A tragic motorcycle accident recently resulted in a fatality when the rider collided with a tractor attempting a left turn. The motorcyclist laid the bike down to avoid the collision but still struck the rear of the tractor. Motorcycle accidents like these can be devastating and raise significant legal questions about liability, safety, and compensation. For motorcycle accident victims and their families in Maryland, understanding the legal process is crucial, and seeking help from an experienced attorney can make all the difference.
Liability in Maryland Motorcycle Accidents
One of the key legal questions in any motorcycle accident is determining who is at fault. Under Maryland law, liability often comes down to whether a driver or motorcyclist acted negligently. In this case, the motorcyclist was attempting to avoid a collision. Still, the specific actions of both the motorcyclist and the tractor driver would need to be examined closely to determine fault. Maryland follows a “contributory negligence” rule, which means that if the injured motorcyclist is found to have contributed even slightly to the accident, they may be barred from recovering compensation.
Motorcycle accident cases present distinct difficulties for several reasons. Motorcyclists are more exposed on the road, often leading to more severe injuries. Additionally, motorcyclists may encounter an unfair bias, with some assuming they are reckless, which can influence how cases are treated by insurance companies and in court.
This makes it all the more important for motorcycle accident victims in Maryland to seek legal representation as early as possible. An attorney can investigate the details of the accident, including whether the tractor driver failed to signal properly or take other precautions and whether the road conditions played a role. A thorough investigation could uncover critical details that impact the outcome of a case.
What Compensation Can Motorcycle Accident Victims Obtain?
Motorcycle accident victims and their families are often left facing not only emotional trauma but also significant financial burdens, including medical bills, lost wages, and funeral expenses in the case of a fatality. In Maryland, accident victims may be entitled to compensation for these losses if it can be proven that the other party was at fault.
However, as mentioned earlier, Maryland’s strict contributory negligence law means that proving fault is not enough. Even if the motorcyclist is only found to be 1% responsible for the accident, it could prevent them or their family from receiving compensation. This is where legal expertise becomes invaluable. A lawyer can work to build a strong case showing that the other party’s negligence was the sole cause of the accident, helping victims maximize their chances of securing the compensation they deserve.
In cases involving fatal motorcycle accidents, families of the deceased may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim. This allows them to seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of income, and other damages resulting from the loss of a loved one. Legal representation during such a difficult time ensures that all avenues for compensation are explored and victims’ rights are fully protected.
A knowledgeable attorney can help combat these challenges, ensuring the case is presented accurately and fairly, countering biases, and emphasizing the other driver’s negligence. This can greatly improve the chances of securing fair compensation for the motorcyclist.
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.