Left-Turn Motorcycle Accidents in Georgia
What Riders Need to Know About One of the Deadliest Crash Types for Motorcyclists
In Georgia and across the country, one of the most common—and most dangerous—types of motorcycle accidents happens when a vehicle turns left in front of an oncoming rider. These crashes can happen in the blink of an eye, often leaving motorcyclists with life-altering injuries or worse.
At the Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays & Associates, P.C., we’ve represented many riders and families whose lives were changed by a left-turn motorcycle accident. We understand how quickly these crashes occur, how insurance companies attempt to shift blame, and what is required to recover full compensation under Georgia law. If you or a loved one was hurt in a motorcycle wreck involving a left-turning driver, our Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyers are here to help you take the next step.
Why Left-Turn Crashes Are So Dangerous for Motorcyclists
Intersections are already high-risk areas for any driver. But for motorcyclists, they can be deadly, especially when other drivers aren’t paying attention.
A left-turn crash typically occurs when:
- A motorcycle is traveling straight through an intersection
- A car from the opposite direction attempts to turn left
- The driver fails to see the motorcycle or misjudges its speed
- The vehicle turns directly into the rider’s path
Motorcyclists don’t have the same protection as people in enclosed vehicles. When a rider collides with a turning car—or is thrown from the bike—the results are often catastrophic.
Common injuries in these crashes include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), even with a helmet
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Fractures to legs, arms, and ribs
- Pelvic and internal injuries
- Road rash and severe abrasions
- Wrongful death
These are not minor injuries. They often require emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, and long-term lifestyle changes. And when the at-fault driver’s insurance company tries to minimize what happened, a strong legal response becomes critical.
What Causes Left-Turn Motorcycle Accidents?
In most cases, the driver of the turning vehicle is at fault. These crashes are typically caused by:
Failing To Yield The Right Of Way
Under Georgia law, drivers turning left must yield to oncoming traffic unless it’s safe to turn. When they misjudge the speed of a motorcycle, or don’t see it at all, they’re in violation of that duty.
Distracted Driving
Phones, GPS systems, and other distractions can cause drivers to miss an oncoming motorcycle completely. This is a leading cause of intersection crashes throughout the state.
Obstructed Views Or Low Visibility
Sometimes drivers claim they “never saw” the rider. Poor lighting, weather, or other vehicles blocking the line of sight can contribute, but drivers are still expected to look carefully before turning.
Speed Misjudgment
Because motorcycles are smaller than cars, drivers often underestimate how fast they’re going. A driver might think they have time to turn, when in reality, the rider is already in the intersection.
Aggressive Or Impatient Driving
Some drivers simply don’t want to wait, especially in heavy traffic. That impatience can turn deadly when they gamble on making a quick left turn.
Who Is at Fault in a Left-Turn Motorcycle Crash?
Georgia uses a modified comparative negligence system. This means fault can be divided between parties, but an injured person can still recover damages as long as they are less than 50% responsible.
In left-turn cases, the turning driver is often presumed to be at fault. But insurance companies will still look for ways to blame the rider, including:
- Alleging the motorcycle was speeding
- Claiming the rider ran a red light or stop sign
- Suggesting the rider wasn’t visible due to dark clothing or no headlight
- Arguing that the rider “came out of nowhere”
This is where having the right legal team makes all the difference. At Gary Martin Hays & Associates, our Georgia motorcycle accident attorneys investigate these crashes thoroughly, gather witness statements, obtain traffic camera footage when available, and work with accident reconstruction experts when needed to prove liability.
What Evidence Helps Prove Fault in a Left-Turn Crash?
The more evidence you can gather early on, the stronger your case will be. Key pieces of evidence may include:
- Police crash report
- Witness testimony
- Photos of the vehicles, injuries, and skid marks
- Surveillance or traffic camera video
- Black box or event data recorder (from the car, if available)
- Medical records documenting the severity of injuries
- Motorcycle damage report
If you were too injured to collect evidence, don’t worry—that’s our job. Our legal team acts quickly to preserve crash scene evidence and build a case that holds negligent drivers accountable.
What Damages Can Riders Recover After a Left-Turn Motorcycle Accident?
If you were hurt because a driver turned left in front of you, you may be entitled to full compensation for:
- Emergency medical care and hospital bills
- Follow-up treatment, surgery, and rehabilitation
- Prescription medications and mobility aids
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental health impacts like PTSD
- Loss of enjoyment of life
If your loved one was killed in the crash, you may also be eligible to file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for funeral costs, lost financial support, and the emotional loss of a family member.
What If the Insurance Company Blames the Rider?
It’s a common tactic, especially in left-turn motorcycle cases. Insurance companies are aware that bikers often carry a stigma. They may try to paint the rider as reckless, speeding, or inexperienced, even when the driver clearly turned into their path.
We don’t let that slide.
At Gary Martin Hays & Associates, we push back hard on blame-shifting. We work with accident investigators, review the evidence, and tell your side of the story—because what happened to you deserves the full truth, not a distorted version created to save the insurer money.
What You Should Do After a Left-Turn Motorcycle Crash
If you’re physically able after the crash, or can act shortly afterward, here’s what matters most:
Seek Immediate Medical Treatment
Even if you feel okay, internal injuries or TBIs can show up hours or days later.
Don’t Talk To The Insurance Company
They may use your statements against you. Let your attorney handle all communications.
Keep Track Of Medical Bills And Recovery
Start a file with receipts, doctor notes, missed workdays, and prescriptions.
Call a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
The sooner you act, the better chance you have of preserving evidence and securing the compensation you need.
Our Team Knows How to Win Motorcycle Accident Cases in Georgia
Motorcycle wrecks—especially those involving left turns—aren’t just another auto accident. They require detailed investigation, clear storytelling, and strong advocacy to overcome bias and show the real impact of your injuries.
We’ve recovered over $1 billion for injury victims in Georgia, including many riders who were hurt through no fault of their own. And we don’t back down when the insurance companies try to make your case harder than it should be.
You’ve been through enough. Let us handle the legal battle so you can focus on recovery. To find out how we can help with your potential legal case, contact us today for a free consultation.
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