A left turn is one of the primary causes of a motorcycle accident, and one of the leading causes of biker injuries. A National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) report has shown that about 60 percent of crashes that occur while turning or crossing an intersection involve left turns, while only about 3 percent involve right turns.

If you live in Hackensack or anywhere in Bergen, Hudson or Passaic Counties and have received serious injury in a motorcycle accident that was the result of someone else’s negligence, now is the time to contact Levin & Malkin, PC. Our motorcycle accident attorneys are experienced, highly skilled, and have an outstanding record of successful outcomes.

Why Left Turns Present Increased Risk of Motorcycle Accidents 

NHTSA data shows that 42 percent of fatal motorcycle crashes involving another vehicle occur when a car turns left while the motorcycle is going straight, passing, or trying to overtake the car. In most cases, motorists insist that they didn’t even see the smaller vehicle.

Left turns are dangerous maneuvers for a number of reasons, including:

  • Most drivers tend to accelerate going into a left turn. The wider the turn and the greater the speed, the less visibility the driver has. Others, particularly pedestrians and bikers may be in the driver’s blind spots during the left turn.
  • Left-hand turns generally demand more effort and concentration than right turns, making distracted or impaired drivers present an even greater risk than they usually do.
  • Left-hand turns are disruptive to the easy flow of traffic 
  • Some left-turn drivers forget to put on their turn signals, heightening the danger.
  • Almost all drivers making left turns have to cross at least one lane of traffic
  • Left turning drivers must be aware of drivers potentially coming at them from as many as three directions and traffic lanes are often obstructed during the left turn.
  • When it comes to left turns, much depends on split-second timing and judgment so a moment of inattention can be disastrous

Whether the motorcycle is making the left turn or the biker is hit by a driver who is making a left, the motorcycle rider is at a distinct disadvantage since he/she has no protection against the weight and speed of the larger vehicle.

Why Motorcyclists are More Vulnerable to Injury than Motorists

Looking at a biker on the road it is easy to understand why those who ride motorcycles are far more prone to injury in left-turn accidents than those riding in cars. In spite of New Jersey requirements that motorcycle riders wear helmets to protect them from traumatic brain injuries, motorcyclists are more than 30 times more likely to die in traffic accidents than those in autos. 

The reasons are obvious:

  1. Motorcyclists are not enclosed in a protective metal cage
  2. Motorcycles have two wheels rather than four, decreasing stability
  3. Motorcycles are much smaller, lighter weight, and less visible than cars, especially at night or in bad weather
  4. Riding a motorcycle requires more skill and balance than driving a car

The Serious Injuries Motorcyclists Suffer in Left Turn Accidents

At Levin & Malkin, we have fought aggressively for the rights of bikers who have suffered catastrophic injuries in left turn accidents, such as: 

The oft-repeated saying that “there are no fender benders on a motorcycle” rings all too true.

This is why it is essential to get a strong motorcycle accident attorney from Levin & Malkin on the case promptly. 

Damages We Will Fight to Obtain

While you rest and recover, our law team will fight vigorously to negotiate a maximum settlement for all related expenses and intangible losses, including:

  • Medical and rehabilitation costs
  • Lost income, present and future
  • Property damage or loss
  • Pain and suffering
  • Permanent disability
  • Permanent scarring or other disfigurements
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

Wrongful Death in a Left Turn Motorcycle Accident

If you and your family are coping with the tragedy of having lost a loved one in a left turn motorcycle accident, our empathic attorneys are fully prepared to offer you legal and emotional support. We will file a wrongful death lawsuit on your behalf and work tirelessly to obtain damages for final medical expenses, funeral costs, and loss of economic and emotional support. 

We Are on Your Side No Matter What

Our motorcycle accident attorneys are always on your side. Because New Jersey motorcyclists are not eligible for personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, if you have been severely injured in a motorcycle crash, you may be overwhelmed by uncovered medical bills. Not only will we file a lawsuit against the negligent driver who caused you harm, but we will not charge you any attorneys’ fees until we win you the damages you deserve.

The sooner we are able to examine the accident site, identify and interview witnesses, collect police data, and consult with experts in accident reconstruction and pertinent medical specialties, the sooner we will be able to calculate how much compensation to seek and which legal strategy to use to win your case. 

If you are partially responsible for the collision — e.g. perhaps you were speeding at the time you were hit — we will still fight hard to persuade the court that you are legitimately owed compensation. Although under the modified comparative negligence laws of New Jersey you cannot receive damages if you bear more fault than the other party, our motorcycle accident attorneys know how to tip the odds in your favor. You should be aware, however, that the percent of blame the court assigns you will be deducted from your awarded damages.

Contact Levin & Malkin Today — Turn to Us When You Don’t Know Where to Turn

Our motorcycle accident attorneys have a well-earned reputation for integrity and for treating motorcyclists with respect. We firmly believe that bikers have equal rights on the roads of New Jersey and should always be treated fairly. If you have suffered serious harm in a left turn motorcycle accident or any other type of traffic collision, reach out to us. We are here to help.