Fighting Back After a Driver Turns Left in Front Of A Motorcyclist in Florida
Bryan Greenberg
Motorcycle Crash
Personal Injury
When a driver turns left in front of a motorcyclist, everything can change in a single second. At All Injuries Law Firm, we’ve stood beside Florida riders and their families through some of the hardest moments of their lives. For over 35 years, our attorneys have fought to help people recover not just compensation, but control, confidence, and peace of mind.
“We’ve helped riders who were doing everything right and still lost everything because someone didn’t look twice before turning,” said Attorney Brian O. Sutter, managing partner of All Injuries Law Firm. “These crashes are preventable — but when they happen, we make sure the rider’s story is heard and justice is served.”
We understand what victory really means for our clients — the ability to pay medical bills, rebuild a bike, return to work, or finally sleep without worry. That’s what Victory for the Injured is all about.
Key Facts Florida Riders Need After a Left-Turn Motorcycle Crash
Left-turn motorcycle crashes are among Florida’s most serious — and often the most misunderstood — types of collisions.
Fault: Under Florida Statute § 316.122, the driver making a left turn must yield to oncoming traffic.
Insurance Push-back: Insurance companies often dispute speed, visibility, or lane position to limit payouts. Our firm has spent decades helping injured riders by using expert reconstruction and thorough investigation.
Next Steps: Get medical care immediately, preserve the motorcycle and gear as evidence, and reach out to a board-certified Florida motorcycle accident lawyer before you speak to insurers.
These laws and defenses aren’t just theory — we’ve seen them tested in court.
“Insurance companies often try to turn the tables and blame the rider,” said Attorney Bryan Greenberg. “We know those tactics because we used to defend insurers — now we use that experience to fight for our clients.”
When a Left Turn Violates a Rider’s Right of Way
On busy Florida roads like U.S. 41, crashes often occur when a driver turns left across oncoming lanes and cuts in front of a motorcyclist with the right of way. The result is almost always severe — riders are often thrown from the bike and suffer multiple injuries.
In similar cases, attorneys can demonstrate through witness statements, intersection measurements, and accident reconstruction that the turning driver violated Florida’s right-of-way law. Recoveries in these types of cases often include coverage for surgeries, rehabilitation, and lost income — essential steps in helping riders rebuild after devastating crashes.
“What people don’t realize is that a left-turn crash can change every part of a person’s life in one instant,” said Attorney Corbin Sutter. “Our job is to help them rebuild that life piece by piece — physically, financially, and emotionally.”
When Drivers Claim “I Didn’t See the Motorcycle” and Why It Fails Under Florida Law
Drivers frequently defend left-turn crashes by claiming they “never saw the motorcycle.” It’s one of the most common excuses — and one of the weakest.
Video evidence, traffic-camera footage, and expert testimony can show that the rider was visible for several seconds before the collision. In cases where this defense is raised, juries often find the true cause is driver inattention, not invisibility.
“We’ve had juries tell us afterward that seeing the evidence — frame by frame — changed how they viewed motorcyclists entirely,” said Attorney Jenna Kakley. “That’s why we fight so hard to present the full story. The facts speak for themselves when someone finally listens.”
When Speed Becomes the Battleground in a Left-Turn Motorcycle Case
Speed is another issue often raised in these cases. A driver may claim the motorcyclist was traveling too fast, attempting to shift blame. In practice, accident reconstruction and data from a motorcycle’s electronic control module (ECM) often show that the rider’s speed was within a safe range and that the driver’s left turn caused the crash.
In situations like these, a strong settlement can help injured riders and families regain financial stability after medical procedures and long-term recovery. That’s what Victory for the Injured means to us — restoring lives after someone else’s carelessness.
How Proven Experience and Board Certification Strengthen Right-of-Way Crash Cases
Left-turn motorcycle crashes are won through preparation and expertise — not luck. These cases demand attorneys who understand both Florida traffic law and insurance defense tactics.
At All Injuries Law Firm, managing attorney Brian O. Sutter has been Board Certified by the Florida Bar since 1990 — a distinction earned by fewer than 7 percent of Florida lawyers.
Attorney Bryan Greenberg, also Board Certified, brings the unique insight of having previously defended insurance companies before joining our firm. That perspective helps us anticipate and overcome the very tactics insurers use to minimize claims.
Together with our personal-injury team — including Corbin Sutter and Jenna Kakley — we’ve recovered millions in settlements and verdicts for injured Floridians.
“When you’ve handled these cases for decades, you know what it takes to win,” said Attorney Brian O. Sutter. “It’s not just about knowledge of the law — it’s about persistence, preparation, and compassion.”
For us, every case is personal, and every victory matters — because behind every recovery is a person whose life was changed by someone else’s negligence.
What Injured Florida Riders Should Do After a Left-Turn Crash
Most left-turn motorcycle crashes happen because a driver fails to yield under Florida Statute § 316.122. Acting quickly helps preserve critical evidence such as traffic-camera footage, witness statements, and motorcycle data.
Every rider’s recovery begins with a single call.
If a driver’s left turn took away your right of way — and your peace of mind — contact All Injuries Law Firm today.
Call (941) 625-4878 or visit our offices in Port Charlotte or Fort Myers.
When our clients win, we bang the Victory Gong — because every victory means a life rebuilt, and every recovery echoes our promise to deliver Justice. Recovery. Peace of Mind.
Frequently Asked Questions About Left-Turn Motorcycle Crashes in Florida
Who is at fault when a driver turns left in front of a motorcycle in Florida?
In most cases, the turning driver is at fault under Florida Statute § 316.122.
Pro Tip: Even if the rider is accused of speeding, Florida’s comparative-fault law may still allow recovery.
What if the driver says they didn’t see the motorcycle?
“I didn’t see them” is one of the most common — and weakest — defenses.
Attorney Insight: “When juries see the video or reconstruction evidence, they understand the truth — riders were visible, and drivers simply failed to yield,” says Attorney Jenna Kakley.
Can a motorcyclist still recover damages if they were going a little over the speed limit?
Yes. Florida follows a modified comparative fault system.
Pro Tip: Early investigation of speed data and intersection footage often proves the driver’s turn — not the rider’s speed — caused the crash.
What kinds of compensation can injured motorcyclists recover?
Compensation can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and future care costs.
Attorney Insight: “For our clients, victory isn’t just about the check — it’s about peace of mind and getting their lives back on track,” says Attorney Brian O. Sutter.
How soon should I contact a lawyer after a left-turn crash?
Immediately. Evidence like surveillance video or witness memories can fade within days.
Pro Tip: Bring photos, helmet, and any police or insurance documents to your first consultation — they often make a big difference.
Where can I get help if I or someone I love was hurt in a left-turn motorcycle crash?
Call All Injuries Law Firm at (941) 625-4878 or visit our offices in Port Charlotte or Fort Myers.
References and Supporting Sources
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles – Traffic Crash Facts Annual Report
Florida Statutes – Chapter 316.122: Vehicle Turning Left
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – Traffic Safety Facts: Motorcycles
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety – Motorcycle Safety and Visibility Studies
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Motorcycle Safety Tips and Injury Prevention Data
National Transportation Safety Board – Safety Recommendation Report: Motorcycle Safety
Disclaimer: Case results and testimonials are examples of past outcomes and do not guarantee similar results. Legal outcomes depend on the facts and circumstances of each case.