If you were injured in a left-turn motorcycle collision in Murray, Paducah, or anywhere across Western Kentucky, an experienced motorcycle accident attorney can fight for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve. Drivers may claim they didn’t see the rider. However, that explanation does not excuse careless driving – and it does not prevent you from seeking recovery. Learn more on our motorcycle wrecks practice page.
What Is a Left-Turn Motorcycle Crash?
A left-turn motorcycle crash happens when a driver turns across the path of an oncoming motorcycle – usually at an intersection or while exiting a driveway or side street. The driver looks for a gap, misjudges speed and distance, and turns directly into the rider’s lane. Because these turns happen fast and at close range, impacts can be severe.
Why These Collisions Happen So Often
Modern vehicles such as tall pickup trucks and sport-utility vehicles reduce visibility with higher hoods and wider pillars. If a driver is not actively watching for motorcycles – not just larger vehicles – they may overlook an oncoming rider until it is too late. When drivers try to “beat” a small gap, they can strike motorcyclists at higher speeds, increasing the risk of serious harm.
Common Injuries and Medical Care
Left-turn collisions can cause traumatic brain injuries, complex leg fractures when a leg is pinned between the vehicles, and internal injuries from blunt-force trauma. Internal injuries are not always immediately obvious and may require specialists, imaging, and ongoing rehabilitation. A comprehensive medical record that connects the crash to your injuries and future medical care needs may help add value to your claim.
Proving Fault After a Left-Turn Crash
Kentucky law requires drivers to use reasonable care, keep a proper lookout, and yield before turning left when oncoming traffic is close enough to be an immediate hazard. The following may play an important role in strengthening your claim:
- Eyewitness statements, 911 audio, and scene photos
- Traffic or business-camera video and dash-camera footage
- Vehicle data (when available) and the police report
- Medical records, bills, and expert opinions
Time is of the essence. Security footage may be overwritten within days, and vehicles may be repaired or totaled before evidence can be preserved.
Comparative Fault in Kentucky – And Why It Matters
Insurers sometimes argue the rider should have swerved or braked to avoid the collision. Kentucky uses comparative fault, which means a jury can assign responsibility to both parties. Your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault, but is not barred unless you are found to be entirely at fault. In real-world conditions, emergency maneuvers on a motorcycle can be risky, and crashes often unfold in a matter of seconds. The key question is what a reasonably careful rider could do in that moment – not what might be possible in hindsight.
Damages You May Recover
A motorcycle injury claim may include compensation for:
- Medical expenses (present and future)
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Rehabilitation and long-term care
- Pain and suffering
- Physical impairment or scarring
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Thorough documentation – such as treatment plans, specialist evaluations, and impact statements may make a difference in helping ensure your settlement reflects the full scope of your losses. See examples on our settlement results page.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Motorcycle cases may be disputed more aggressively than other types of traffic claims. An experienced legal team can help:
- Investigate and preserve time-sensitive evidence
- Work with accident-reconstruction and medical experts
- Calculate all damages, including future care and wage loss
- Negotiate on your behalf and, when necessary, present the case to a jury
Serving Riders in Western Kentucky
If you or a loved one was hurt in a motorcycle crash in Murray, Paducah, or across Western Kentucky, Saladino & Schaaf is ready to help. Talk with a motorcycle accident attorney today. Request a free consultation for motorcycle injuries or call (270) 444-0406 (Paducah) or (270) 753-1529 (Murray).