Earlier this month in Waldorf, Maryland, a fatal motorcycle accident claimed the lives of two Maryland residents as they were enjoying an afternoon ride. According to one local news report, the accident occurred on a Sunday afternoon on Route 301. The operator of the Harley Davidson was the bass player and manager of the well-known music group, the DC Junkyard band.
Evidently, the driver of the motorcycle was traveling at a fairly high rate of speed when he was unable to control the motorcycle and ended up crashing into the rear of a stopped pick-up truck. After the initial collision the motorcycle caught on fire. Both driver and passenger were thrown from the bike at the point of collision. The driver of the motorcycle was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency workers. His passenger, a 34-year-old woman from White Plains, Maryland, was taken to the hospital, where she succumbed to her injures a short time later.
Since the fatal accident, police have had a chance to conduct a preliminary investigation and have determined that speed was a contributing factor in the fatal accident. They also noted that the passenger was not wearing an approved helmet at the time of the accident, potentially exacerbating her injuries.
Fatal Maryland Motorcycle Accidents
Each year, hundreds of Marylanders are involved in serious or fatal motorcycle accidents. Many of these are innocent victims of another driver’s negligence, whether they are motorcycle operators themselves who were struck by another vehicle, or passengers on a motorcycle being operated by a negligent driver. In either case, an innocent accident victim of a motorcycle accident is permitted to seek compensation for their injuries under Maryland law.
Recovering Financially After a Serious Motorcycle Accident
The recovery process after a motorcycle accident can be lengthy, in terms of both mental and physical recovery. On top of that, there are likely going to be significant medical bills, missed time from work, and even the potential for long-term irreversible physical or emotional damage. In these cases, an accident victim can file a negligence lawsuit against the party they believe is liable for their injuries.
In order to be successful in a Maryland motorcycle accident case, an accident victim must show that the other party owed them a duty of care, the violation of which resulted in their injuries. In the cases of traffic accidents, establishing a duty of care is not at issue, since all drivers owe other motorists a duty to operate their vehicle in a safe manner. At issue in most Maryland motorcycle cases is whether the actions of the defendant constituted a breach of that duty.
Have You Been Injured in a Maryland Motorcycle Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been involved in a serious or fatal Maryland motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. The law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers has decades of combined experience bringing all kinds of Maryland personal injury cases, including those arising out of motorcycle accidents. To learn more about what you need to prove in order to be successful in a motorcycle accident case, and to speak to a dedicated attorney about your case, call 410-654-3600 today to set up a free consultation with a dedicated Maryland personal injury attorney.
More Blog Posts:
Episcopal Bishop Asked to Resign After Involvement in Fatal Bicycle Accident, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published February 26, 2015.
Motorcyclist Killed in I-795 Accident in Baltimore County, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published April 27, 2015.