Serious and fatal motorcycle accidents have a number of potential causes. In some cases, it is the motorcyclist who is at fault for driving recklessly, or operating the bike without the proper level of experience. However, these accidents are far less common than most would believe from reading the news media, which seems to imply that most motorcycle accidents are the fault of the motorcyclist. However, that is simply not the case.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Single-vehicle motorcycle accidents account for just one-third of the total of all motorcycle accidents. Of these, it is true that operator error is listed as a potential cause about 65% of the time. However, the vast majority of motorcycle accidents involve at least one other vehicle. Of those accidents, just one-third involve motorcyclist error as a potential cause. In fact, the most common cause of all motorcycle accidents is the other driver’s failure to see the motorcycle. Of course, there can be many reasons for this, including that the other vehicle’s operator is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The determination of fault has nothing to do with the fact that a serious motorcycle accident can have irreversible effects on a family.
Motorcyclist Liability to Passengers
Even when it has been determined that a motorcyclist was in fact at fault in a motorcycle accident, the operator, as well as their passenger, may be able to recover for their injuries through the driver’s insurance coverage. In cases where a motorcyclist causes a serious accident that injures a passenger, the passenger may be entitled to monetary compensation through the driver’s insurance policy. Indeed, this is the very reason that insurance coverage is mandatory in Maryland.
Passenger Killed in Fatal Single-Vehicle Motorcycle Accident
Earlier this month, a woman was killed when she was thrown off the back of a motorcycle that was being operated by her friend. According to one local news report, the accident occurred around four in the morning, and involved the motorcyclist losing control of the bike, driving off the road and into a ditch, and then crashing.
Unfortunately, neither the operator nor his passenger were wearing helmets at the time of the accident, and the passenger was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. The driver was taken to the hospital with serious injuries, although he is expected to recover. In a post-accident investigation, police determined that alcohol was likely a factor in the fatal motorcycle accident.
Have You Been Injured in a Maryland Motorcycle Accident?
While not every motorcycle accident is the fault of the motorcyclist, the fact remains that a certain percentage of them are. In these cases, it is likely that a passenger was injured as a result. If you have been injured as a passenger in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation through the driver’s insurance policy. To learn more about what steps you need to take to preserve your right to pursue compensation, call 410-654-3600 today to set up a free consultation with a dedicated Maryland personal injury attorney.
More Blog Posts:
Man Critically Injured in Motorcycle Accident; Reconstruction Team Trying to Discover Cause, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published June 20, 2016.
Motorcycle Accident Victim’s Case against City Alleging Negligent Failure to Remedy Dangerous Road Conditions Permitted to Proceed, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published June 6, 2016.