Why Intersections Are the Most Dangerous Places for Motorcyclists
Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month Highlights a Serious Risk on Florida Roads
Every motorcycle rider knows the thrill of the open road—but they also know how quickly that ride can turn dangerous, especially at intersections. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than one-third of fatal motorcycle crashes happen at intersections. For riders in Jacksonville and across Florida, where year-round riding is common, intersections remain the most dangerous points of any trip.
At Pajcic & Pajcic, our Jacksonville motorcycle accident lawyers have seen how quickly lives are changed in these collisions. We’ve helped riders recover after being hit by left-turning drivers, rear-ended at red lights, and sideswiped by vehicles that failed to yield. We've stood with injured riders and grieving families after intersection collisions that could have been prevented. And during Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month this May, we want to shine a spotlight on the real danger intersections pose—and how motorcyclists can protect their rights if they're hit.
Most Drivers Don't Expect Motorcycles—Especially at Intersections
One of the biggest reasons motorcyclists are vulnerable at intersections is that many drivers simply don’t look for them. Motorcycles are smaller, harder to spot, and often fall into blind spots. But that doesn’t excuse drivers who fail to yield, turn left across a rider’s path, or roll through red lights.
These moments of carelessness can be deadly. When a vehicle turns in front of a motorcycle, there’s rarely time for the rider to react. In one Pajcic & Pajcic case, a passenger on a motorcycle was nearly killed after a car turned directly into her path. She suffered catastrophic injuries and was in a coma for nearly a month.
Although the driver had only a $25,000 insurance policy, we pushed the insurer to pay $1.25 million—50 times the policy limit—after proving bad faith.
Left Turns Are the Most Common—and Deadliest—Threat
Left-turn collisions are the leading cause of fatal motorcycle accidents at intersections. Drivers often misjudge the speed of an oncoming motorcycle or fail to see them entirely, making a left-hand turn directly into their path.
These crashes aren’t just common—they’re violent. The rider usually has little time to brake or swerve, resulting in high-impact injuries like traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and amputations.
That’s exactly what happened to Vaughn, another Pajcic & Pajcic client. A distracted pickup driver ran a stop sign and slammed into Vaughn’s motorcycle. His leg was so badly damaged that he had to undergo amputation. Despite the at-fault driver having minimal insurance, we uncovered critical evidence and forced the insurer to pay more than 40 times the policy limit.
Why Intersection Crashes Are So Legally Challenging
Intersection accidents are notoriously complicated when it comes to proving fault. Was the traffic light green or red? Did the at-fault driver stop before turning? Was the rider speeding or lane-splitting? Insurance companies jump on any uncertainty to shift blame onto the motorcyclist.
Our motorcycle accident lawyers know how to fight back. We investigate crash scenes, analyze traffic light timing data, pull surveillance video, and interview witnesses. We've helped clients recover millions in cases that insurers initially tried to deny or downplay, especially in intersection collisions where the biker was unfairly blamed.
For instance, in one fatal crash during Bike Week, a delivery truck blocked both northbound lanes on a rural road, causing a rider to crash into the truck and lose his life. The delivery company tried to shift the blame due to the rider’s BAC. However, we shifted the focus to employer responsibility, exposing how the driver was overworked and improperly supervised.
After surviving 10 motions for summary judgment, we resolved the case for over $5 million.
Intersection Crash Injuries Are Often Catastrophic
Because of the angle and force of impact in intersection crashes, motorcyclists frequently suffer life-altering injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Amputations
- Multiple fractures
- Internal organ damage
- Road rash and nerve damage
These injuries aren’t just physically devastating—they’re financially and emotionally overwhelming. From emergency surgeries to long-term rehabilitation, the cost can easily reach hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. And when a rider can no longer work or care for their family, the financial toll only grows.
How Pajcic & Pajcic Helps Injured Riders
Since 1974, Pajcic & Pajcic has fought for injured riders and their families. We understand the unique challenges of motorcycle accident cases and how to overcome the bias riders often face from insurance companies.
In one case, a rider on a scooter was backed over by a truck. He lost his leg and spent months in the hospital. Our team uncovered the truck driver’s history of DUIs and the employer’s failure to run a background check. That case settled for $3.5 million.
In every motorcycle case we take, we build a strong, evidence-based claim to demand full compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Modifications to home or vehicle
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship in wrongful death claims
May Is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month—But Awareness Isn't Enough
Awareness campaigns are helpful, but they don’t undo the damage caused by careless drivers. Florida drivers must be held accountable when they endanger motorcyclists at intersections. That’s what we do every day at Pajcic & Pajcic.
If you or a loved one was hurt in a motorcycle crash, we’re ready to listen, investigate, and fight for the outcome you deserve. We’ve recovered more than $1.5 billion for injured clients—and we’re here to help you, too. Contact Pajcic & Pajcic today for a free consultation.
"My son was in a motorcycle accident, and we went with Pajcic and Pajcic based off a recommendation from a friend. ...I don't think we could have navigated the process without them. I would highly recommend going with this firm if you are in need of a great team based out of Jacksonville." - Tiffany C., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐