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If you've been involved in a left turn motorcycle accident in Arizona, you already know how terrifying and life-altering these crashes can be. One moment you're riding — and the next, a car cuts across your path and everything changes. These accidents are among the most common and most deadly collisions motorcyclists face, and they raise important questions about fault, liability, and what your next steps should be. Our attorneys at Sher Law Group work with injured riders throughout the Phoenix and Scottsdale area, and we want to help you understand your rights.

Why Left Turn Accidents Are So Dangerous for Motorcyclists

Left-turn collisions happen when a vehicle turns left at an intersection — or across traffic — and strikes a motorcyclist traveling straight through. Because motorcycles are smaller and less visible than other vehicles, drivers frequently misjudge a rider's speed or simply fail to see them altogether before initiating the turn.

The physics of these crashes are brutal. A rider traveling at even moderate highway speeds who is struck broadside by a turning vehicle has almost no protection. Injuries commonly include traumatic brain injuries, broken limbs, spinal cord damage, road rash requiring skin grafting, and in the worst cases, fatal injuries. Arizona's warm, year-round riding climate means these accidents happen in every season — on city streets, suburban intersections, and desert highways alike.

Who Is Usually at Fault in a Left Turn Motorcycle Accident in Arizona?

Under Arizona law, a driver making a left turn has a legal duty to yield to oncoming traffic. Arizona Revised Statutes § 28-772 states that a driver intending to turn left must yield the right-of-way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction close enough to constitute an immediate hazard. In plain language: the turning driver is responsible for making sure the road is clear before they turn.

When a driver violates that duty and strikes a motorcyclist, they are typically found to be at fault. However, Arizona operates under a pure comparative fault system (ARS § 12-2505), which means fault can be divided between multiple parties. Insurance companies often try to argue that the motorcyclist was speeding, weaving, or otherwise contributed to the crash — even when the evidence doesn't support it. This is exactly why having experienced legal representation matters from the very beginning.

If you'd like a broader understanding of how fault is divided in Arizona collisions, our blog post on Arizona Comparative Negligence Law Explained breaks down how the system works and how it can affect your recovery.

Common Scenarios That Lead to These Crashes

Left turn motorcycle accidents in Arizona tend to happen in predictable ways. Understanding these scenarios can help you see how liability is established:

• Intersection turns: A driver waits at a green light or uncontrolled intersection and turns left as a motorcyclist approaches, misjudging the rider's speed or not seeing them at all.
• Driveway and parking lot exits: A driver pulling out of a driveway or commercial lot turns left without seeing a rider approaching.
• U-turns in traffic: A driver performs a U-turn in a busy roadway, cutting off a motorcyclist who has the right of way.
• Distracted or impaired driving: The turning driver was on their phone, eating, or driving under the influence — all common factors our car accident attorneys see regularly in serious collision cases.

What Evidence Matters Most in These Cases

Building a strong claim after a left turn motorcycle accident in Arizona requires gathering the right evidence quickly. Critical pieces include:

• The official police accident report (always call 911 and get a report filed)
• Traffic camera or intersection surveillance footage — this can disappear within days if not preserved
• Eyewitness statements from people who saw the crash
• Photographs of vehicle positions, road markings, skid marks, and your injuries
• Your medical records documenting all injuries and treatments
• Data from the at-fault driver's vehicle, if available (event data recorders)

Time matters. Evidence fades, witnesses forget, and some footage gets overwritten automatically. One of the first things our team does when you hire us is send preservation letters to ensure critical evidence is not destroyed.

What Damages Can You Recover?

Arizona law allows injured motorcyclists to pursue compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. Depending on the facts of your case, this may include:

• Past and future medical expenses (emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, ongoing treatment)
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work
• Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life
• Property damage to your motorcycle and gear
• Wrongful death damages if a family member was killed in the crash

Arizona's statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident under ARS § 12-542. Missing this deadline almost always means losing your right to recover — so do not wait to speak with an attorney.

Why Motorcyclists Face an Uphill Battle with Insurance Companies

There is an unfortunate bias against motorcyclists in the claims process. Adjusters may assume the rider was going too fast, acting recklessly, or was somehow responsible — regardless of what the evidence shows. They may offer a quick, lowball settlement hoping you'll accept before you understand the true value of your claim.

Our Motorcycle Accidents practice is built around fighting exactly this kind of treatment. We know how to counter insurer tactics, present compelling evidence, and when necessary, take cases to trial to get our clients the full compensation they deserve.

Riders who have been hurt in accidents not involving motorcycles — or family members hurt as pedestrians or cyclists — can also find answers through our personal injury lawyers page.

Talk to an Arizona Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today

A left turn motorcycle accident in Arizona can upend your entire life in seconds. Medical bills pile up, you may be unable to work, and the insurance company is already working against you. You don't have to face that alone. At Sher Law Group PLLC, we offer a free consultation with no obligation, and we never charge a fee unless we win your case. Call us today at 480-418-7437 or reach out online to tell us what happened. We're here to help you get back on your feet.