Who Is At Fault When A Driver Turns Left In Front Of A Motorcycle?

All it takes is an instant for a routine left turn to become a devastating crash. Left-turn motorcycle accidents are among the most common and dangerous collisions riders face, and determining who caused the crash can shape the entire aftermath, from medical bills to legal claims.

If you were hurt in a left-turn motorcycle accident in Missouri, understanding how fault gets determined can help you make sense of your situation.

Key Takeaways

• Left-turn motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries for motorcyclists because they have little protection from impact.
• Missouri law requires drivers turning left to yield to oncoming traffic, including motorcycles, unless they have a clear and safe opportunity to turn.
• Physical evidence, witness statements, and traffic camera footage all help determine who had the right of way.
• Missouri follows a pure comparative fault system, so a motorcyclist can still recover compensation even if they share some responsibility for the crash.

Why Are Left-Turn Accidents Especially Dangerous For Motorcyclists?

Motorcycles offer riders no protective shell, so impacts tend to transfer force directly to the body. When a driver turns left in front of an oncoming motorcycle, the rider often has only a split second to brake or swerve. Common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord damage
• Broken bones and road rash
• Internal injuries from the impact with a vehicle or the pavement

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, left-turn crashes account for a significant share of motorcycle and vehicle collisions at intersections nationwide. In these types of crashes, motorcyclists face a greater risk of being seriously injured. As a result, accurately determining fault makes a big difference when it comes to financial recovery.

What Factors Help Determine Fault In A Left-Turn Motorcycle Accident?

Missouri law places specific responsibilities on drivers making left turns. Under Missouri Revised Statutes section 304.351, drivers turning left must yield the right of way to any vehicle coming from the opposite direction that’s near enough to cause a hazard.

A number of factors help establish whether a left-turning driver was in violation, including:

• The speed of the approaching motorcycle
• Whether the motorcyclist had the right of way at the time of the turn
• Visibility conditions like weather, darkness, or anything blocking the driver’s view
• Whether the driver signaled before turning
• Traffic signals or signs controlling the intersection

In most left-turn scenarios, the driver who is turning is considered to be at fault because state law requires them to check that it’s safe to turn before proceeding.

What Evidence Can Show Which Driver Had The Right Of Way?

Because fault often revolves around timing and visibility, solid evidence becomes essential to a claim. Useful sources of proof include:

• Police reports: Officers responding to the scene document their observations, statements, and any citations issued.
• Witness statements: Bystanders or other drivers can provide details such as whether the driver used their signal or how fast they were going.
• Traffic and surveillance camera footage: Nearby businesses, intersections, or dashcams may capture the actual moment of impact.
• Physical evidence: Skid marks, vehicle damage patterns, and debris location often reveal the sequence of events.
• Accident reconstruction analysis: Experts can calculate speed and positioning based on physical evidence when footage is unavailable.

Gathering this evidence quickly after a crash, before it disappears or degrades, gives an injured rider a stronger foundation for a claim.

Can A Motorcyclist Share Fault For A Left-Turn Accident?

Yes. Even when a driver violates the law when turning left, a motorcyclist can still hold partial responsibility if they were speeding, ran a red light, or failed to maintain a safe following distance. Missouri operates under a pure comparative fault system, as established in Missouri Revised Statutes section 537.765.

This system enables the injured party to receive compensation even if they’re considered to be up to 99% at fault. Their total award simply declines by their percentage of fault. For example, a motorcyclist found 20% at fault for a $100,000 claim would still recover $80,000. In this way, injured riders can still pursue compensation even if the crash was not entirely the fault of the other driver.

Get Help After A Left-Turn Motorcycle Accident

Left-turn motorcycle accidents raise complicated questions about timing, visibility, and driver responsibility, and insurance companies often look for ways to shift responsibility onto the motorcyclist. If a driver turned left in front of you and caused a crash, do not assume everyone else is clear on where the fault lies.

Schedule a free consultation with Brydon Swearengen England today to learn how to protect your rights and maximize your recovery.