Left cross collisions happen when an oncoming vehicle turns left across a cyclist's path. The driver either fails to see the cyclist or misjudges their speed and distance. These dangerous accidents often occur at intersections, resulting in severe injuries when cyclists collide with turning vehicles.
Understanding Left Cross Accidents
In a left cross collision, the cyclist travels straight through an intersection while an oncoming vehicle turns left. The vehicle's path crosses directly in front of the cyclist, creating a collision course. The cyclist may strike the vehicle's side, be struck by the vehicle's front end, or attempt evasive action resulting in a crash.
Left cross accidents occur both at controlled intersections (where the driver has a green light but must yield to oncoming traffic) and uncontrolled intersections (where the turning driver must yield to approaching vehicles including cyclists).
Why Left Cross Accidents Happen
Drivers cause left cross collisions through several forms of negligence. Failure to yield to oncoming cyclists when turning left is the primary cause. Drivers may not see cyclists due to inattention, visual obstructions, or not expecting bicycle traffic.
Speed misjudgment is common—drivers see the cyclist but underestimate their approach speed, believing they can complete the turn. Cyclists often travel faster than drivers expect, especially on downhills or with e-bikes.
Distracted driving, impaired driving, and simply not looking for cyclists in traffic contribute to left cross accidents.
Cyclist Injuries in Left Cross Collisions
Left cross accidents cause severe injuries due to closing speeds—the cyclist approaches as the vehicle crosses their path. Impact occurs at combined speeds often exceeding 30-40 mph.
Typical injuries include traumatic brain injury from striking the vehicle or ground, broken bones throughout the body, spinal cord injuries, internal organ damage from impact forces, and road rash and soft tissue injuries. The severity of these injuries justifies substantial compensation claims.
Establishing Driver Liability
Drivers making left turns must yield to all oncoming traffic, including cyclists. This duty makes proving liability relatively straightforward in most left cross cases. Traffic laws establish the turning driver's obligation to yield.
Evidence supporting claims includes intersection traffic camera footage, witness statements from other drivers or pedestrians, police reports documenting the collision, and physical evidence showing the cyclist was proceeding through the intersection when struck.
Defending Against Cyclist Fault Claims
Drivers may claim the cyclist was speeding, ran a red light, or was not visible. These defenses can be challenged with evidence.
The cyclist's position in the intersection when struck indicates whether they had the right of way. Witness testimony and camera footage establish light status. Reflective gear, lights, and riding in proper lanes counter visibility arguments. Even if some cyclist fault exists, comparative fault typically still allows recovery.
Maximizing Your Recovery
Left cross accident victims should document the intersection with photographs showing sight lines, signal positions, and any visibility obstructions. Witness contact information is crucial. Medical evaluation should occur immediately to document injuries.
An experienced bicycle accident attorney can investigate the collision, counter driver defenses, and pursue full compensation for injuries that are often severe and life-changing.