Left Cross Bicycle Accidents: When Turning Cars Don't Yield

A left cross accident occurs when a vehicle turns left into the path of an oncoming cyclist. These high-speed collisions often result in severe injuries.

How Left Cross Accidents Happen

The driver turns left at an intersection or driveway without yielding to an oncoming cyclist traveling straight. Common scenarios:

- Driver doesn't see cyclist due to sun glare

• Driver misjudges cyclist's speed

• Driver is focused on car traffic, not bikes

• Cyclist is in driver's blind spot

Why They're So Dangerous

- Head-on or T-bone impact

• High combined speed

• Cyclist has no time to react

• Often occurs at higher-speed roads

Liability

Drivers turning left must yield to oncoming traffic, including cyclists. The turning driver is typically fully liable unless:

- Cyclist ran red light

• Cyclist was on wrong side of road

• Other unusual circumstances

Prevention

For Cyclists:

• Make eye contact with waiting drivers

• Assume they don't see you

• Cover brakes approaching intersections

• Don't pass cars on the right at intersections

For Drivers:

• Look for cyclists, not just cars

• Don't assume clear path

• Wait for full visibility