A left-turn-across-path (LTAP) crash is one of the most common motorcycle accidents in New Jersey. This crash happens when a driver turning left at an intersection or into a driveway turns into or in front of an oncoming motorcycle.

When the driver turns in front of the motorcycle, the rider slams into its side. Even if the motorcyclist sees the vehicle turn, they do not have enough time to brake or swerve. As a result, the impact happens at or near full speed.

The impact can throw the rider off the motorcycle and into the vehicle or onto the road. The motorcyclist can suffer serious or fatal head and neck injuries due to the ejection.

When the driver turns into the motorcycle, they slam the rider to the ground. The rider can get crushed by the motorcycle or the car. They will often suffer serious injuries to their arms and legs. They may also strike their head on the pavement, causing a traumatic brain injury.

Drivers cause LTAP accidents for many reasons. They may not see the motorcycle or think they can beat it through the intersection. Regardless of the reason, the driver who made the left turn will bear liability for the crash since they failed to yield the right-of-way.

A right-turn-into-path (RTIP) crash is similar to an LTAP crash. But instead of turning left across the motorcyclist’s path, they make a right turn into the motorcyclist’s path.

For example, a driver might stop at a red light and turn right into a motorcyclist’s path. Or they might pull out in front of a motorcyclist when leaving a driveway or parking lot.

This type of crash often happens when the driver approaches the turn and only glances to the left before making the right turn. Since they are looking for a car, they fail to recognize the approaching motorcycle and drive into the rider’s path.

Everything happens so quickly that the motorcyclist does not have enough time to maneuver away from the turning vehicle. They often get ejected when the vehicles collide.

Drivers can lose track of motorcycles while on multi-lane roads and highways. This problem is compounded when drivers change lanes without checking their blind spots.

Careless drivers often operate on “auto-pilot,” checking only their mirrors when maneuvering. This carelessness can lead drivers to sideswipe motorcycles while changing lanes.

Sideswiping cars often cause only minor damage. Since motorcycles are smaller, lighter, and have only two wheels, a sideswipe can knock a motorcycle over. The rider may run off the road or, worse yet, tip over in active traffic.

Drivers often treat motorcycles like inferior vehicles. A common manifestation of this happens when they crowd them or cut them off while passing.

Motorcycles are entitled to the full use of a lane. New Jersey drivers must move completely into the passing lane when passing motorcycles. If they only move partially into the passing lane and hang over into the motorcyclist’s lane, they have violated traffic laws. Equally importantly, they may hit the rider or cause them to swerve.

After overtaking the motorcycle, the driver must not move back into their lane until they are safely clear of it. Moving into their lane too quickly could cause them to clip the front tire of the motorcycle or cause the motorcyclist to brake or swerve suddenly.

In both of these scenarios, the driver’s carelessness and impatience in passing make them liable for the injuries that result from the crash.