How Is Fault Determined in Left Turn Motorcycle Accidents in New Jersey?

New Jersey has a bit of a reputation when it comes to strict traffic laws for left turns. When turning left, drivers and motorcycle riders are often turning right into oncoming traffic, and the risk of accidents may be high.

When determining who is at fault for a left turn motorcycle accident, numerous factors about the accident must be considered. Investigators will first look at which vehicle was making the left turn, as they are responsible for yielding to oncoming traffic. They will also look at where the left turn happened. Left turns must begin from the center lane, not the far right. Investigators will also inquire whether a turn signal was used before the accident. If you want to hold the other driver liable for your accident in court, you may need help from an attorney gathering all the right evidence.

If you were recently in a motorcycle accident where a driver made a left turn, our legal team can help you get compensation. Call our New Jersey motorcycle accident attorney, Jerry Friedman, at 1-800-529-4464 for a free case evaluation.

Determining Fault in New Jersey Left Turn Motorcycle Accidents

As mentioned above, numerous factors and details surrounding your accident will be considered when determining fault. While there are numerous traffic laws, several specific laws may play a significant role in your case. Our New Jersey motorcycle accident attorney is experienced with a wide variety of cases and is prepared to assist you.

Which Vehicle Was Making the Left Turn During the Motorcycle Accident?

According to N.J.S.A. § 39:4-90, there are certain procedures that drivers and motorcycle riders at intersections must follow. According to the law, a driver approaching an intersection must yield to the vehicles already entering the intersection. If two vehicles enter an intersection simultaneously, the vehicle on the left must yield. Additionally, a driver intending to turn left must yield to any approaching traffic.

Since the onus to yield is on the driver turning left at an intersection, this begs the question, who was turning left in your accident? If the other driver was turning left at an intersection and you were approaching on your motorcycle, the other driver was legally obligated to yield. If they did not, they might be at fault for the accident.

Where Did the Left Turn Motorcycle Accident Occur?

Fault can be determined based on where the left turn started from. According to N.J.S.A. § 39:4-123(b)-(c), there are different rules for making a left turn on two-way roads and roads that are not two-way. When making a left turn on a two-way road, a driver must turn from the center line. Essentially, drivers should not be making their turns from the far right.

If a left turn is being made on any road that is not a two-way road, the turning driver must turn from the farthest left lane that is lawfully available for turning. The idea is that drivers should not be crossing lanes of traffic when making a left turn.

Fault may be shown if the driver in your case started making a left turn from the far-right lane. For example, suppose you are in the left lane, and the other driver is in the far-right lane of traffic. When the other driver makes their turn, they must cross through your lane of traffic. When the driver begins to turn, they could cause a collision with your motorcycle.

The rules surrounding traffic lanes and turning sound far more complicated than they really are, and our Atlantic City motorcycle accident lawyer can help you determine if the driver in your case made an unlawful left turn before your accident.

Was a Turn Signal Used?

Before making any turn, left or right, a driver is required to use their turn signal. If a motorcycle rider does not know that a car will make a left turn, the motorcycle rider could run into the car. In such a case, the driver in the car would be at fault for not using a turn signal.

According to N.J.S.A. § 39:4-126, no vehicle can make a turn without properly signaling beforehand. The law states that a turn signal must be used at least 100 feet before a turn. The law also states that sudden stops or slowing down should also be signaled (brake lights) so other drivers can avoid a collision. Our Helmetta, NJ motorcycle accident attorney can help you determine if the other driver in your accident failed to signal.

If the driver in your accident failed to signal a left turn and your motorcycle crashed into the other car as a result, the driver of the car may be liable. Similarly, if the driver suddenly stopped before making their left turn and their brake lights did not work, they may be liable if you hit them from behind.

Gathering Evidence of Fault in a Left Turn Motorcycle Accident in New Jersey

When proving that another driver is at fault for your motorcycle accident, you need the right evidence. After a crash, the police should be contacted to file an accident report. While the accident report may contain important details about the crash, it cannot be used as evidence in a trial because it violates the hearsay rule.

Other evidence may include photos and videos of the accident scene. You and the other driver should immediately pull your vehicles over to the side of the road if you are able. By snapping some quick pictures or recording a video of the accident scene, you are preserving it as it was immediately after the crash. Details from the accident scene may be used to determine who is likely at fault.

Our Cherry Hill motorcycle accident attorney can help you check the area for traffic cameras or surveillance cameras. If one of these cameras caught your crash on video, it might shed light on who is at fault.

Call Our New Jersey Motorcycle Accident Attorneys for Help

Left turns tend to be risky because of the danger of oncoming traffic. A motorcycle rider could be seriously injured if a driver does not properly signal their turn or make their turn safely. Call our Paterson motorcycle accident lawyer, Jerry Friedman, at 1-800-529-4464 for a free case review.