While many Maryland motorcycle accidents are clearly the fault of one party or another, other accidents present more a complex situation. For example, if both of the drivers involved committed a traffic violation, it may be difficult to determine which party should be held responsible. Similarly, if there are no witnesses to an accident other than the operators of the vehicles, this may create a “he said, she said” situation requiring additional investigation.
When it comes to establishing who was at fault for a motorcycle accident, the initial job rests with the police. However, in some cases, a police investigation comes up short, failing to name either party. Or in cases of a hit-and-run accident, the at-fault driver may not be located. In either event, an accident victim can always seek compensation through their own insurance policy. However, in some cases, an insurance company will deny a motorist’s claim, leaving them with no means of financial recovery.
If an insurance company denies a motorist’s claim or offers insufficient compensation to cover a victim’s injuries, the accident victim can file a personal injury claim. However, Maryland applies a strict legal doctrine when it comes to determining which parties are entitled to compensation. Under Maryland’s contributory negligence rule, only motorists who are completely free from fault are able to recover damages for injuries they sustained in an accident. Thus, it is very important that motorcycle accident victims reach out to discuss their case with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
Teen Dies in Motorcycle Accident
Earlier this month, an 18-year-old died in a motorcycle accident when he was unable to avoid a car that had pulled out of a parking lot. According to a local news report covering the tragic accident, the motorcyclist was traveling at a high rate of speed when the motorist pulled out in front of him. The motorcyclist attempted to avoid the car, but he was unable to maintain control of the bike and ended up colliding with the car.
The teen was thrown from the bike and was later pronounced dead at the hospital. The accident remains under investigation, and police have not made any arrests or issued any citations as of this time.
Have You Been Injured in a Maryland Motorcycle Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been injured in a Maryland motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. However, due to the strict laws in Maryland, it is important that you are able to establish that you were not at all at fault for causing the collision. The dedicated Maryland motorcycle accident attorneys at the law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers have decades of combined experience handling motorcycle accident cases, and they know what it takes to ensure their clients obtain the compensation they deserve. Call 410-650-3600 to schedule a free consultation with a Maryland motorcycle accident attorney today.
More Blog Posts:
Commuter Bicycle Accidents in Baltimore and Washington, D.C., Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published December 20, 2017.
Bicycle Accidents on Maryland Roads, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published January 5, 2018.