Motorcycle Accidents: When Drivers Violate a Biker’s Right of Way

Motorcyclists face unique dangers on the road, and one of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents is when a driver turns into a biker’s lane, violating their right of way. These accidents often occur at intersections, driveways, or while making left turns, and they can result in severe injuries or fatalities for the motorcyclist.

Consult a Palmdale motorcycle accident attorney to explore why these accidents happen, the legal responsibilities of drivers and motorcyclists, how fault is determined, and what injured riders can do to seek compensation.

How Drivers Violate a Motorcyclist’s Right of Way

Many motorcycle accidents occur when a driver fails to see a motorcyclist or misjudges their speed, leading them to turn into the biker’s lane. This can happen in several common scenarios:

Left-Turn Accidents: One of the most frequent motorcycle crash scenarios occurs when a vehicle makes a left turn at an intersection and cuts off an oncoming motorcyclist. The driver often claims they “didn’t see” the biker or thought they had enough time to turn.

Lane Changes and Merging: Motorcycles are smaller than cars, making them easier to overlook in blind spots. A driver changing lanes without checking properly may suddenly enter a motorcyclist’s path, causing a collision.

Failure to Yield at Driveways or Parking Lots: A car exiting a parking lot or driveway must yield to approaching traffic, including motorcycles. If the driver does not properly look for motorcyclists, they can pull out directly into a biker’s lane, causing an accident.

Running Red Lights or Stop Signs: Some drivers may run a stop sign or a red light, leading to dangerous collisions with motorcyclists who have the legal right of way.

These right-of-way violations put motorcyclists at high risk of injury since they lack the protection of an enclosed vehicle.

Why Do These Motorcycle Accidents Happen?

Some reasons why motorcycle accidents happen:

Drivers Failing to See Motorcyclists: One of the biggest contributing factors is that motorcycles have a smaller visual profile than cars. Many drivers simply aren’t looking for motorcycles and therefore fail to notice them.

Misjudging a Motorcycle’s Speed: Because motorcycles are smaller than cars, it’s easy for drivers to misjudge how fast they’re traveling. A driver making a turn may think they have more time than they actually do, leading to a dangerous miscalculation.

Distracted Driving: Cell phone use, adjusting in-car settings, eating, or talking to passengers can all distract a driver’s attention, causing them to overlook an approaching motorcyclist.

Failure to Yield: Some drivers are unaware of or choose to ignore right-of-way laws, assuming that motorcycles should yield to them instead of the other way around.

Poor Road or Weather Conditions: While drivers should exercise additional caution in rain, fog, or at night, poor visibility can increase the likelihood of a failure to yield accident involving a motorcyclist.

Who is at Fault in These Motorcycle Accidents?

In most motorcycle accidents involving right-of-way violations, the driver of the vehicle is typically at fault for failing to yield or making an improper turn into the biker’s lane. However, proving fault requires establishing key elements that demonstrate the driver’s negligence.

First, it must be shown that the motorcyclist had the legal right of way at the time of the accident. This could involve demonstrating that the biker was traveling straight through an intersection while the driver attempted an unsafe left turn or that the motorcyclist was occupying a traffic lane when the driver merged without properly checking for approaching vehicles.

Next, evidence must indicate that the driver made an unsafe maneuver, such as turning when it was not safe to do so. This could include failure to check blind spots, disregarding traffic signals, or misjudging the motorcyclist’s speed and distance. Many drivers claim they did not see the motorcycle, but this does not absolve them of responsibility.

Finally, the case must establish that the driver’s actions directly caused the accident. This involves linking the driver’s failure to yield or improper turn to the crash itself, resulting in injuries or damages to the motorcyclist. Eyewitness testimony, traffic camera footage, and accident reconstruction experts can all help solidify this connection and prove liability in a personal injury claim.

California’s Comparative Negligence Rule

California follows a comparative negligence system, meaning that even if the motorcyclist was partially responsible, they can still recover damages. However, their compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if a biker was speeding and is found 20% at fault, they would receive 80% of the total damages awarded.

Legal Rights of Injured Motorcyclists

If a motorcyclist is injured in a right-of-way violation accident, they may be entitled to compensation, including:

Medical Expenses: Emergency treatment, surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care.

Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed at work and potential future income loss due to injuries.
Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages covering physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.

Property Damage: The cost of repairing or replacing a damaged motorcycle.

Wrongful Death Claims: If a loved one was killed in a motorcycle accident, surviving family members can seek compensation for funeral costs, loss of companionship, and other damages.

Preventing Right-of-Way Motorcycle Accidents

While motorcyclists cannot control how other drivers behave, they can take extra precautions to reduce the risk of being involved in a right-of-way accident:

• Wear Bright or Reflective Gear: Increases visibility, especially at night.
• Use Headlights: Even during daylight hours, headlights can make a motorcycle more noticeable.
• Stay Out of Blind Spots: Position yourself where drivers can see you in their mirrors.
• Slow Down at Intersections: Be prepared for drivers making sudden turns.
• Defensive Riding: Assume that other drivers don’t see you and be prepared to react.

Contact Kistler Law Firm

Motorcycle accidents caused by drivers turning into a biker’s lane are preventable but remain a serious issue on California roads. When a driver violates a motorcyclist’s right of way, the consequences can be devastating.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident due to another driver’s negligence, Kistler Law Firm is here to help. Our experienced Antelope Valley motorcycle accident attorneys can guide you through the legal process, fight for your rights, and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Contact Kistler Law Firm today for a free consultation. We are committed to protecting motorcyclists and holding negligent drivers accountable.