Most Maryland motorcycle accidents involve only one person on the motorcycle because, while motorcycles are designed to carry a single passenger, they are more commonly operated by the driver alone. However, each year, there are hundreds of motorcycle accidents in which there is a passenger on the bike who is injured in the accident. In single-vehicle accidents or accidents in which the motorcyclist was at fault, the accident victim may look to the driver of the motorcycle for compensation for their injuries.
A motorcycle passenger can file a personal injury lawsuit against the driver based on the driver’s violation of the duty he owed to the passenger. All drivers owe a duty of care to those whom they share the road with, and this includes passengers. When a driver’s negligence causes an accident, they can be held liable for any injuries that were caused as a result.
In most of these cases, the at-fault driver’s insurance company will be responsible for the accident victim’s injuries. Of course, dealing with an insurance company following a serious motorcycle accident can be difficult, especially when the insurance company denies the claim or refuses to engage in meaningful settlement negotiations. In these situations, a Maryland personal injury attorney can assist accident victims in obtaining fair compensation for their injuries.
Passenger Killed and 13-Year-Old Boy Seriously Injured in Motorcycle Accident
Earlier this month, one woman was killed and a 13-year-old boy seriously injured in an accident involving a motorcycle and a bicycle. According to a local news report covering the tragic accident, the motorcycle collided with the bicyclist as he was crossing the road. After the initial collision, both the driver and passenger on the motorcycle were ejected from the bike. The passenger later died from the injuries she sustained in the accident. The bicyclist was seriously injured, and taken to the hospital, where he is expected to make a full recovery.
The operator of the motorcycle was arrested following the accident after authorities had reason to believe that he was intoxicated. He was ordered not to have any communication with the family of the woman who was killed in the accident, and a judge ordered that a Transdermal Alcohol Monitoring System be installed on his vehicle. It remains to be seen if either of the victims’ family members will file a civil case against the motorcycle’s operator.
Have You Been Injured as a Passenger in a Motorcycle Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been injured as a passenger in a Maryland motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. The dedicated Maryland personal injury lawyers at the law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen, LLC have extensive experience representing injury victims in a wide range of cases, including Maryland motorcycle accidents. To learn more, and to speak with an attorney about your case, call 410-654-3600 to schedule a free consultation.
More Blog Posts:
George Clooney Injured in a Serious Scooter Accident, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published July 19, 2018.
Maryland Motorcycle Accidents Caused by Improper Passing and Lane Changes, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published August 7, 2018.