A car/truck/SUV turning in front of a motorcyclist is one of the most dangerous scenarios a motorcyclist will face on the roads. Often, these crashes are the result of the other driver neglecting to keep an appropriate lookout and failing to properly assess the motorcyclist's presence and proximity, therefore turning in front of the motorcyclist and leaving him/her with no way to avoid a collision. When that happens, the crash may cause the motorcyclist to ensure severe or even fatal harm. If you're a motorcyclist or motorcycle passenger who was seriously hurt due to another driver's negligence, then you owe it to yourself to consult with a knowledgeable Santa Barbara motorcycle accident lawyer about your circumstance.
Recently, a 45-year-old Goleta motorcyclist lost his life in a two-vehicle crash involving a left turn, according to a Santa Barbara Independent report.
Based on the news release the California Highway Patrol issued, the other driver, who was behind the wheel of a U.S. Postal Service vehicle, made a left turn from westbound Marina Drive onto a small, dead-end street. The motorcyclist, who was traveling eastbound on Marina Drive, then collided with the right-hand side of the postal vehicle. That impact threw the cyclist off his motorcycle and he landed in the roadway. Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene.
The CHP's news release indicated that they did not suspect that drugs or alcohol were factors in the crash.
Obviously, there are many facts we don't know, but here are some key things we do know. We know the weather conditions ("clear" and "calm," according to the CHP) weren't a factor. We know drugs and alcohol likely weren't factors. We know that the postal vehicle and the motorcycle collided as the motorcycle traveled straight ahead and the postal vehicle attempted to make a left turn, with the motorcycle striking the postal vehicle on its right side.
These facts raise at least the distinct possibility that, despite the motorcyclist having the right-of-way, the driver of the postal vehicle improperly failed to yield when he turned left in front of the motorcyclist.
The Dangers of Motorcycles and Left-Turning Vehicles
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, about 50% of all motorcycle crashes involve left turns. By contrast, that number is closer to 6% for right turns. Even if not fatal, these left-turn crashes can cause motorcyclists to suffer life-altering catastrophic or severe injuries. A motorcyclist whose collision throws them from their bike may succeed in "catching" themselves as they land, but they may do so at the price of inflicting substantial and potentially permanent damage to their wrists, hands, and shoulders. These damages may range from soft tissue harm to broken bones.
Given the seriousness of most motorcycle injuries, getting a proper recovery via insurance payouts and/or litigation is crucial. This compensation may cover a variety of expenses ranging from medical/rehabilitation costs to pain and suffering to lost income to property damage.
Getting skillful legal representation as soon as possible can be vital to obtaining that proper recovery. The helpful Santa Barbara motorcycle accident attorneys at the law firm of Galine, Frye, Fitting & Frangos, LLP understand that success in a motorcycle accident case means getting evidence (like crash scene photos/videos) as quickly as possible, accurately completing all the necessary paperwork, and much more. Reach out to a personal injury lawyer. Our team is eager to discuss how we can help you. Contact us at 805-617-1365 or through our website to get a free case consultation today.
