To clear the confusion - I was in clear sight of the car as I saw the car and the car had to have seen me if they were looking to make the turn. These were residential streets which were not obstructed by bushes or parked cars. But I guess I was wrong, looking before you turn must not be the right thing to do.

edit: yeah having no lights = my fault. its a b!tch to take off and put on a light twice to go somewhere thats 2 blocks away.