Skip to Content
Top
Struck by Left-Turning Vehicle

Struck by a eft-Turning Vehicle While Bicycling?

Inattentive Left-Turning Motorists are a Common Cause of 
Bicycle Accidents

An inattentive motorist who turns left in front of an oncoming bicyclist is one of the most common causes of bicycle accidents. Left-turning drivers have a duty to yield to approaching cyclists. But when a driver is distracted, whether due to texting or reading text messages, using a cell phone or navigation system, or any of the other endless distractions pulling at drivers, the motorist can easily fail to notice an approaching bike rider.

The Left-Turning Motorist Will Attempt to Blame the Bicyclist

The vehicle driver who was not paying attention and turns into the path of an approaching bicyclist will often attempt to blame the bicyclist. Even though the bicyclist was riding in the street, the motorist may contend that the approaching bicyclist was riding on the sidewalk and rode from the sidewalk into the street. The driver may truthfully, but erroneously, believe this was how the accident happened, or the driver may be lying in an attempt to shift the blame to the rider.

Our Long Beach bicycle accident attorneys have extensive experience representing bicyclists who have been hit by left-turning cars. Contact us today to get started with a free consultation!

If in fact the bicyclist had ridden from the sidewalk into the street, then the bicyclist could be partially at fault (known as "comparative negligence"), particularly if the accident happened in a business district in Long Beach, where it is illegal for bicyclists to ride on sidewalks. Bicyclists riding on sidewalks are on a dangerous collision course with vehicle drivers because bicyclists coming off sidewalks are not on a motorist's radar.

McGee, Lerer & Associates Aggressively Represents Bicyclists Hit by Left-Turning Drivers

The motor vehicle driver will almost always be at fault for violating California Vehicle Code Section 21801(a), which states:

"The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left or to complete a U-turn upon a highway, or to turn left into public or private property, or an alley, shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching from the opposite direction which are close enough to constitute a hazard at any time during the turning movement, and shall continue to yield the right-of-way to the approaching vehicles until the left turn or U-turn can be made with reasonable safety."

Under the California Vehicle Code, bicycles are considered "vehicles." The same rules that apply to motorists apply to bicyclists. Thus under Vehicle Code Section 20801(a), a left-turning motorist must yield to all bicyclists approaching from the opposite direction which are close enough to constitute a hazard.

We often find that a driver will admit fault at the scene of the accident, but later change his or her tune and claim the bicyclist rode from the sidewalk into the street. That is why it is critical in these types of bicycle accident cases for a law firm to begin an immediate investigation.

Were there any witnesses? Did any surveillance video cameras capture the accident? Witnesses need to be interviewed as soon as possible after the accident before their memories fade or are tainted by leading and suggestive questions from the motorist's insurance adjuster. Surveillance video needs to be preserved before it is recorded over.


Contact a Long Beach bicycle accident attorney at McGee, Lerer & Associates today if you were struck by a left-turning vehicle. Consultations are free and there is no fee unless we recover money for you.


 

Why Choose McGee, Lerer & Associates?

What Makes Us Different
  • Five Convenient Locations
    We have 5 offices in Southern California - Los Angeles, Pasadena, Santa Monica, Long Beach & Valencia
  • 24/7 Availability
    We can be available nights and weekends and come to you at the hospital or at home.
  • No Fees Unless We Win
    If we are unsuccessful in our efforts to recover your compensation, you owe nothing. Learn more here.
  • Individual Attention
    We take the time to understand all the unique factors of your case to achieve the best results.

Contact Us Today

100% Free Consultation
  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.

Our Previous Clients Tell Their Stories

Learn What It's Like to Work With Our Firm

At McGee, Lerer & Associates, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    "This law firm is very professional"

    After my car accident, I didn't know what to do. I tried to fix the problem myself, and my insurance ignored me. After speaking with Catherine and her working group Maria and Nick, I have actually been able to achieve what my insurance said would not be po

    "They make you feel like you are their only customer"

    They were always available to answer my messages and questions. I am very grateful to them. I recommend them.

    "Thank you so much, my family and I are very grateful."

    Thank you McGee Lerer & Associates! Your services went beyond expected. You always kept me updated with calls and emails. I am very satisfied with the facility you sent me to. They were excellent!! Doctors and staff were friendly. Thank you so much, my fam

    - L.J.
    "ny questions my wife and I had Catherine or Denise we’ll gladly answer. Once again highly recommend this firm."

    McGee, Lerer and Associates’s, thank you for your help. I highly recommend this firm. Catherine was our lawyer who helped my wife and I out during the whole process of a car accident we were. Denise as well helped us through out the process. Any questions

    - R.A.
    "hey helped me get the medical treatment I needed. I recommend this firm for personal injury cases!"

    After a bad car accident I was referred to McGee, Lerer and Associates. I closely worked wih Catherine and Rachael, who always had time to answer my questions and were concerned with my wellbeing and healing after the accident. They helped me get the medic

    - M.J.
    "I want to thank Catherine and her team for making this process fast and easy for me and my husband. Any questions we had they answered right away."

    I want to thank Catherine and her team for making this process fast and easy for me and my husband. Any questions we had they answered right away.

    - E.A.
    "I Highly recommend them!"

    I'm 24 years old and barley understand my car insurance to be honest. When i got into my accident I was easily discouraged and willing to just accept what happened and not do anything. Luckily a close friend of Catherine's is a customer at my restaurant an

    - M.P.
    "very professional customer service and excellent staff."

    Excelllent team of attorneys. Changed the bad experience of getting into a accident to a positive outcome. I got all the medical help I needed to recover. very professional customer service and excellent staff.

    - N.G.