When someone gets on the back of a motorcycle, they trust the driver of that motorcycle to operate the vehicle in a safe and responsible manner. However, on occasion, the driver of the motorcycle is inexperienced or makes a poor judgment call that results in the motorcyclist and his passenger getting into either a single-vehicle accident or an accident with another vehicle.
In either of these cases, the motorcyclist’s passenger may sustain serious injuries due to no fault of their own. Under Maryland law, that passenger may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against one or more parties. First, if another motorist is responsible for the accident, the passenger can seek compensation for their injuries from that other driver and their insurance company. However, if the other driver involved in the accident was not at fault, or if the accident was a single-vehicle accident, the injured passenger may consider bringing a lawsuit against the driver of the motorcycle.
Motorcyclists, along with all other motorists, owe a duty of care to their passengers as well as other drivers on the road. This duty requires that drivers operate their vehicles in a safe and responsible manner. Many times, passengers feel as though they cannot bring a suit against the driver of the motorcycle, either because they know the driver or the driver died in the accident. In these situations, an injured passenger should consult with an attorney to discuss their potential rights and how they can pursue compensation.
A Recent Motorcycle Accident Killed the Driver and Seriously Injured the Passenger
Earlier this month in South Texas, a motorcycle accident claimed the life of the operator and seriously injured the passenger. According to one local news report, the accident took place at 1:30 in the morning and occurred after the driver of the motorcycle lost control of the bike and crashed into the guardrail.
The driver and passenger were both thrown from the motorcycle and ended up on the pavement. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident, and the passenger was taken to the hospital with serious injuries. Police are continuing their investigation into what could have caused the fatal accident.
Have You Been Injured as a Passenger on a Motorcycle?
If you or a loved one has recently been injured after being involved in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. Depending on the circumstances of the case and the extent of your injuries, you may be eligible for a financial award covering past medical expenses, necessary future medical care, lost wages, decrease in earning capacity, and any pain and suffering you endured. The skilled advocates at the Maryland-based law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers have decades of collective experience bringing cases on behalf of injured Marylanders and know what it takes to be successful for their clients. Call 410-654-3600 today to set up a free consultation today.
More Blog Posts:
Former Episcopal Bishop in Baltimore Pleads Guilty to Automotive Manslaughter and Other Related Charges, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published October 7, 2015.
Bicyclist Struck by Drunk Driver Emphasizes Driver Education to Avoid Future Accidents, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published November 5, 2015.