Left Turn Collisions

Georgia Motorcycle Accident Law Firm

Atlanta motorcycle accident attorney Stephen M. Ozcomert has an established reputation among Georgia’s legal community, having been honored as a “Super Lawyer,” and as a member of the “Legal Elite.” For over 20 years, from his Decatur and Atlanta offices he has provided caring, professional service to personal injury victims throughout Georgia. His law firm concentrates on serious accidents, including motorcycle left turn collisions caused by negligent drivers.

Cars Turning Left

Cars making left-hand turns pose the single largest danger to motorcyclists on the road. Left turn collisions make up over 40 percent of all motorcycle-related accidents. Generally, the car is turning left while the rider is going straight, overtaking, or trying to pass the car in an intersection. Accidentally colliding with a motorcycle while turning left may involve:

• Speeding
• Inexperience
• Drunk driving
• Talking, texting
• Truck blind spots
• Distracted driving
• Inclement weather
• Unsafe lane changes
• Unprotected left turns
• Road, highway hazards

These are all examples of potentially negligent conduct by an auto driver while operating a vehicle. Even if the behavior is unintentional, most bodily injuries arising from car accidents are caused by careless mistakes. It only takes a fraction of a second to rush a light, take a sudden detour, or turn into the wrong lane, but the resulting crash can change another person’s life forever. This is especially true for exposed motorcycle riders.

Left Turn Collision Injuries

Operating a motorcycle requires more skill than driving a car. Further, riders are far more vulnerable to danger because they are less visible to car drivers than other vehicles. Road hazards and external forces that barely touch cars can easily destabilize motorcycles, ejecting riders in their wake. Motorcyclists who are hit by cars that are going straight or trying to make a left turn may suffer a variety of injuries, including:

• Cuts, burns
• Broken bones
• Loss of limbs
• Complex fractures
• Spinal cord damage
• Dislocated hips, pelvis
• Traumatic brain injury

Most motorcycle fatalities are caused by injuries to the head, 45 percent of which can be prevented by wearing a helmet. Georgia law requires riders to have bikes equipped with a specific windshield or to wear safety goggles and helmets that comply with state law. These are often the only barriers between motorcyclists and oncoming traffic or the road in the event of an accident. Atlanta left turn collision lawyer Stephen M. Ozcomert will fight for the fullest compensation possible if you have been injured in a motorcycle left turn accident.

Liability for Injuries

Like most states, Georgia imposes personal injury liability on drivers who injure motorcyclists in left turn collisions. Fault is based upon the driver’s failure to safely operate a motor vehicle, otherwise known as negligence. The Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) sets forth rules governing the recovery of compensation for accidental injury and wrongful death, requiring that claimants show a direct link between the driver’s careless conduct and the resulting harm.

OCGA §51-12-33 permits partial recovery of damages even when injured motorcyclists contribute to, or are partially at fault for, the accident. In cases of “comparative negligence,” riders who are less than 50 percent responsible for the collision may still be entitled to a partial award of lost income, medical expenses, and other benefits. OCGA §51-4-5 likewise allows family members to recover damages when the motorcycle accident results in wrongful death.

Recover Compensation Today

If you or someone you love was injured in a left turn collision, Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyer Stephen M. Ozcomert can help. For over 20 years, he has obtained substantial verdicts and settlements for accident victims throughout Georgia. Mr. Ozcomert is dedicated to providing the quality representation and individualized attention you deserve. Call (404) 370-1000 today for a free consultation or contact us online.