It’s getting to be mid-spring, and the weather is getting nicer with each passing week. With the increase in temperatures comes an increase in the number of people getting out on the road and opening up the throttle on the motorcycle that has been in storage for the past eight months. However, tragically, with this increase in motorcycle traffic comes a corresponding increase in motorcycle accidents.
According to a report by 4 NBC Washington, last week in Prince George’s County there were four fatal motorcycle accidents claiming the lives of four riders. One of the victims was riding when a SUV made a U-turn in the middle of the road without yielding to the rider. With no other option, the rider collided with the SUV. Although he was promptly taken to the hospital, doctors were unable to save the man’s life, and he died shortly after being admitted.
There were three other fatal motorcycle accidents in Prince George’s County over Memorial Day weekend. One was caused by another failure-to-yield situation, one by a speeding car fleeing the police, and the other by rider error.
Motorcycle Safety is Important to Not Just Motorcyclists
In each of these accidents, there is something that either the motorcyclist or the other driver could have done to avoid the fatal accident. For example, by being patient and yielding to motorcycles when the law requires, drivers are doing their part not to contribute to the mounting number of motorcyclist deaths each year.
Liability in Maryland Motorcycle Cases
While it is true that a motorcyclist is more likely to be injured if involved in an accident, that does not absolve the person who caused the accident from responsibility for the full extent of the damages or injuries caused. In Maryland, any negligent driver who causes an accident is liable to the accident victim for the damage to their property as well as for the personal injuries sustained as a result of the accident.
Motorcycle Safety Prevents Accidents
Understandably, monetary compensation is little comfort to someone who has been critically injured in a motorcycle accident, or to those who have lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident. However, after an accident there is little recourse for an accident victim besides a monetary award.
The best way to ensure that you are not injured while on a motorcycle is to pay close attention to the road and always wear a helmet.
Have You Been Injured in a Maryland Motorcycle Accident?
If you or a loved on has recently been involved in a Maryland motorcycle accident, contact the Maryland personal injury lawyers at Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers. By speaking to a dedicated motorcycle accident attorney at Lebowitz & Mzhen, you will gain a greater understanding of the Maryland laws that allow for accident victims to recover for their injuries. Click here, or call 410-654-3600 today to schedule your free initial consultation with a dedicated Maryland motorcycle accident attorney.
More Blog Posts:
Fatal Motorcycle Accident on I-95 Claims One Young Man’s Life, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published May 5, 2014.
Driver Kills Motorcyclist While Texting and Driving and Fined Only $500, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published May 19, 2014.