Left Turn Accidents | The #1 Danger for Spartanburg Motorcyclists

Motorcycle riders face numerous risks every time they head out for a ride. Left turn accidents are one of the most common. Drivers often do not see motorcycle riders approaching as they make left turns, striking them at full speed and head-on. Spartanburg motorcyclists are at a high risk of serious injuries after these accidents. A Spartanburg motorcycle accident attorney from HawkLaw, P.A. can help you fight for fair compensation after a driver puts your future on the line due to carelessness.

Why Left Turn Accidents Are So Common in Spartanburg

Many times, left turn accidents happen due to violations of South Carolina traffic laws. Drivers fail to provide the right of way to the rider. That happens for various reasons, whether it’s intentional (the driver is speeding or being reckless) or not (the motorcycle entered the driver’s blind spot right as the driver began to turn).

In Spartanburg, motorcycle riders can face increased risk of crashes on Interstate 85 and US 29, as those roads can be dangerous. Yet, when we examine some of the most hazardous intersections in Spartanburg, we find locations such as those along East Main Street and Pine Street, where accidents occur frequently.

There are various reasons why these areas are often problematic:

• Limited visibility puts riders at risk. Drivers often fail to see motorcycles for several reasons:
  • Bikes are smaller and blend easily into traffic compared to larger vehicles.
  • Poor road design, blind corners, or obstructions can hide an approaching rider.
  • Road hazards, like debris or uneven pavement, can make spotting and reacting to a motorcycle even harder.
• Many drivers misjudge a motorcycle’s speed, assuming they can turn ahead of the rider instead of waiting for the bike to pass safely.
• Distracted driving is a major factor at Spartanburg’s high-risk intersections. Looking at a phone, eating, or adjusting GPS systems pulls attention away from the road.
• Reckless driving compounds the risk. Speeding, running red lights, or aggressive maneuvers are frequent causes of serious motorcycle crashes.

Motorcycle crash injuries are often serious because of the force and impact of the collision. Yet even when there are clear right-of-way violations, motorcycle riders do not always receive fair compensation and may, in fact, struggle to prove they are owed compensation.

Who Is at Fault in a Left Turn Accident?

Unless the driver turning left has a green arrow, the general rule is that they should yield to all oncoming traffic. If a turning driver hits a motorcycle because they failed to follow the law and yield, then the driver is likely to be found at-fault.

However, that does not mean the driver is the only at-fault party. These cases are not always clear cut, and there could be times when a third party (like another driver) or even the motorcycle operator shares some percentage of fault. Common examples include:

• A driver in the opposite lane was speeding, making it harder for the turning vehicle to judge distance and time the turn correctly.
• The motorcycle operator was lane-splitting or weaving through traffic when the collision occurred.
• Another vehicle blocked the turning driver’s line of sight, preventing them from seeing the motorcycle.
• A distracted driver in a nearby lane created sudden, unpredictable movement that contributed to the crash.
• The motorcyclist failed to use headlights or turn signals, reducing their visibility to others on the road.
• Poor road or weather conditions – like rain, glare, or obstructed traffic signals – made it difficult for either party to see or react in time.

To determine what occurred, your Spartanburg motorcycle crash lawyer may look at traffic footage, speak to witnesses who saw what occurred, and use dash camera footage if available. Police reports can also provide some insight into what occurred.

How a Spartanburg Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help

Left-turn crashes are some of the most devastating collisions a rider can face. In a split second, a driver’s bad decision can leave you with catastrophic injuries and a battle against insurance companies that would rather blame you than pay what you’re owed. That’s where HawkLaw steps in. A motorcycle accident attorney from our firm will:

Investigating Fault and Liability

Proving fault in a left-turn case isn’t always straightforward. We start by reviewing police reports, traffic laws, and witness statements to confirm exactly how the collision happened. If the at-fault driver was on the job at the time of the crash, their employer could also share liability. Our team works to expose every possible avenue for accountability.

South Carolina’s comparative negligence law adds another layer: if you’re found 51% or more at fault, you can’t recover damages. Insurance companies know this and often try to push blame onto the rider. We push back, gathering evidence to counter claims that you were speeding, weaving, or riding recklessly.

Calculating the Full Extent of Your Losses

Financial recovery depends on proving the scope of your damages. We document every loss tied to the crash, including:

• Severe or long-term injuries and how they affect your daily life
• Medical expenses now and in the future
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain, suffering, and emotional distress

Insurance companies often undervalue motorcycle claims. We make sure your case reflects the full impact of the accident, not just the immediate bills.

Standing Up to Insurers

From day one, we handle communication with the insurance company so you don’t have to. Our team pushes for a settlement that matches the reality of your losses, and if insurers refuse to be reasonable, we’re prepared to fight for you in court.

What to Do After a Left-Turn Motorcycle Accident in Spartanburg

After your accident, what you do matters. Left-turn motorcycle accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries, so you should seek medical attention as quickly as possible. You should call 911 to bring an ambulance and law enforcement to the scene. If possible, you can also take photos of the scene, your injuries, the damage to the various vehicles, as well as the full layout of the area. These details matter, such as whether the accident involved a protected or unprotected left turn, and where the vehicles were positioned.

Then, contact a Spartanburg motorcycle accident attorney from HawkLaw, P.A. The sooner you contact us, the faster we can begin to build your case. We also step in and minimize the risk that you may make a statement that puts your case at risk. In Intersection collision liability, this is critical.

Tips for Riders to Reduce Left Turn Accident Risks

• Stay visible. Keep headlights on during the day, wear bright or reflective gear, and avoid lingering in a driver’s blind spot.
• Control your lane position. Choose a spot in the lane that makes you most visible to oncoming traffic, especially when approaching intersections.
• Watch for signs of a left turn. Look for cues like a driver inching forward at an intersection or wheels beginning to turn.
• Reduce speed at intersections. Slowing slightly gives you more time to react if a driver pulls out unexpectedly.
• Cover your brakes. Keep your hands and feet ready in case you need to stop quickly.
• Never assume a driver sees you. Even if you make eye contact, be prepared for them to misjudge your speed or distance.

Even the most careful rider can’t prevent a negligent driver’s mistake. However, driving defensively may reduce your risk of injury.

Speak With a Spartanburg Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today

Injured in a left-turn accident while on your motorcycle? HawkLaw, P.A. wants to help. Call or contact us today for a free consultation.* Our motorcycle accident lawyers serve all of South Carolina from offices in Greenville, Columbia, Spartanburg, Charleston, and Anderson. The Anderson office is by appointment only, and most clients will be served from the Greenville office.