A car turned right across you

One of the most common ways riders get hurt. A driver turns across the oncoming lane and a motorcycle is the thing they misjudge.

Illustrative photo representing a Right turn across your path scenario

Understanding the Scenario

The driver is waiting to turn right, looking for a gap in oncoming traffic. They see a car in the distance, decide there is room, and go. What they have not registered is the motorcycle much closer to them, because a bike presents a narrow profile that is genuinely harder to judge for both distance and speed. From your side, the car simply appears across your lane with no time and nowhere to go. It is one of the most common and most serious motorcycle collisions on UK roads, because the impact is usually to the side of the vehicle at close to full road speed.

If you've been in a right turn across your path, you may be eligible to pursue motorcycle accident claims or scooter accident claims. Understanding your rights is the first step to full recovery.

The Legal Angle

A driver turning right across oncoming traffic is carrying out a manoeuvre that requires them to give way, and the Highway Code is clear that they must not proceed until it is safe. Misjudging the speed or distance of an approaching motorcycle is not generally treated as an excuse, because the duty is to be sure before turning rather than to assume. That said, insurers frequently argue contributory negligence, usually by suggesting the rider was travelling too fast or could have avoided the collision, so what the evidence shows about approach speed and reaction can matter a great deal to the outcome.

Evidence You Need

Building a strong case requires solid proof. Here is what typically makes the difference in this type of claim.

Dashcam or helmet-camera footage, which is decisive in these cases
The final resting positions of both vehicles before anything is moved
The point of impact on the car, which indicates how far through the turn it was
Any skid marks or debris showing where braking began
Independent witnesses, particularly drivers behind the turning car
Photographs showing sightlines and any obstruction at the junction

Common Complications

Insurers will try to minimize your payout. These are the usual tactics they deploy for these specific accidents, and how specialists counter them.

Complication 1

The driver claiming you came out of nowhere or were speeding

Illustration for: The driver claiming you came out of nowhere or were speeding

Complication 2

An allegation of contributory negligence to reduce the settlement

Illustration for: An allegation of contributory negligence to reduce the settlement

Complication 3

Disputes about whether you had time to brake or take avoiding action

Illustration for: Disputes about whether you had time to brake or take avoiding action

Complication 4

The driver saying they were already committed to the turn

Illustration for: The driver saying they were already committed to the turn

Complication 5

Arguments about whether your headlight was on or you were visible

Illustration for: Arguments about whether your headlight was on or you were visible

Claim Elements

What a non-fault claim could involve

If the crash wasn't your fault, your claim can encompass various elements. The specialists we connect you with can review your circumstances to pursue appropriate compensation.

Injury Compensation

Your injury

Potential compensation for the injury itself, assessed based on severity and recovery time by medical professionals.

Damaged motorcycle helmet, gloves and jacket

Bike & Gear Recovery

Your bike & gear

Specialists may pursue the costs of repairs, vehicle replacement, and damaged protective clothing like helmets and leathers.

A replacement motorbike with keys, ready to ride

Out-of-Pocket Costs

Financial losses

Claims can often include loss of earnings if you needed time off work, and other reasonable out-of-pocket expenses.

Illustrative only. We are an introducer service and do not handle claims or predict outcomes. Claims are pursued by regulated specialists and outcomes depend entirely on individual circumstances.

Common questions

Questions riders ask

Answers to common queries regarding the claims process.

Not usually. It is a very common allegation and it is not the same as proof. Speed can be assessed from damage patterns, scene evidence and any footage. Even where some contribution is established, it typically reduces a settlement rather than defeating a claim outright.

Not seeing a motorcycle is not generally a defence. A driver turning across traffic is required to be satisfied it is safe before proceeding, and failing to observe properly is the substance of the complaint rather than an excuse for it.

Yes. Scene evidence, vehicle damage and the geometry of the collision often tell the story without a witness. Footage helps enormously if you have it.

No. Striking the side of a turning vehicle is the expected impact pattern when a driver turns across an oncoming rider, and it often supports rather than undermines the account.

Usually three years from the date of the accident in England and Wales, with exceptions. Acting sooner protects the evidence, particularly footage.

Related Claim Scenarios

SMIDSY

It's the most common and infuriating excuse in biking. If a driver pulled out and wiped you out, we connect you to specialists who prove fault.

Read about smidsy scenarios

Hit By Car

When a ton of metal hits a motorcycle, the rider always loses. If a negligent driver knocked you down, connect with legal experts to fight your corner.

Read about hit by car scenarios

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