Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog
Earlier this month, Maryland State Police troopers responded to a reportedly serious motor vehicle collision involving a motorcycle on US Route 301, just north of MD Route 227.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a tractor-trailer was traveling northbound on US Route 301 at MD Route 227, and had stopped at the signal for a red light. Once the light turned green, the truck began to travel forward and through the intersection. At that time, a Yamaha Motorcycle carrying a male driver and passenger was also traveling northbound, behind the tractor-trailer. The motorcyclist somehow failed to control his speed in order to avoid the collision, and crashed into the trailer. Though the information regarding the nature of the collision is unclear, it appears as thought the motorcycle was not stopped at the red light, but rather had been traveling at a fast speed and failed to anticipate having to slow down.
When police arrived on the scene, they located two unresponsive men wearing motorcycle safety equipment and lying in the roadway. Further inquiry revealed that both men had been ejected from the vehicle, and they both ultimately died at the scene due to their injuries. The driver of the tractor trailer was unharmed.
Unfortunately, as was the case in this accident, the injuries associated with motorcycle accidents are often severe, and sometimes fatal. The size and shape of the motorcycle presents unique complications. The motorcycle itself is already one of the least crashworthy vehicles on the road, and when it collides with a massive commercial truck, the outcome is bound to be catastrophic. The sheer size and weight of these tractor-trailers, flatbeds, dump trucks, box trucks and car carriers make the injuries associated with trucking accidents more severe than those associated with other types of crashes.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident due to another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. A negligence case requires a showing by the plaintiff (person bringing the lawsuit) that the other driver was operating his or her vehicle in a manner that did not meet the standard for how a reasonably prudent (safe) driver would operate a vehicle. Typical examples of negligent driving include things such as excessive speeding, aggressive driving, failure to yield, failure to observe traffic laws, and failure to stop at a light. A successful suit must also prove that the driver’s negligence was the proximate cause for your injuries/damages suffered. Once liability is established, a recovery may include an award for things such as hospital expenses, pain & suffering, lost wages at work, and other things.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Maryland motorcycle accident, contact the experienced motorcycle accident attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers immediately. Lawsuits related to accidents involving motorcycles are very nuanced, and require proper planning and strategy. We are well versed in the evidentiary challenges that motorcyclists and their passengers face in bringing personal injury claims. Call us today in order to schedule your initial complimentary consultation. You can contact us by calling 1-800-654-1949, or through our website.
More Blog Posts:
Two Motorcycle Accidents in Carroll County over the Weekend, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published September 9, 2013
Fatal Motorcycle Crash on Md. 550, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published August 26, 2013