Motorcycle Accidents at Intersections and Stop Lights

You may wonder why so many motorcycle accidents happen at intersections. After working with many clients injured in motorcycle accidents at intersections, we have looked into the issue. There is a reason why so many motorcycle accidents happen at stoplights and intersections. If you or your loved one has been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident at an intersection, you need an experienced attorney on your side.

Our personal injury attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, have a proven track record of successfully representing motorcycle accident victims. Contact us today to discuss your case and learn more about your legal options. You could be entitled to fair compensation for your medical expenses, property damage, last income, and more. We will discuss the five common causes of motorcycle accidents at intersections below.

When a large vehicle makes an improper left turn into a motorcycle, the motorcyclist will likely suffer significant injuries. Motorcycles do not have the external protection that passenger vehicles have, making motorcyclists more at risk of accidents. Motorcycle accidents at intersections usually happen when one car turns left in front of the person on the motorcycle. The motorcyclist continues straight, meaning a vehicle turning left does not have the right of way.

Far too often, drivers of passenger vehicles believe that they have the right of way over a motorcycle. Sometimes, they simply do not see the motorcycle because they are not paying attention. However, every driver on the road, regardless of what vehicle they are driving, must follow the same right-of-way laws. If a passenger vehicle caused you an injury by making an improper left-hand turn, our attorneys can help.

You might think that having traffic lights would prevent motorcycle accidents. After all, lights provide better visibility for drivers. Surprisingly, traffic lights can actually reduce the level of visibility in some cases, resulting in more severe motorcycle accidents. Imagine a four-way stop and you will understand that there is a significant threat to motorcycle riders. For example, many drivers will speed up when they see a yellow light. They try to make it through the intersection before the light turns red. This can result in colliding with a motorcycle that has the right of way and is illegally passing through the intersection.

T-Bone accidents can create issues for motorcyclists for a few key reasons. At certain intersections, motorists are more likely to hit a motorcyclist on the side of their vehicle. Additionally, these are the intersections at which a passenger vehicle is more likely to fall into the motorcycle driver's path. Both situations are dangerous and can easily become deadly for a motorcyclist.

North Carolina drivers know that many of our roads are not well-designed. Even though more people are moving here than ever, creating more traffic congestion, our streets never seem to be fully maintained. The way that our road is designed and maintained can have a significant impact on how likely a motorcycle accident will be. Some of the most dangerous junctions are those that have no signs to guide drivers who are moving fast. The road's makeup and the way traffic is directed are essential factors to consider in motorcycle accidents at intersections.

States, cities, and counties should be trying to design their roads in a way that prevents accidents. Suppose you were injured in a motorcycle accident at a poorly designed intersection. In that case, you might have a right to bring a legal claim against the city or county responsible for the intersection. If their poorly designed intersection causes your injuries, you can seek compensation. However, we recommend discussing your case with an attorney quickly because the deadlines for filing a claim against a municipality come up soon after an accident.

It is far too common for a motorcyclist to be injured when a passenger vehicle rear-ends them. Drivers are more distracted than ever by texting, fatigue, or simply by zoning out. A driver only takes a second to take their eyes off the road and rear-end a motorcyclist. Most rear-end accidents are not too serious when they involve two passenger vehicles. However, when a rear-end accident consists of a motorcyclist could be fatal for the motorcyclist.

At Arnold & Smith, PLLC, we understand how motorcycle accidents can devastate a victim physically, financially, and mentally. Our attorneys have combined decades of legal experience. We have a proven track record of effectively obtaining compensation for motorcycle accident victims. Our law firm will help you fight for the compensation you need after being injured in a motorcycle accident. If a negligent driver has injured you or your loved one, we can help. Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation. Arnold & Smith, PLLC takes cases all over North Carolina and South Carolina.