Texas Accident & Injury News
Motorcycles are especially vulnerable in left-turn accidents.
Motorcyclist and Passenger Hospitalized After Left-Turn Accident on Broadway
According to a report from News4SanAntonio, a motorcycle crash left two people hospitalized in critical condition Saturday night.¹
Police say the accident happened at around 11:21 p.m. on April 11th on Broadway near Casa Blanca. A motorcyclist was traveling northbound when a Kia Soul heading southbound attempted to make a left turn. The two vehicles collided in the intersection.
A 31-year-old man and a 30-year-old woman were both taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. The driver of the Kia Soul remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities.
Did You Know?
Left-turn motorcycle accidents account for 26% of all fatal two-vehicle motorcycle crashes nationwide, making them the most common type of deadly motorcycle collision.²
Left-Turn Motorcycle Accidents: Who’s to Blame?
Left-turn motorcycle crashes happen when a driver turns across oncoming traffic and crosses directly into a rider’s path. These collisions happen fast—and once a vehicle commits to the turn, there is often no time to avoid impact.
In most cases, the turning driver fails to yield the right of way. But liability is not automatic. What matters is whether each driver acted with reasonable care leading up to the crash.
Why Drivers Often Don’t See Motorcycles
Drivers aren’t ignoring motorcycles on purpose—many simply don’t register them in time. Because motorcycles are smaller and less visually prominent, they are easier to overlook during a quick scan of traffic.
This often happens when a driver:
- Glances for cars but fails to recognize a smaller vehicle
- Misjudges how far away the motorcycle actually is
- Focuses on one lane of traffic and misses another
- Has their view partially blocked by other vehicles
This is commonly referred to as a “looked-but-didn’t-see” crash, and it’s one of the leading causes of motorcycle collisions.
Speed and Timing: Where Things Go Wrong
Speed plays a major role in how these crashes unfold. If a motorcycle is traveling faster than expected, it shortens the time a turning driver has to react.
But that does not eliminate the driver’s responsibility. A left turn across traffic requires absolute certainty that the road is clear. Guessing or rushing that decision creates a high risk of collision.
At the same time, excessive speed by a motorcyclist can also become part of the investigation. If speed reduces reaction time or contributes to the severity of the crash, it can affect how fault is shared.
Why These Injuries Are Often Severe
When a vehicle turns in front of a motorcycle, the rider has almost no protection even when wearing full protective gear. There are no airbags, no frame, and no buffer between the body and the impact like in a passenger vehicle.
That’s why these crashes frequently result in:
- Head and traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal injuries and bleeding
Passengers are especially vulnerable because they rely entirely on the driver for balance and control.
How Fault Is Actually Determined
Fault in a left-turn motorcycle accident comes down to evidence—not assumptions.
Investigators look at:
- Who had the right of way
- Whether the turn was made safely
- The speed of both vehicles
- Visibility and lighting conditions
- Witness statements and physical evidence
In many cases, the turning driver is held responsible for failing to yield. But if the motorcyclist was speeding or riding aggressively, fault can be shared under Texas law.
One negligent act does not cancel out another. Each driver’s actions are evaluated independently.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Crash
After a serious motorcycle accident, taking the right steps protects both your health and your ability to recover compensation should you choose to pursue an injury claim.
You should:
- Call 911 immediately—serious injuries require emergency care and a police report is legally required
- Follow all medical treatment instructions carefully
- Request a copy of the crash report
- Document injuries, the scene, and vehicle damage
- Avoid speaking with insurance companies before understanding your rights
Motorcycle injuries often worsen over time, especially head, neck, and internal injuries. Even if you think you’re fine, get checked out by a medical professional anyway.
Injured in a Motorcycle Accident in San Antonio? Call Shaw.
Motorcycle accidents are often life-changing, especially when another driver turns into your path without warning. If you were injured in a crash, you could be entitled to compensation for things like:
- Medical bills and hospital care
- Pain and suffering
- Ongoing treatment and rehabilitation
- Lost wages or reduced earning ability
- And more
We’ll help you find out for free.
Call Shaw today at 800-862-1260 to speak with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in San Antonio. There are no fees, no obligations, and no pressure attached. Just clear, compassionate guidance when you need it most.
We look forward to serving you.