The Lynchburg Police Department recently began an attempt to encourage motorists to maintain an awareness of motorcyclists sharing the road. According to the department, there have been 21 motorcycle accidents so far this year in Lynchburg alone.
Cars and other full sized vehicles can be deadly to motorcyclists. One of the problems with drivers of cars and other vehicles is that many times they may be looking for another car when they check their surroundings or blind spots, and may not look more carefully for something smaller, such as a motorcycle.
The police reported that there are typically two main causes of motorcycle accidents. In single motorcycle collisions, typically excessive speeding, such as on a curve, causes the motorcyclist to lose control. When another vehicle is involved, however, the cause is typically a result of the driver of the car having not seen the motorcyclist, and cutting over into their lane.
One traffic safety officer reiterated the risk of drivers not paying attention, typically engaging in activities such as texting, or doing something else they shouldn’t be while driving.
There have been many motorcycle accidents in Maryland this year as well. For example, just last month, five individuals were killed in a multiple motorcycle-SUV collision near the state border. In that case, the SUV driver had crossed over the center line, resulting in the deadly collision. That particular accident is considered to be one of the deadliest in the area within recent years.
All drivers on the road, regardless of what type of vehicle they are driving, owe the other drivers on the road a duty to drive in a manner that does not unnecessarily or unreasonably pose a risk of injury or death. When a driver fails to operate his or her vehicle in a reasonably safe manner, we call this driving negligent. When a driver’s negligence results in personal injury or death, the victim or victim’s family may be entitled to compensation for the damages sustained and related expenses.
Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable on the road, as they do not have any metal framework protecting them in the event of a collision. Often, the greatest injuries occur when riders are thrown from their bikes. The types of injuries can vary from more minor injuries such as road rash, scrapes and bruises, to the more serious broken bones, brain and spinal cord injuries.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Maryland motorcycle accident due to another driver’s negligence, contact the experienced Maryland motorcycle accident attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers immediately. Our law firm has extensive experience in representing motorcyclists and their passengers, or the family members of those who have been injured or killed due to another driver’s negligence. Call us today in order to schedule your initial complimentary consultation. You can contact us through our website or by calling 1-800-654-1949.
More Blog Posts:
Five Deaths in Multiple Motorcycle-SUV Crash Near Maryland State Border, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published October 23, 2013
Woman Faces 10 Years for Texting Death of Motorcyclist, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published October 15, 2013