In a tragic accident last week in Florida, a 64-year-old motorcyclist was killed when he was rear ended by a driver who didn’t notice that he was slowing down. According to a report by the Palm Beach Post, the accident occurred shortly after sunset in Martin County, Florida.
Apparently, a 23-year-old woman was driving behind the motorcyclist when he began to slow down in response to the traffic ahead of him. Not seeing the traffic ahead, the driver purportedly slammed into the rear of the motorcyclist, sending him off his bike and into the emergency lane where he was hit by another driver. Despite wearing a helmet, the driver was pronounced dead at the scene.
Negligent Driving Kills Motorcyclists
When motorists don’t pay attention on Maryland highways, accidents happen. These accidents have an increased potential to be fatal when the other driver is riding a motorcycle. However, due to the hustle-and-bustle nature of society today, drivers are constantly “multi-tasking” while driving. This can amount to negligent driving.
Negligent driving can consist of any activity that takes a motorist’s attention off the road, where it should always be focused. A few of the most notorious signs of negligent driving in Maryland are:
- Talking on the phone while driving;
- Texting while driving;
- Talking to a passenger;
- Fiddling with the radio, MP3 player, iPod, etc.;
- Inputting an address into a GPS system;
- Personal grooming; and
- Reading the paper, a magazine, etc.
Keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list; any action that takes a driver’s attention away from the road may constitute negligent driving.
Cell Phone Ban In Effect in Maryland
In an attempt to combat the recent increase in injuries and deaths due to negligent driving, earlier this year the State of Maryland made it a primary offense to text or talk on the phone while driving. This means that any driver found to be using their cell phone while operating a vehicle can be pulled over and cited for the offense. A first offense will require the offender to pay $83. Second- and third-offenses come with a $140 and $160 fine, respectively. There are also bans on cell phone use while driving in Virginia and Washington D.C. So remember to put down the phones when driving in the Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. areas.
Have You Been Injured in a Maryland Accident in Maryland?
If you have been injured in a Maryland motorcycle accident, you should immediately contact a Maryland personal injury attorney to discuss the facts of your case. You may be eligible for monetary compensation. To find out more about the law of negligence and to see if you may be eligible for a cash award, contact a Maryland motorcycle accident attorney today. The Maryland personal injury of firm of Lebowitz and Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers has the dedication and experience you need to effectively navigate the Maryland court system. Contact the firm online, or call 410-654-3600 today to speak to an experienced attorney today.
More Blog Posts:
Federal District Court Rules on Remand to State Court Following Successful Joinder of Defendant’s Employer in Respondeat Superior Claim Arising out of Motorcycle Accident, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published December 12, 2013.
The Importance of Testifying at Your Motorcycle Accident Trial, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published December 5, 2013.