Driving a motorcycle is an exciting thrill for many, but getting in an accident is a serious risk. One of the best ways to avoid accidents is to indicate left turns properly. When turning left, a motorcycle driver is at high risk because they are crossing two lanes. Accidents involving left turns are, therefore, difficult and intriguing lawsuit cases.
Motorcycle Drivers Must Indicate A Left Turn
It is important for motorcycle drivers to indicate a left turn either with their bike's turn signal or by giving the proper hand signal (the left hand pointing straight). This is necessary to show drivers around them that they are about to turn left and that they need to yield to them to prevent accidents. The importance of this cannot be overstated, as motorcycle drivers are at serious risk of death in collisions.
In cases where the passenger of a motorcycle indicates a left turn, the driver can still be found liable because it is their duty, not the passenger's, to show a left turn. This was tested in a case in Ohio in which a driver was found guilty of operating a vehicle without turn signals because the passenger, not the driver, used hand signals.
Car Drivers May Be At Fault For Failure To Yield
In cases where the motorcycle clearly signaled a left turn, either through bike signals or hand signals, other drivers must yield to them. Failure to do so in an accident case puts liability on this driver. Why? As mentioned above, motorcycle drivers are considered more fragile or exposed then those in other motor vehicles. As a result, they get the right-of-way in situations like this.
This is similar to the way that people on foot get the right-of-way in accident cases. They, like motorcycle drivers, are at a more serious risk of injury. Therefore, failure to yield to a motorcycle driver during a properly signaled left turn is a serious offense.
Comparative Negligence Is Important Here
In accident cases, negligence is typically the most common determining factor for liability. This is known as the concept of "comparative negligence." Comparative negligence argues that in cases where negligence occurs in both drivers, the one who was more negligent is the one who will suffer with the highest burden of liability.
For example, if a motorcycle driver neglects to signal a left turn and is hit by a driver who is speeding well past the acceptable limit, the second driver is likely to be more negligent due to the higher danger caused by their behavior. Only a good motorcycle accident lawyer can help protect drivers from suffering in serious lawsuits like these. If you're in an accident while riding a motorcycle, contact a law firm like the D Chadwick Calvert Law Office for assistance.
