Left Turn Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Glendale & Los Angeles
Left-turn accidents are the single most common type of motorcycle crash. A car driver turning left across oncoming traffic fails to see an approaching motorcycle, and the rider has nowhere to go. These collisions happen at intersections throughout Glendale, Los Angeles, Pasadena, and across Southern California every single day. If a left-turning driver hit you while you were riding your motorcycle, attorney Anand Desai has the experience and courtroom skill to protect your rights. He has handled more than 5,000 cases in 20+ years. Call (833) 270-7800 for a free consultation.
Why Left-Turn Accidents Are So Common for Motorcyclists
Left-turn motorcycle accidents stem from a fundamental visibility problem. Motorcycles are smaller, narrower, and harder to see than cars — especially in heavy traffic or low-light conditions. Contributing factors include:
- Inattentional blindness — car drivers’ brains are scanning for car-sized objects and literally do not register a motorcycle in their visual field
- Misjudging motorcycle speed — the narrow profile of a motorcycle makes it appear farther away and moving slower than it actually is
- Obstructed views — oncoming traffic, parked vehicles, or vegetation blocks the turning driver’s view of the approaching motorcycle
- Impatience — drivers forcing a left turn through a brief gap in traffic, leaving no margin for error
- Running yellow or red arrows — turning after the protected turn phase has ended
California Law on Left Turns
California Vehicle Code Section 21801 requires a driver making a left turn to yield the right of way to all vehicles approaching from the opposite direction that are close enough to constitute a hazard. A driver who violates this statute and strikes a motorcyclist is negligent per se — meaning the violation of the statute itself establishes breach of duty.
Vehicle Code Section 22350, the basic speed law, also applies to motorcyclists. If the rider was exceeding a safe speed for conditions, comparative fault may reduce the recovery.
Injuries from Left-Turn Motorcycle Collisions
Left-turn crashes are particularly devastating for riders because they typically strike the side of the turning vehicle at or near full speed. The motorcycle offers no structural protection, and the rider absorbs the full force. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries — even helmeted riders can suffer severe concussions and diffuse axonal injuries
- Lower extremity injuries — broken femurs, tibias, and ankles as the rider’s legs contact the vehicle
- Pelvic fractures — from impact with the car or from landing on the pavement
- Road rash — extensive skin abrasion requiring grafting
- Spinal cord injuries — from being thrown over the vehicle or from hyperextension on impact
- Internal organ damage — from handlebar impact or direct body-to-vehicle contact
- Fatality — left-turn accidents have one of the highest fatality rates of any motorcycle crash type
Proving Fault in Left-Turn Motorcycle Cases
There is a strong presumption that the left-turning driver is at fault when they strike an oncoming vehicle. However, the defense will look for ways to shift blame to the motorcyclist. Mr. Desai builds a comprehensive case using:
- Intersection traffic camera footage
- Witness testimony — passengers in either vehicle, pedestrians, or other motorists
- Accident reconstruction — calculating speed, visibility angles, and the turning driver’s available reaction time
- The motorcycle’s point of impact on the car — front, side, or rear contact tells a story about timing
- Signal phase data — was the left-turn arrow green, yellow, or red?
Overcoming Anti-Motorcycle Bias
Insurance adjusters and juries sometimes harbor prejudice against motorcyclists — assuming they were speeding, weaving, or riding recklessly. Attorney Desai, with 50+ jury trials and 13 years as an LA County Public Defender, knows how to present motorcycle cases in a way that focuses the jury on the turning driver’s negligence rather than stereotypes about riders.
Compensation for Left-Turn Motorcycle Accident Victims
Riders injured by left-turning vehicles in Glendale, Burbank, Pasadena, North Hollywood, and greater Los Angeles can pursue:
- All medical expenses — trauma care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future treatment
- Lost wages and permanent impact on earning ability
- Pain and suffering — both physical and psychological
- Motorcycle replacement costs
- Scarring and disfigurement from road rash and surgical scars
- Loss of enjoyment of life — if injuries prevent riding or other activities
California’s statute of limitations gives you two years to file (CCP Section 335.1).
Frequently Asked Questions About Left-Turn Motorcycle Accidents
Is the left-turning driver always at fault?
In most cases, yes. California law places the duty to yield on the turning driver. However, if the motorcyclist was speeding significantly, running a red light, or riding in the wrong lane, the rider may share fault under comparative negligence.
What if the driver says they looked but did not see my motorcycle?
This is one of the most common defenses, and it fails. A driver has a legal duty to look carefully enough to actually see approaching traffic. Failing to see a motorcycle that was there to be seen is negligence, not an excuse.
Should I wear a helmet for legal purposes?
California Vehicle Code Section 27803 requires all motorcycle riders to wear DOT-approved helmets. Failure to wear a helmet can be used to reduce your damages if your head injuries would have been less severe with a helmet. Always wear an approved helmet.
How much is my left-turn motorcycle accident case worth?
Values vary widely based on injury severity, medical costs, lost income, and lasting impact on your life. Left-turn motorcycle crashes frequently produce catastrophic injuries, which can support substantial compensation. Attorney Desai provides a candid evaluation during your free consultation.
Can I still ride after a left-turn motorcycle accident?
That depends entirely on your injuries and recovery. What matters legally is ensuring you receive full compensation for all current and future impacts of your injuries, including the potential loss of activities you enjoyed before the crash.
Free Consultation — No Win, No Fee
Left-turn accidents are preventable. If a negligent driver took away your right to ride safely, fight back. Call Anand Desai at (833) 270-7800 for a free consultation, or contact us online. Avvo Clients’ Choice 2025. Available 24/7.