Published on behalf of Motorcyclists often suffer severe injuries in intersection accidents. The usual scenario involves the driver of a car, truck or bus who turns directly into the path of the motorcycle. Most of the time, a driver attempts to make a left hand turn, and simply does not see the motorcycle. If an actual collision does not occur, the motorcyclist suffers severe injury due to taking evasive maneuvers and losing control of the motorcycle or coming into contact with the road.
Nine times out of ten in a Pennsylvania motorcycle accident situation, when a driver makes a left turn directly into the path of a motorcycle, the accident will be the driver’s fault. Under Pennsylvania motor vehicle law, drivers navigating left turns must yield the right of way to vehicles approaching from the opposite direction.
75 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 3322 provides: “The driver of a vehicle intending to turn left within an intersection or into an alley, private road or driveway shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction which is so close as to constitute a hazard.”
Why Drivers Making Left Turns Don’t See Motorcyclists
When deposed, drivers who cause left hand turn accidents with motorcycles often state that they just didn’t see the motorcycle. It is a common occurrence. Drivers simply do not see motorcycles. Motorcycles are, by nature, much smaller than even the smallest vehicles. In addition, these accidents tend to peak at dusk or evening hours, when visibility is low.
Liability in a Left Hand Turn Motorcycle Accident Case in Pennsylvania
Under the laws of Pennsylvania, drivers who cause left hand turn accidents are likely to face civil liability. They may be liable to pay medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering damage. For more information about recovering pain and suffering damages in a PA motorcycle accident case, click here. In addition to the driver, other parties may bear liability for an intersection accident, such as a government agency or a local business/individual.
A local or state government entity may be liable for issues such as an improperly designed or maintained roadway. A business or individual which owns property immediately adjacent to the intersection may also be liable for sight distance issues or other traffic issues contributed to the accident. However, in order to determine these issues, it is vital to have the case investigated immediately by a knowledgeable motorcycle accident lawyer.
For more information, contact a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania motorcycle accident lawyer.
More Pennsylvania Motorcycle Accident Legal Articles:
- Pennsylvania Motorcycle Accidents – Steps to Take After an Accident
- Investigating Pennsylvania Motorcycle Accident Cases for Liability Beyond the Other Driver
- Pennsylvania Motorcycle Accident Law – Who Pays for Medical Bills?
Pennsylvania Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
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Schwartz & Blackman handles motorcycle accident cases in the Pennsylvania and New Jersey area:
- PA: Berks County, Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Montgomery County, Philadelphia County, Allentown, Lehigh Valley, Norristown, Philadelphia
- NJ: Atlantic County, Burlington County, Camden County, Gloucester County, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Camden, Cherry Hill, New Jersey shore cities
*This website does not provide legal advice. Every case is unique and it is important to get a qualified, expert legal opinion prior to making any decisions about your case. See the full disclaimer at the bottom of this page.