such as running a red light.
In a negligence lawsuit, the left-turn driver may attempt to prove the injured plaintiff committed a traffic violation or otherwise shared some portion of fault for the accident. Under Maryland law, if plaintiffs are even 1% responsible for their injuries, they cannot recover any damages. Defendants will attempt to take advantage of Maryland’s strict no-fault rule, often known as contributory negligence, and try to prove the plaintiff was partially at fault. However, an experienced Maryland personal injury attorney can help you form a legal strategy to make sure a left-turn driver does not evade liability for your harm.
Have You Been Injured in a Maryland Left-Turn Motorcycle Accident?
If you have suffered injuries in a Maryland left-turn motorcycle accident in Prince George’s, Charles, Baltimore, or Montgomery County, contact Lebowitz & Mzhen to help you recover the compensation you deserve. The attorneys at our firm have decades of experience handling complex personal injury cases, including car, truck, and motorcycle accidents. After a severe left-turn accident, you may be unsure of your next steps. At Lebowitz & Mzhen, our attorneys will work with you to simplify the process and develop the strongest case possible. To discuss your case with an experienced Maryland personal injury attorney, contact our office for a free initial consultation at 800-654-1949.