Earlier this month in Putnam County, New York, one man was killed when he was involved in a six-car pile-up on the interstate. According to one local news source, the accident occurred in the early morning hours of October 14 on Interstate 684.
Evidently, the motorcyclist was traveling on the highway when several cars in front of him were involved in an accident. The motorcyclist, without time to react, slammed into one of the cars in front of him that had slowed because of the approaching accident. Once the rider was knocked off his motorcycle, a van not far behind the motorcyclist collided with the motorcycle and the rider. The rider was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The medical examiner listed the man’s death as an accident. Police are in the midst of an investigation to determine who was at fault in the original accident that caused the chain-reaction accident. While no one has been charged yet, that could change as the investigation wraps up.
Motorcycle Accidents Caused by Approaching Hazards
The above accident is a good example of how a motorcyclist can be the innocent victim of another driver’s negligence. In the case above, there is no indication that the motorcyclist was speeding or otherwise driving in a negligent or aggressive manner. Instead, by all indications, it seems as though he was merely traveling on the highway at a normal speed. However, because of an accident that had occurred up ahead, he was tragically involved in a fatal accident.
The family of the deceased accident victim may be looking for answers in the aftermath of their loved one’s passing. In fact, Maryland law allows for the loved ones of an accident victim to seek financial compensation for their loss – including reimbursement for medical and funeral expenses – through a Maryland wrongful death action.
In order for a plaintiff to be successful in a wrongful death action in Maryland, that person must first show the court that they are the proper plaintiff. Generally speaking, only someone who is related to the victim by blood or marriage can file a wrongful death action, with a preference given to surviving parents, children, and spouses. In some cases, more distant relatives may be able to recover, if they can prove that they were financially reliant upon the deceased.
Once the plaintiff proves they are a proper party, the plaintiff then must show that the defendant’s negligent, reckless, or intentional act brought about their loved one’s death. To learn how this can be done, and to speak with an attorney about your case, call an experienced Maryland personal injury attorney.
Have You Been Injured in a Maryland Motorcycle Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been involved in any kind of Maryland motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for your loss. However, expect that the named defendants will contest any claims you make and look for any reasons to get the lawsuit against them dismissed. To ensure that you are treated fairly, contact one of the skilled personal injury advocates at the Maryland-based law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers at 410-654-3600. Calling is free, and you will not be responsible for any fees unless we are able to recover for you in your case.
More Blog Posts:
Former Episcopal Bishop in Baltimore Pleads Guilty to Automotive Manslaughter and Other Related Charges, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published October 7, 2015.
Former Navy Seal Killed in Bethesda Bicycle Accident, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published September 18, 2015.