A board certified Civil Trial Lawyer with almost five decades of experience in Ohio Personal Injury Law.
Motorcyclists face an inherently greater risk of injury in an accident than passenger vehicle drivers because their bikes provide little physical protection in a crash. Some traffic situations are particularly dangerous.
Every rider should acknowledge the risks of left-turn motorcycle accidents at dangerous Columbus intersections that can potentially leave a motorcyclist critically injured.
Risks of Left-Turn Motorcycle Accidents at Dangerous Columbus Intersections
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, there were 3,643 accidents involving motorcycles statewide in 2025. 305 of these accidents occurred in Franklin County. Most motorcycle accidents happen for the same reasons as other accidents, such as speeding, distracted driving, and moving violations, but some traffic situations are more dangerous for motorcycles because of their smaller size.
Left-turn accidents are particularly dangerous. When a motorcyclist makes a left-turn, but a driver going straight from the opposite direction fails to stop for their red light or stop sign, that driver may not be able to avoid a collision. These accidents may also happen when a driver turns left in front of a motorcyclist who is going straight; the other driver may not have noticed that the motorcyclist had the right-of-way before making their turn.
In either of these left-turn scenarios, the motorcyclist is likely to suffer the worst of the effects. Motorcycle accidents have a much higher chance of resulting in catastrophic or fatal injuries than passenger car accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 3,052 fatal two-vehicle crashes involving motorcycles in 2021, and in 43% of these accidents, the other vehicle was turning left while the motorcycle was going straight.
Motorcycles are smaller than most other vehicles on the road in the Columbus area, and while all drivers have a duty of care to operate their vehicles attentively, a motorcycle’s smaller size will not excuse another driver’s negligence if it results in an accident that may have been prevented. Ohio follows a fault-based system for resolving vehicle accident cases, so whoever is found at fault for causing an accident absorbs liability for the resulting damages.
Motorcyclists should use caution at all times, especially when passing through intersections in Columbus. Some of the most dangerous intersections in the area include Cleveland Avenue and Morse Road, Karl Road and Morse Road, and East Broad Street and James Road. If you or a loved one is injured in a left-turn motorcycle accident, it’s crucial to consult a Columbus motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your legal options.
Building a Left-Turn Motorcycle Accident Case in Columbus, OH
In Columbus, OH, vehicle accident cases involving two or more parties are resolved based on fault. This means that whoever caused the accident is liable for the resulting damages, and an injured victim will need to prove fault before they can claim any compensation for their damages. In left-turn accident cases, plaintiffs often need evidence showing the other driver failed to yield the right-of-way or committed a moving violation that directly resulted in the accident.
Some of the evidence you may need for this type of case will be difficult to obtain on your own, and you are more likely to secure appropriate compensation for your losses if you hire a motorcycle accident lawyer to represent you. Your recovery may require filing an auto insurance claim against the at-fault driver, or you may need to build a personal injury case to have a greater chance of securing appropriate compensation for your damages.
The Gervelis Law Firm has extensive experience representing motorcycle accident victims in Columbus and throughout Ohio. Founding partner Mark Gervelis is a Board Certified Trial Lawyer who can help clients get real results after they have been injured by the negligence of others. Reach out to our firm as soon as possible to speak with an experienced attorney about your motorcycle accident case.
FAQs
Why Are Motorcycle Accidents Deadlier Than Car Accidents?
Motorcycle accidents are deadlier than car accidents because a motorcycle provides very little physical protection to the rider in a crash. They are not only likely to suffer injuries from the primary impact with the other vehicle, but also from the secondary impact of hitting the ground at high speed. Motorcycle accidents have a much higher chance of resulting in catastrophic or fatal injuries than passenger car accidents.
What Compensation Can I Claim in a Motorcycle Accident Case?
The compensation you can claim in a motorcycle accident case could include vehicle repair costs, medical expenses, lost income, and compensation for your pain and suffering. Ohio law limits pain and suffering compensation in most personal injury cases, but these limits may not apply when a plaintiff has suffered some type of permanently disabling injury.
How Do You Prove Fault for a Left-Turn Motorcycle Accident?
Proving fault for a left-turn motorcycle accident typically requires proving that the other driver failed to yield the right-of-way or committed a moving violation that resulted in the accident. Some of these accidents occur because of speeding, distracted driving, or other driver negligence. You should hire a motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible after the accident so they can start gathering the evidence you need to prove liability.
Why Should I Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Columbus?
You should hire a motorcycle accident lawyer in Columbus because an experienced local attorney will be a tremendous asset throughout all stages of your case. The aftermath of left-turn motorcycle accidents at dangerous Columbus intersections can be devastating, and injured victims may not know what they should do first while they are recovering. You’re more likely to build a successful injury claim with an attorney’s help.
The attorneys at Gervelis Law Firm have years of proven experience helping clients recover from motorcycle accidents in Columbus. We know how damaging left-turn motorcycle accidents at dangerous Columbus intersections can be and the various challenges you might encounter in your efforts to recover compensation. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Columbus motorcycle accident lawyer and learn how we can help with your case.
