Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) posted a page on its website regarding May being Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and reminding drivers of all other vehicles to not only look out for, but also share the road with, motorcycle riders.
Continued awareness of motorcyclists is critical, because although the fatality rates for other automobiles have generally been on a decline, motorcycle deaths have been increasing for 13 out of the past 14 years.
For example, in 2011 alone:
Due to these and other statistics, based upon a per vehicle mile basis, motorcycle riders are more than 30 times more likely to be killed in a crash than individuals riding in cars or other automobiles. They are also 5 times more likely to suffer injuries.
The leading cause of death in motorcycle crashes is head injuries. As of 2011, 20 states, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico required helmet use by all motorcycle riders. According to statistics, helmets apparently prevent 37% of potentially fatal injuries to motorcycle riders involved in accidents. NHTSA estimates that helmet use may have saved some 1,600 motorcycle riders in 2011 alone.
As the foregoing demonstrates, traffic collisions not only occur frequently, but in many cases are deadly. Drivers of other vehicles on the road who are not paying attention are in many cases responsible for causing motorcycle accidents. Contrary to popular stereotypes, motorcycle riders are usually extremely safe drivers, and typically abide by all of the required traffic regulations. Because motorcycle accidents are usually caused by the negligence of other drivers, there will often be liability associated with these kinds of collisions. Finding and proving that liability, however, can be difficult.
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, contact police to report the incident, and seek medical treatment immediately. Documenting any relevant evidence will be critical to your potential legal claims and recoveries. Potential recovery can include things like medical bills, claims for pain and suffering, and lost wages at work. An experienced motorcycle attorney can help you assess your case, and determine what claims you may have.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Maryland motorcycle accident, contact the experienced personal injury law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers. Our motorcycle accident attorneys have the experience and skills to successfully handle your motorcycle injury case. We have successfully represented motorcyclists and their passengers who have been injured because of another person’s negligence. Contact us today in order to schedule your initial complimentary consultation. You can reach us through our website, or by calling 1-800-654-1949.
More Blog Posts:
Fatal Motorcycle Crash on Route 301 Kills Two Motorcyclists, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published May 6, 2013
Bicycle Accident Could Have Ended University of Maryland Basketball Player Seth Allen’s Athletic Career, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published April 16, 2013