Motorcycles allow for great maneuverability and can offer enjoyable rides for those who choose to utilize them as a mode of transportation. At the same time, it is important to be aware of the risks that can come with driving a motorcycle while sharing a road with other automobiles. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 80 percent of all reported motorcycle crashes result in injury or death to the motorcyclist. Furthermore, NHTSA emphasizes that the “motorcycle itself provides no head injury protection to the rider or passenger.” Thus, motorcyclists may face injury from ejection from the motorcycle, which may result in the motorcyclist striking objects nearby in addition to the ground. Motorcycle helmets are thus extremely important in helping protect the skull. In addition to being easier to see, an automobile, in contrast, has a roof, more weight and bulk, airbags, and seatbelts. However, motorcycles have the ability to swerve quickly in case of sudden need, which is one of the big differences between motorcycles and automobiles.
In recent news, a motorcycle accident left a 19-year-old dead and left many questioning the cause of the devastating accident. According to the report, a 67-year-old driver was heading north and tried to turn on a road across southbound lanes. At the same time, the 19-year-old motorcyclist crashed into the right side of the sedan. The 67-year-old driver survived and suffered minor injuries. The question of who was the at-fault driver still remains to be further investigated.
How Can Motorcyclists Reduce the Chances of a Left-Turn Accident?
Motorcyclists must be extremely alert when other drivers are making left turns because other drivers may not be able to see them. Thus, this requires motorcyclists to be prepared to drive defensively. In addition, it may be helpful for motorcyclists to wear bright-colored clothing and to have reflective gear so that they can be more easily seen by other drivers with whom they are sharing the road. According to the CDC, unhelmeted motorcycle riders are twice as likely to suffer traumatic brain injuries from crashes. Motorcyclists should be sure to follow traffic laws and abstain from speeding, drinking, and texting as well. For other automobile drivers, it is important to pay attention to your surroundings and to always be alert for motorcyclists who share the road with you. Drivers, in general, should avoid distractions, always check their blind spots, use their signals, and remain alert.
Have You Been Injured in a Motorcycle Accident in Maryland
If you or someone you love has been seriously injured or killed in a Maryland motorcycle accident, contact the compassionate and skilled attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen today. Our firm is staffed with lawyers who understand the devastating impact that such accidents can have on injured parties and their loved ones. The attorneys in our firm have years of experience in providing clients with high-quality representation and have great expertise in navigating complex Maryland laws. If you have questions or concerns or would like to talk to a skilled attorney more in-depth about your case, call us today at 800-654-1949 to schedule a free initial consultation with an attorney on our team.