Left-Turn Motorcycle Accidents in Kansas City: Who’s Responsible?

Riding a motorcycle in Kansas City can be a thrilling mix of freedom, speed, and scenery, but it also comes with serious risks. One of the most common and dangerous types of motorcycle crashes is the left-turn accident. These collisions happen when a car or truck makes a left turn across traffic and hits a motorcycle traveling straight. Unfortunately, these types of accidents aren’t just fender-benders. Left-turn crashes are often deadly or cause life-altering injuries, especially for motorcyclists who don’t have the protection of a car around them.

Who, though, is at fault in these wrecks? And what should you do if you or someone you love has suffered injury in a left-turn motorcycle crash in Kansas City? The motorcycle accident lawyers at Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys have answers.

Why are left-turn motorcycle accidents so dangerous?

First, we should talk about why these types of motorcycle crashes are so serious. When a driver is trying to make a left turn at an intersection, they’re supposed to yield to all oncoming traffic, which includes motorcycles. However, much too often, drivers misjudge things like how fast the motorcycle is going, how much time they have to turn, or simply don’t see the motorcycle at all. This is sometimes called “looked but failed to see” syndrome, or inattentional blindness, and it’s a common excuse drivers give after a crash. No matter the reason, though, the result is typically the same: the motorcycle T-bones the turning car, or the car crashes right into the side of the bike. Motorcyclists can be thrown from their bikes, suffer multiple broken bones, or even be killed on impact.

Who’s responsible in a left-turn motorcycle crash?

Here’s the good news. In most situations, the driver who made the left turn is found to be at fault, as left-turning drivers must yield to oncoming traffic. However, liability isn’t always straightforward. Let’s take a look at some different scenarios.

• A driver makes a left turn in front of a motorcycle. This is the classic example. A car at an intersection thinks it has time to make a left turn, but misjudges how fast the motorcycle is traveling. The driver turns, the motorcycle crashes into the car, and the motorcyclist is injured or killed. Typically, the driver making the left turn would be primarily responsible.
• A motorcycle was speeding or ran a red light. In some cases, the driver who turned left will argue that the motorcyclist was speeding, or that they ran a red light or stop sign. Who’s responsible here? The answer is, it depends. Missouri and Kansas follow comparative fault rules. This means that more than one person can be held partially responsible for an accident. So, if the motorcycle was indeed speeding, the rider might be held partially at fault, but the driver who turned left could still hold the majority of the blame. In this case, the motorcyclist can still recover compensation for their injuries, but it might be reduced based on their percentage of fault.
• A third vehicle caused the driver to turn left. Let’s say a truck in the left-turn lane blocked the driver’s view, and they turned left thinking the road was clear. Or, maybe another car waved them through. In this case, fault would still likely lie with the driver who made the turn. While it’s understandable that other traffic can be confusing or misleading, the driver making the left turn is still responsible for making sure that the road is clear.

How does fault affect compensation?

The laws that apply to your case can change depending on where the crash happened, in Missouri or Kansas.

Missouri follows a pure comparative fault model, which means that you can recover damages even if you were 99% at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by your share of the blame. So, if you were awarded $100,000 but were found 30% at fault, you’d receive $70,000.

Kansas is a little more strict. You can only recover damages if you’re found less than 50% at fault. If you’re found 50% or more responsible for the crash, you get nothing.

What are some common injuries in left-turn motorcycle accidents?

These types of crashes can be violent and sudden, as they often happen at intersections or city streets. Motorcyclists don’t have seatbelts, airbags, or steel frames to protect them. This means that injuries in accidents tend to be severe, including:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Broken legs, arms, ribs, or pelvis
• Internal organ damage
• Road rash and severe lacerations
• Death

Many injured riders face months or even years of recovery, or suffer permanent disability. Some may never be able to work again or return to the life they had before the crash. This is why full and fair compensation is so important, and why proving fault is critical to your case.

What should I do after a left-turn motorcycle accident?

If you or a loved one is hurt in an accident involving a left-turning driver, take the following steps.

• Get medical help right away. Even if you think your injuries are minor, see a doctor. Some injuries, like brain trauma or internal bleeding, may not show up right away.
• Call the police and make sure the responding officer files an official police report. This can help document both what happened and who was at fault.
• If you’re physically able to, take photos of the scene, your injuries, your bike, and any damage to the other vehicle. Get contact information from witnesses. Remember, the more proof you have, the stronger your case.
• The other driver’s insurance company may call you quickly after the accident. They might seem friendly, but they are not on your side. They might try to get you to say something that hurts your claim or offer a lower settlement. Don’t talk to them without first speaking to a Kansas City motorcycle accident lawyer.

What compensation can I recover after a left-turn motorcycle accident?

If you’re injured in a left-turn motorcycle crash caused by someone else, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical bills (past and future)
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life

In wrongful death cases, certain family members of a deceased motorcyclist may also recover for:

• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of companionship
• Lost income the rider would have provided

Why do I need a Kansas City motorcycle accident lawyer for my case?

Motorcycle accident claims aren’t like traditional car crash cases. We often see bias against motorcyclists, and insurance companies may try to argue that you were speeding, reckless, or at fault, even when you weren’t. At Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys, we know how to fight these tactics. We’ve helped countless riders and their families achieve justice after serious crashes. Our team:

• Thoroughly investigates the accident.
• Works with accident reconstruction experts.
• Handles all the communication with insurance companies.
• Calculates the full and fair value of your claim.
• Takes your case to trial if necessary.

We serve both Kansas and Missouri, and we’re proud to stand up for injured bikers in Kansas City and the surrounding areas.

If you’ve been hurt in a left-turn motorcycle accident, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to handle it alone. Let the experienced team at Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys help. We’re prepared to fight for the compensation you need to heal and move forward with your life. And we don’t charge fees unless we win your case. To schedule a free consultation, call our offices today, or fill out our contact form.