Earlier this week in Chicago, a man was issued a citation for his involvement in the death of an off-duty police officer who was killed in a motorcycle accident. According to a report by the Chicago Tribune, the officer was riding on the highway when the driver of a Pontiac attempted to make an abrupt lane change to avoid missing an approaching exit.
As the driver shifted into the off-duty officer’s lane, he left the officer with no way to avoid a collision. The Pontiac crashed into the officer’s motorcycle, sending the officer off the bike and severely injuring him. The officer was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
The driver of the Pontiac, who remained on the scene after the accident, was issued a citation for improper lane usage as well as for having no valid insurance.
Motorcycle Accidents in Maryland
Like the accident described above, many Maryland motorcycle accidents involve an improper lane change. Motorcycles, with a smaller profile than cars, can often be overlooked by an inattentive driver.
When a car encroaches into a motorcyclist’s lane, it often results in a serious motorcycle accident. In many cases, the motorcyclist may not even see the car encroaching into his or her lane, only to find out at the moment of collision.
While wearing a DOT-approved helmet can help prevent serious or fatal injury, it is not a failsafe. Too many motorcyclists are killed each year in Maryland, even while wearing a helmet.
Recovering After a Motorcycle Accident
Many motorcycle accidents unfortunately result in death or serious injury. When this tragedy occurs, the family of the accident victim is left with only memories of their loved one. For some families, it helps knowing that that they can seek monetary compensation for their loss through a wrongful death action filed against the driver who was at fault for the fatal accident.
If you have survived a motorcycle accident, you also may be entitled to monetary damages to help compensate you for your injuries as well as for your pain and suffering. Surviving accident victims can seek recovery through a traditional negligence lawsuit.
In either case, the person or people who caused the accident resulting in serious injury or death can be held responsible for their negligence in causing the accident.
Have You Been Involved in a Maryland Motorcycle Accident?
If you have recently been involved in a Maryland motorcycle accident, or your loved one was killed in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for your injuries or loss. However, depending on the facts of the case, the other driver may try to escape liability by hiring an attorney and developing a defense. In such instances, a plaintiff’s case is in jeopardy. To make sure that you do all you can to get what you are entitled to, contact a dedicated Maryland motorcycle accident attorney today to discuss your case. Click here, or call 410-654-3600 to schedule a free initial consultation today.
More Blog Posts:
Two Maryland Motorcyclists Lose Their Lives in Recent Motorcycle Crashes, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published July 10, 2014.
Motorcyclist Dies in Accident While Fleeing Police, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published June 23, 2014.