Earlier this week in Ellicott City, one Elkridge man was critically injured when he was struck by an SUV while riding his motorcycle on Tridelphia Road. According to a report by one local news source, the accident occurred around 2:30 in the afternoon when a Ford SUV made a left turn from Tridelphia Road onto West Ann Drive.
Evidently, the motorcycle was traveling at a high rate of speed and was attempting to pass a slower motorist when the accident occurred. Preliminary reports indicate that the motorcyclist may have crossed over a double-yellow line in order to pass the slower motorist. As the motorcyclist passed the slower vehicle, the two vehicles collided.
The motorcyclist was taken to the hospital in critical condition. His current status is not known. The driver of the SUV was not injured and remained on the scene until emergency responders arrived. There is no indication as to whether the driver of the SUV will face any charges or citations for her involvement in the crash.
Determining Fault in Maryland Motorcycle Accidents
Judging from the article’s tone, it would seem that the motorcyclist was at fault for this serious collision. However, the mere fact that there are some facts that could give rise to the motorcyclist causing the accident does not prevent the police from conducting a thorough investigation into what actually occurred.
In many cases we see, determining fault in a serious accident is not as easy as it may seem from the outset. In some cases, there are factors that go to who was at fault that are only discovered after an in-depth investigation conducted by either the police or the accident victim’s attorney.
Recovering in Maryland Motorcycle Accidents
In Maryland, in order to recover financially for accident injuries, a victim must prove to the court that he or she was not at all at fault for the accident. This sets Maryland law apart from much of the country, which allows accident victims to recover even if they are found to be partially at fault.
Therefore, it is critically important to a Maryland accident victim’s case that he or she enlist the assistance of a dedicated personal injury attorney early on in the process in order to prevent the defendant from shifting any portion of the blame onto him or her. To learn more, contact a Maryland personal injury attorney.
Have You Been Injured in a Maryland Motorcycle Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been involved in a Maryland motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation based on the other driver’s negligence. However, keep in mind that if the defendant is able to shift even a small percentage of the blame onto you, he or she may be able to escape liability altogether. If you have any questions about Maryland accident law, or how you may be able to recover for an accident you have been in, call 410-654-3600 to set up a free initial consultation with an attorney today.
More Blog Posts:
Minibike Rider Killed in Lexington Park, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published October 8, 2014.
Hit-and-Run Accident Victim Struck While on Bike, Lucky To be Alive, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published November 12, 2014.