Determining Fault When a Driver Turns Into a Motorcyclist’s Path
For motorcyclists, one of the most dangerous moments on the road is when a driver turns left across their path. These collisions are often violent, always jarring, and far too common on Oklahoma’s roads — especially in high-traffic areas like Northwest 39th and Meridian, South Western and I-240, or the busy intersections near Penn Square Mall. In the vast majority of these crashes, the motorcyclist isn’t the one at fault — it’s the turning driver who failed to yield.
Understanding who is liable in these incidents is crucial, particularly when insurance companies attempt to shift the blame to the injured rider. An experienced Oklahoma motorcycle accident lawyer can help injured motorcyclists protect their rights, hold negligent drivers accountable, and pursue the compensation they need to recover.
The Law in Oklahoma Is Clear About Right of Way
Under Oklahoma traffic laws, oncoming vehicles — including motorcycles — have the right of way over vehicles making left turns. That means a driver attempting to turn left at an intersection, onto a side road, or into a driveway must wait until the path is completely clear. If they turn too soon and collide with a motorcycle, they are typically held legally responsible.
Drivers often try to claim that they "didn’t see the motorcycle" or that the rider “came out of nowhere.” But in the eyes of the law, failing to see a clearly visible motorcycle is not a valid excuse — it’s a sign of driver negligence.
Several Oklahoma laws and legal standards directly support liability in these types of collisions:
- Required Position and Method of Turning at Intersections: Drivers must yield to oncoming traffic when making a left-hand turn. Failure to do so constitutes a moving violation and is frequently cited in motorcycle crash reports.
- Reckless Driving: Turning without regard for oncoming traffic may constitute reckless driving, particularly when it results in injury.
- Drivers to Exercise Due Care: All drivers have a duty to exercise care to avoid collisions with pedestrians and other vehicles, including motorcycles.
- Oklahoma’s Modified Comparative Negligence Rule: If a rider is found less than 50% at fault, they can still recover damages. However, turning drivers are usually assigned the bulk of liability in left-turn collisions.
These statutes support an injured motorcyclist’s claim by affirming the driver’s duty to yield and operate their vehicle safely. A knowledgeable Oklahoma motorcycle accident lawyer can utilize these laws, along with crash evidence, to establish liability and counter blame-shifting tactics.
Preventable Mistakes That Cause Left-Turn Crashes
Motorcyclists are already at a visibility disadvantage, especially when drivers fail to pay attention to them. Left-turn accidents are often the result of a series of preventable driver decisions that put the rider at risk. These behaviors are commonly cited in crash investigations:
- Failing to Yield While Turning Left: Many drivers misjudge the speed of an oncoming motorcycle, or worse, they see it and assume they can beat it through the turn. These rushed decisions often end in disaster.
- Distracted Driving: Phones, navigation systems, and even conversations can pull a driver’s attention away at a critical moment. A second of distraction can make the difference between a safe turn and a deadly impact.
- Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol and drugs impair depth perception and reaction time, making it even more dangerous for a driver to attempt a left-hand turn near oncoming traffic.
- Poor Visibility or Inattention: Whether due to weather, low lighting, or a dirty windshield, poor visibility is no excuse for inattention. Drivers are legally obligated to make sure it is safe before turning.
When any of these factors are present, fault clearly rests with the driver, not the rider. Still, that doesn’t stop insurance companies from trying to flip the script.
Fighting Back Against Blame-Shifting Tactics
Even when liability seems obvious, insurance adjusters may attempt to blame the motorcyclist. They might claim the rider was speeding, weaving through traffic, or not wearing visible gear. These tactics are common and are designed to reduce payouts, rather than reflect the truth.
Unless the motorcyclist was doing something truly reckless or illegal, fault in a left-turn collision almost always lies with the turning driver. And even if a rider is found partially at fault, Oklahoma’s comparative negligence law still allows them to recover compensation as long as they are less than 50% responsible.
Establishing liability in a motorcycle crash requires more than instinct — it takes solid evidence. From the moment a crash occurs, documentation becomes critical. A thorough investigation can uncover the real cause of the collision and support the rider’s claim.
Key forms of evidence often include:
- Police Reports and Citations: Official documentation of fault or violations.
- Eyewitness Testimony: Statements from those who saw the crash unfold.
- Dashcam or Helmet Cam Footage: Visual proof of the rider’s right-of-way and the driver’s actions.
- Skid Marks and Vehicle Damage: Physical evidence that helps reconstruct the crash.
- Expert Accident Reconstruction: Technical analysis to determine speeds, angles, and points of impact.
An experienced Oklahoma motorcycle accident lawyer can coordinate these efforts, ensure evidence is preserved, and push back against unfair blame.
Why Legal Guidance Matters After a Motorcycle Wreck
Left-turn motorcycle collisions often result in serious injuries — broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, and long-term disability. These are high-stakes cases, and insurance companies often move quickly to minimize their liability, pressuring injured riders into accepting lowball settlements before they fully understand the extent of their losses.
Building a successful claim requires more than just paperwork — it demands strategy, expertise, and diligent investigative work. Lawter & Associates, Attorneys at Law, PLLC, knows what it takes to hold negligent drivers accountable and secure meaningful compensation for injured motorcyclists. With offices in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, our lawyers have a strong record of results and a deep understanding of Oklahoma injury law.
Don’t take chances with your future. If you or a loved one has been hurt — or worse — in a left-turn motorcycle crash anywhere in Oklahoma, contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Oklahoma motorcycle accident lawyer who can evaluate your case, explain your options, and fight for the outcome your case deserves.
"Everyone was very helpful and professional! Could not imagine going through the whole process without the people from Lawter & Associates. Thanks for everyone at Lawter & Associates!" — Gabe S., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐