In a bout of what may turn out to be aggressive driving, one motorcyclist is dead after she ran into a car on Interstate 97. According to one local news report, the motorcyclist was traveling south on I-97 around 5:30 in the evening when the fatal accident occurred.
Evidently, the motorcyclist was in a group of other motorcyclists and was traveling at a high rate of speed. As she approached a Chevrolet Cavalier from the rear, she moved over to pass the car on the left. In anticipation of the motorcycle rapidly approaching from the rear, the driver of the car moved over to the left. It is unclear whether the driver of the Cavalier was getting over to block her passing or to make room for her.
Regardless, the motorcyclist ran into the rear of the Cavalier and flew off her bike. She ended up off the left side of the road and crashed into a guardrail before coming to a complete stop. The motorcyclist was taken to Baltimore Washington Medical in Glen Burnie, where she was unfortunately pronounced dead. The driver of the Cavalier was taken to the hospital as well, although with only minor injuries.
Motorcycle Accidents with Multiple Causes
When many of us picture a motorcycle accident, we think of a situation where one party is completely innocent and the other completely at fault. However, the vast majority of cases are somewhere in the middle, with some fault residing with each of the parties involved.
In many states, this does not pose a problem for plaintiffs, since they are able to still recover, although for an amount reduced by their percentage of fault. However, in Maryland the situation is a bit different. Maryland law prohibits a plaintiff from recovering for his or her injuries if he or she is found to be at all at fault for the accident, even as little as 5%. This means that it is imperative for a Maryland motorcycle accident victim to do all he or she can early on to ensure that his or her story is told in a convincing and persuasive manner to prevent the other party from shifting blame onto the victim. If you have been involved in an accident, you should speak with a dedicated Maryland motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible.
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 recover monetary damages to help compensate you for your injuries or loss. However, keep in mind that defendants in Maryland accident cases can prevail by shifting only a small percentage of the blame onto a plaintiff, and they routinely do so. To help prevent that from happening to you, make sure you retain a dedicated and experienced Maryland motorcycle accident attorney to help you with your case. 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.
Fourth-Year GW Medical Student Killed in Motorcycle Accident, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published September 4, 2014.