Motorcycle accidents can happen anywhere. However, almost half of all serious motorcycle accidents occur at intersections, both rural and urban. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about three motorcyclists die each day in multi-vehicle accidents occurring at intersections.
The causes of motorcycle accidents vary, but they often include distracted driving, aggressive driving, or a motorist’s inability to see the motorcyclist. While news outlets often report motorcycle accidents in terms of how the motorcyclist is at fault, this is often inaccurate. In fact, the motorcyclist is deemed to be at fault in only about one-third of the total number of accidents. However, since most people have experience driving a car but cannot relate to riding a motorcycle, accidents are often framed in terms of “what the motorcyclist could have done differently,” even when the motorcyclist was the innocent victim of another driver’s negligence.
There are also some situations in which both parties are at fault. For example, if a motorcyclist is speeding through an intersection, but another driver runs a red light, a collision may result. In these cases, both drivers may be at fault. It is important for motorcyclists to understand that in Maryland and Washington, D.C., any accident with shared fault will prevent either party from recovering compensation for their injuries.
59-Year-Old Man Killed in Motorcycle Accident, Cause Under Investigation
Earlier this month, a 59-year-old motorcyclist was killed when a box truck struck his motorcycle near a suburb of Chicago. According to one local news source reporting on the tragedy, the accident occurred in the late morning hours in a suburban area of the city.
Evidently, the motorcyclist was making a left turn when he was struck by the truck. Emergency responders arrived at the scene of the accident shortly afterward and pronounced the motorcyclist dead. The investigative team assigned to the accident is still conducting its investigation, including which color the light was at the intersection and whether either party was speeding.
Determining Fault in Maryland Motorcycle Accidents
While a driver making a left turn normally has to yield the right of way to a driver continuing straight, that rule does have some exceptions, including when the non-turning vehicle is speeding. In such a case, the non-turning vehicle may be deemed to have lost their right of way and can be considered at fault for an accident. In any event, a thorough investigation must take place before fault can accurately be assigned.
Have You Been Injured in a Maryland Motorcycle Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been injured in any kind of Maryland motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. Do not let the fact that no one was issued a citation in the accident deter you from seeking compensation. Many times, an accident victim is able to successfully seek compensation when no citations were issued. The skilled personal injury lawyers at the Maryland law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers have decades of experience representing injured motorcyclists in cases against at-fault drivers. Call 410-654-3600 today to set up your free consultation.
More Blog Posts:
Accident Victims May Still Recover Damages Even if Law Enforcement Does Not Issue a Citation after a Crash, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published August 4, 2016.
Alcohol Is a Major Factor in Many Fatal Maryland Motorcycle Accidents, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published July 15, 2016.