Collisions with animals are common in Maryland and can be dangerous for everyone on the road. Motorcyclists and their passengers are especially at risk of injury or death in the event of a collision with a large or small animal that causes the bike to go out of control. A recent motorcycle-animal collision involving a deer led to the tragic deaths of a rider and his passenger.
According to a local news article discussing the accident, the motorcycle rider was traveling on a roadway in a sparsely populated area at night when a deer ran out into the road in front of the motorcycle. The rider was unable to avoid colliding with the deer and he and a passenger were thrown off the bike after the motorcycle struck the animal and cut it in half. When authorities arrived on the scene, both the rider and his passenger were pronounced dead. The article does not state whether the two deceased people were wearing helmets at the time of the crash.
In the event of a Maryland motorcycle accident, a collision with an animal is not covered by insurance in the same way as collisions involving other vehicles. The property damage to a bike from an animal collision would not be covered by standard collision coverage, and a motorcycle owner would need to obtain comprehensive coverage, which covers damage to a vehicle caused by something other than a collision with another vehicle (this could also include damage caused by vandalism, theft, or a flood, for example). Injuries or deaths that occur as a result of a motorcycle colliding with an animal will be covered under a liability policy for bodily injury, in a similar manner to other types of collisions.
What Are the Motorcycle Insurance Requirements in Maryland?
Maryland motorcyclists are required to obtain liability and bodily injury coverage to protect against injuries or deaths that may occur as a result of an accident they are involved in. Collision and comprehensive coverage are not required, although it is recommended that motorcycle owners purchase the insurance as well. The minimum required amount of insurance for a Maryland motorcycle owner is not usually sufficient to cover the loss related to a motorcycle accident that causes serious injury or death. Because of this, it is recommended for motorcycle owners and riders to purchase insurance with a higher policy limit to protect them and other drivers on the road in the event of a Maryland motorcycle accident. If a rider, passenger, or representative chooses to pursue a claim against an insurance company for wrongful death or injury after an accident, their attorney will be able to negotiate a much higher settlement if the motorcyclist purchases insurance with higher policy limits.
Reach Out to a Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been involved in a Maryland motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to damages, even if no other vehicles were involved in the crash. Having an experienced legal team by your side throughout the claim process can ensure you the best chance of full recovery. Take action today by calling the Maryland personal injury attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen, LLC. Our attorneys work diligently for our clients who have been injured or lost loved ones in motorcycle accidents. We will use our skill and experience to get you and your loved ones the compensation you deserve. Call us today at 800-654-1949 to learn more.