Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog
Earlier this month in a Lexington Park neighborhood, a 22-year-old man was killed when he was struck while riding a minibike and then was run over by a car coming in the opposite direction. According to a report by one local news source, the fatal motorcycle accident took place near the intersection of Town Creek Drive and Dent Drive.
Evidently, the accident occurred at around 7:40 in the evening, and the minibike did not have lights on it at the time of the accident. At some point, the driver of a Volkswagen Jetta hit the rider, knocking him off the bike and onto the ground. Almost immediately afterward, an SUV traveling in the opposite direction ran over the motorcyclist, trapping him underneath the massive vehicle.
When emergency crews arrived, they were able to free the man by using airbags to lift up the SUV. The man was flown to the hospital by the Maryland State Police, but it was too late. He was pronounced dead before 2:00 a.m. A police investigation is still underway to determine how the fatal accident may have been caused.
Night Driving Can Be Dangerous for Motorcyclists
While the fact that this accident involved a minibike that may not have even been street-legal, the dangers on the road are similar for all two-wheeled vehicles. In many cases, cars have a hard enough time seeing motorcyclists, even when they are well lit. In fact, one of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents is when the driver of a car or truck does not see the motorcyclist.
However, the accident above took place in the early evening when it was starting to get dark. To make matters even more dangerous, the minibike was not equipped with lights and the rider was wearing dark clothing, making him harder to see. While the article does not say, it is doubtful that the minibike was street-legal.
With that said, these facts do not necessarily mean that the motorcyclist was completely at fault for the accident. Fault determinations in Maryland motorcycle accidents are often very complex, and not nearly as straightforward as they seem to be initially. That is why it is advisable to consult with a dedicated Maryland motorcycle accident attorney before proceeding with any kind of motorcycle accident claim.
Have You Been Injured in a Maryland Motorcycle Accidnet?
If you or a loved one has recently been involved in a Maryland motorcycle accident, you should speak with an attorney as soon as possible. Depending on how the accident was caused, you may be entitled to a substantial monetary award to help compensate you for your injuries as well as your pain and suffering. The Maryland-based personal injury law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers has years of experience litigating all kinds of Maryland accident cases, including motorcycle accidents. Call 410-654-3600 today to set up a free one-on-one consultation with a dedicated personal injury attorney today.
More Blog Posts:
Another Maryland Motorcyclist Dead After Fatal Left-Turn Accident, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published August 21, 2014.
Fourth-Year GW Medical Student Killed in Motorcycle Accident, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published September 4, 2014.