Motorcyclist was Killed on Independence Boulevard in Virginia Beach

Motorcyclists are extremely vulnerable at intersections where other vehicles are turning. We were saddened to read about how a motorcyclist was killed on Independence Boulevard in Virginia Beach over the weekend.

Few details are available about this tragic crash. Police said the wreck occurred at the intersection of S. Independence and Rainbow Drive around 7 p.m. on Sunday.

Our thoughts are with the family of the motorcyclist who died at the wreck scene in a two-vehicle crash.

A report on WAVY.com noted the driver of the car was transported to a local hospital with injuries not considered to be life-threatening, police say. The motorcyclist succumbed to his injuries at the accident scene after first responders tried to save his life.

Police officers closed off S. Independence Boulevard from Salem Road to Princess Anne Road for about four hours while they were clearing the scene.

A Motorcyclist was Killed on Independence Boulevard – Was a Left Turn Involved?

In a recent article, The Washington Post noted how left-hand turns are unsafe for everyone. Government statistics reveal 53.1 percent of crossing path accidents involve left turns but only 5.7 percent involve right turns.

Left turns are particularly dangerous for motorcyclists. Motorcyclists lack the protection afforded by the frame of a car. Figures show they are almost 40 times more likely to lose their lives in a crash than car drivers or passengers. Even if they live, they often suffer serious injuries such as head injuries or back injuries.

Sadly, far too many motorcyclists lose their lives when other drivers make left turns in Hampton Roads.

In late 2017, for example, a 22-year-old motorcyclist from Hampton was killed on Cunningham Drive. Police said a Dodge SUV was heading east on Cunningham Drive. The driver tried to make a left turn into the parking lot of the Coliseum Crossing Shopping Center.

As the Dodge turned, a Ninja motorcycle hit the back right passenger side of the turning vehicle. The crash was investigated by the members of the Hampton Police Division’s Reconstruction Team

Drivers of cars, pickup trucks, SUVs or large trucks often fail to look out for riders when they are making left turn. It’s easy to miss a motorcyclist. Often drivers continue with their left turn, meaning approaching motorcyclists hit their vehicle or try to take evasive action which can also lead to a motorcycle crash.

As experienced Virginia Beach accident injury lawyers, we are acutely aware of the dangers riders face at intersections. Motorcyclists have rights that are often not respected. Call us at (757) 333-3333.