Is the Driver Always at Fault When a Car Turns Left in Front of a Motorcycle?

 Posted on September 09, 2025 in Motorcycle Accidents

Left-turn accidents are some of the most dangerous crashes for motorcyclists. When a driver turns left in front of an oncoming motorcycle, the rider has little time to react. These collisions usually happen at higher speeds and can cause life-changing injuries or even death. Because these accidents are so common, many people assume the driver of the car is always at fault.

While car drivers are indeed often to blame for motorcycle accidents, the truth is more complicated. Who is responsible depends on what happened during the crash, how both the driver and the rider were behaving, and what Illinois traffic laws say.

Our Rockford, Illinois personal injury attorneys have decades of experience handling these types of cases. We have recovered millions of dollars for injured clients, and we know what it takes to prove fault in left-turn accidents. Call us today at 815-215-7561 to talk about your situation.

Why Left-Turn Crashes Are So Serious for Motorcycles

Motorcycles do not have the same protection that cars do. When a car or truck turns left across a motorcycle’s path, the rider usually hits the side of the vehicle and is thrown onto the road, into traffic, or even under or over the vehicle. This often leads to serious injuries like broken bones, spinal cord damage, brain trauma, or internal injuries. In the worst cases, broadside motorcycle accidents are fatal.

Across the country, left-turn accidents are one of the leading causes of motorcycle deaths. The small size of motorcycles, combined with speed and reduced visibility, makes these crashes especially deadly. Even when riders survive, they may face long hospital stays, expensive medical bills, and lasting disabilities.

Illinois Law on Yielding Left Turns at Intersections

In Illinois, ILCS 623 5/11-904 says that drivers making a left turn must yield to oncoming traffic that is close enough to be dangerous. A driver cannot legally turn left unless it is safe. If a crash happens because a driver failed to yield, that driver is usually considered at fault.

This rule protects motorcycle riders, who almost always have the right of way in these situations. Many left-turn accidents are straightforward. A driver may admit they did not see the motorcycle, or witnesses may confirm that the motorcyclist had the right of way. Drivers often cause these crashes by misjudging a motorcycle’s speed, failing to check their blind spots, or turning suddenly from a driveway or side street.

In these cases, police reports, video footage, and witness statements can make liability clear. Our attorneys know how to gather this evidence and use it to prove the driver’s fault. But insurance companies often try to blame the motorcyclist. They may argue the rider was speeding, distracted, or breaking traffic laws. These claims can affect how much money an injured rider can recover.

How Evidence Proves Fault in a Left-Turn Crash

Proving fault in a motorcycle accident is not just about telling your side of the story. Solid evidence makes the difference, and several types can play a key role in your case:

• Police reports often state who had the right of way, though insurers may still try to dispute liability.

• Crash scene photos can capture skid marks, vehicle damage, and the position of the motorcycle and car.

• Witness statements could confirm that the rider was following traffic laws.

• Traffic or security camera footage can sometimes show the crash as it happened, providing powerful proof of what occurred.

• Medical records not only document the injuries but can also show how the impact happened.

• Accident reconstruction experts can piece together all the evidence to explain how and why the crash unfolded.

Left-Turn Motorcycle Crashes Cause Serious Injuries 

When a car turns left in front of a motorcycle, the injuries are often catastrophic. Riders can require multiple surgeries, long hospital stays, and months of physical therapy. Some are never able to return to their jobs. Others face permanent disabilities that change every part of their lives.

The financial cost can be staggering. Medical bills pile up quickly, especially if specialized care is needed. Lost income from time away from work adds even more stress. On top of that, riders may deal with chronic pain, emotional trauma, and the loss of activities they once enjoyed. The law allows injured motorcyclists to pursue compensation for all of these losses, but success requires proving fault and fighting aggressively for full damages.

Why Insurance Companies Fight Seemingly Obvious Motorcycle Crash Cases 

Even when liability seems obvious, insurance companies rarely accept full responsibility without a fight. Their job is to pay as little as possible. In left-turn motorcycle crashes, insurers often try to paint the rider as reckless or careless. They may claim the motorcyclist was speeding, weaving between cars, or not wearing proper gear. They may also argue that injuries are not as severe as claimed or that they were caused by something other than the crash.

Without strong legal representation, riders may feel pressured to accept low settlement offers. Insurance adjusters count on people being overwhelmed by medical bills and lost wages, hoping they will settle quickly. Having an experienced attorney who has handled these cases for decades can change the balance of power and force insurers to pay what victims truly deserve.

Call a Winnebago County Motorcycle Crash Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one was hurt in a left-turn motorcycle accident, you do not have to face the insurance companies alone. The driver who turned in front of you may be at fault, but proving it requires skill, resources, and dedication. Our attorneys have decades of experience, a track record of millions recovered for clients, and the commitment to fight for you every step of the way.

We handle motorcycle and car crash cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney’s fees unless we win. We also offer free consultations so you can understand your rights before making any decisions. Call Mannarino & Brasfield, A Division of Schwartz Jambois at 815-215-7561 today to speak with a Rockford motorcycle accident attorney who will fight for the compensation you need.