Have you been injured in a left-turn motorcycle collision in North Carolina? At Poisson, Poisson & Bower, PLLC, we assist victims of left-turn motorcycle accidents across North Carolina in pursuing the fair compensation they deserve.
Our experienced left-turn accident attorneys understand the heightened risks motorcyclists face when drivers of other vehicles carelessly turn left into their path, which can result in severe injuries or fatalities for bikers. We tirelessly advocate for our clients’ rights and help them pursue maximum compensation for their injuries and related losses.
Contact us today to discuss your situation and learn more about your legal rights in a free consultation with a personal injury attorney at Poisson, Poisson & Bower, PLLC.
Common Causes of Left-Hand Turn Motorcycle Accidents in NC
Left-turn accidents involving motorcycles and other passenger vehicles are common in both urban and rural areas of North Carolina. Often unfolding at four-way intersections, these incidents highlight the inherent dangers that intersections pose to motorcyclists.
The failure of car and truck drivers to yield while making left-hand turns is a primary cause of these motorcycle collisions, which often lead to severe injuries or fatalities for motorcyclists and motorcycle passengers. Such collisions typically occur when a motorcyclist is riding straight through an intersection, only to be met by an oncoming car turning left across their path. In this scenario, the other driver most likely failed to yield to the motorcyclist’s right-of-way due to several factors, including:
- Driver error – The driver misjudges the motorcyclist’s speed and distance or fails to see the oncoming motorcycle at all. This often occurs when drivers fail to check their blind spots.
- Distracted driving – Drivers who talk on the phone, send texts, watch videos, or succumb to other distractions may not notice the oncoming motorcyclists and have a slower reaction time when they do.
- Illegal turns – Drivers may unlawfully enter an intersection at a red light or otherwise fail to obey traffic laws, resulting in a left-turn collision with an innocent motorcycle rider.
- Speeding – Driving too fast gives drivers less time and space to react to a motorcyclist riding lawfully through an intersection.
- Driving under the influence – Impaired drivers may not be focused or react quickly enough to oncoming traffic.
Types of Injuries from Left-Turn Collisions Involving Motorcyclists
Motorcycle accidents are generally far more dangerous than other types of vehicle crashes due to motorcyclists’ lack of protection. Serious injuries bikers suffer from left-turn accidents include:
- Hand, arm, and shoulder injuries – Injuries to the arms, hands, wrists, and shoulders commonly occur when a biker tries to catch themselves or break their fall after being thrown from their motorcycle. These injuries may include broken bones, soft tissue damage, and nerve damage to the upper arm, known as biker’s arm.
- Upper torso injuries – Upper torso injuries often occur in collisions after a biker is thrown from their motorcycle. These injuries can result in broken ribs, internal organ damage, and internal bleeding. Upper torso injuries can be extremely serious and may be life-threatening.
- Head injuries – Head injuries can cause permanent physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. Common head injuries from motorcycle crashes include concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), coma, hemorrhaging, brain swelling, seizures, and paralysis.
- Neck and spinal injuries – Spinal cord injuries are devastating and can result in partial or total paralysis.
- Road rash – Road rash is an abrasion injury a biker can sustain after sliding across asphalt during a crash. Road rash can lead to flayed skin, exposed bones or nerves, and infection.
Identifying Liability in NC Left-Turn Motorcycle Crashes
Injured motorcyclists can pursue legal action against careless drivers who cause crashes while making left turns. Under North Carolina law, drivers executing left turns must use caution, stay alert, and keep a proper lookout to ensure they can safely complete the turn without disrupting traffic flow.
When a negligent driver turning left into an intersection fails to yield to oncoming traffic, that driver typically bears primary responsibility for any resulting losses. Failure to yield is a violation of state traffic law regarding right-of-way. A driver who fails to yield to an oncoming vehicle may receive a traffic citation and be found liable for compensating an injured motorcyclist for their injuries.
Determining liability in North Carolina left-turn crashes requires an experienced motorcycle accident attorney to collect and analyze evidence and establish the liability of the at-fault motorist. Motorcycle accidents differ from car crashes and need the guidance of lawyers with specific experience handling motorcycle accident claims.
How a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Maximize Your Injury Settlement
Insurance companies often try to persuade motorcycle accident victims to accept a swift settlement without legal representation. It’s crucial to recognize that insurance companies do not prioritize the victim’s best interests and seek to minimize payouts for their own financial benefit. A single misstep in negotiating with insurance companies can lead to a substantial reduction or outright denial of the victim’s claim.
Our left-turn accident lawyers are experienced in dealing with insurance companies. We can handle all communications and negotiations with them to pursue maximum compensation for your injuries. Our legal team diligently assesses each client’s losses, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
Trust an experienced attorney from our law firm to safeguard your legal rights and pursue the total compensation you rightfully deserve in a personal injury claim.
Why Hire Our Left-Turn Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in North Carolina
Left-turn accidents are common for motorcyclists. If a careless driver struck you while turning left across your path, our North Carolina left-turn accident attorneys are ready to help you pursue your case against the at-fault driver and their insurance company. We will gather all the necessary evidence and investigate the facts to build a strong case.
Our knowledgeable legal team can explain North Carolina laws relating to your accident. After preparing a solid case, we can negotiate with the insurance companies from a position of strength and handle all aspects of your claim while you focus on recovery.
Talk to Our Experienced North Carolina Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
At Poisson, Poisson & Bower, PLLC, we regularly guide injured motorcycle riders through bringing a successful claim against careless drivers. Our attorneys have more than 40 years of experience helping motorcycle accident victims at our offices in Wilmington and Wadesboro.
Contact a motorcycle accident attorney at our law firm for a free initial consultation.
