Motorcycle accidents often lead to devastating consequences, as seen in a recent crash where a motorcyclist tragically lost his life after colliding with a car making a left turn. Motorcyclists face a higher risk of severe injury or death in collisions due to their increased exposure on the road. Understanding the legal options available to injured riders and their families is crucial in the aftermath of a severe crash.
In Maryland, motorcyclists injured due to another driver’s negligence can pursue compensation through personal injury claims. If a fatality occurs, the victim’s family may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Motorcycle Accidents and Maryland’s Negligence Law
One of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents involves another vehicle turning left in front of an oncoming motorcycle, as happened in this fatal crash. Drivers often fail to see motorcycles or miscalculate their speed, leading to dangerous and sometimes deadly collisions. Maryland law requires drivers to yield the right of way to oncoming traffic when making left turns, and failure to do so is considered negligence.
Negligence in a motorcycle accident means that one party—often the driver of a car—failed to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm to the motorcyclist. In Maryland, if it is proven that a driver’s negligent actions, such as failing to yield or not paying attention to a motorcyclist, caused the accident, they may be held liable for the damages. These damages can include medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and, in the event of a fatality, compensation for funeral expenses and the emotional toll on the family.
When a motorcyclist is injured or killed in an accident caused by another driver’s negligence, it’s critical to take legal action to secure the financial support needed to cover the resulting costs. Maryland’s personal injury and wrongful death laws provide a path for victims and their families to seek justice through the legal system.
Wrongful Death Claims for Families After a Motorcycle Crash
When a motorcyclist dies in a crash due to another driver’s negligence, the surviving family members may have the right to file a wrongful death claim. This type of lawsuit allows the family to seek compensation for their financial and emotional losses, including funeral costs, loss of companionship, and the future income the victim would have provided.
To file a wrongful death claim in Maryland, the family must prove that the other driver was responsible for the accident. This often involves demonstrating that the driver failed to yield the right of way, was distracted, or otherwise acted negligently in a way that caused the fatal collision. A successful wrongful death claim can help ease the financial burden on a family that has lost a loved one while also holding the at-fault driver accountable for their actions.
Maryland law has specific requirements for wrongful death claims, including who can file the lawsuit and the damages that can be recovered. Working with an attorney experienced in motorcycle accident cases can ensure that the family’s legal rights are protected and that they pursue the full compensation they are entitled to under the law.
How do You File a Personal Injury Claim After a Motorcycle Accident
Motorcyclists who survive crashes often suffer severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment and result in significant financial strain. In Maryland, injured motorcyclists can file personal injury claims to recover damages for their medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. To succeed in these claims, the injured rider must prove that the other driver’s negligence caused the accident.
Establishing fault in motorcycle accidents can be challenging, especially when drivers claim they did not see the motorcyclist or argue that the motorcyclist was speeding or driving recklessly. In Maryland, personal injury claims operate under the doctrine of contributory negligence, which means that if the motorcyclist is found even slightly at fault for the accident, they may be barred from recovering compensation. This strict standard makes gathering strong evidence and building a solid case all the more critical.
Police reports, witness statements, and accident reconstruction can prove that the other driver was entirely at fault. An experienced attorney can help injured riders navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation they deserve, even when the case involves complicated legal standards like contributory negligence.
Contact the Dedicated Maryland Injury Lawyers at Lebowitz & Mzhen to Learn More
If you or a loved one was recently injured due to another’s negligence, it’s important you take a few minutes to learn about your rights and what you can do to hold the at-fault party accountable. At Lebowitz & Mzhen, we have decades of combined experience handling all types of personal injury, wrongful death, and medical malpractice lawsuits on behalf of clients throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C. To learn more and to schedule a free consultation today, give us a call at 800-654-1949. You can also connect with us through our secure online contact form.