Motorcyclist Killed in Calverton Crash
On July 8, a fatal crash occurred in Calverton involving a 2022 Ducati motorcycle and a 2010 Honda CRV. The motorcyclist, a 39-year-old from Medford, was heading southbound on County Road 24 when he collided with the Honda CRV. The Honda was making a turn onto the northbound lanes from the eastbound LIE Exit 71 off ramp. The motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene. The Honda driver did not sustain any injuries.
Liability in left-turn accidents
Left-turn accidents often lead to serious injuries, and are typically litigated under a theory of negligence. To prove negligence, a plaintiff must show the defendant had a duty to obey laws and avoid causing harm to others, breached that duty and as a result, caused actual harm.
The left-turning driver is usually the main object of scrutiny. If they turned left without adequately checking for oncoming traffic or misjudged the speed of approaching vehicles, they may be considered negligent. Distracted driving, reckless behavior or failure to use turn signals can all contribute to a finding of negligence, and any driver involved may share liability.
Common causes include:
- Right-of-way violations: In many cases, the accident occurs because the left-turning driver failed to yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic. However, it’s essential to consider whether the oncoming driver also contributed to the accident. If the oncoming driver was speeding, ran a red light or violated any other traffic laws, they may share some or all of the liability.
- Road and weather conditions: Factors such as road conditions and weather can play a crucial role in left-turn accidents. Slippery roads, poor visibility or obstructions may affect a driver’s ability to safely complete a left turn. Nevertheless, drivers are still expected to adjust their driving to accommodate such conditions and avoid accidents whenever possible.
If you were injured in a left-turn accident, call the seasoned car accident attorneys at Jakubowski, Robertson, Maffei, Goldsmith & Tartaglia, LLP to learn more about your options.