In another tragic motorcycle accident in Florida, last week two people were killed when a pickup truck crossed a highway in front of a motorcyclist. According to a report by NWF Daily News, the motorcyclist was heading north on a state road around 3:30 p.m. when the truck attempted to cross the road, cutting the motorcyclist off.
The motorcyclist, who was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, was unable to avoid colliding with the truck and ran into the left side of the truck. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The passenger of the truck, a 77-year-old woman, was taken to the hospital with serious injuries and was later pronounced dead. The driver of the truck sustained minor injuries. Both the driver and the passenger were wearing their seat belts.
Police are currently investigating the cause of the accident, however, they do not believe that drugs or alcohol played a role.
Misjudgments Can Be Fatal When Motorcycles are Involved
While police are still investigating the cause of the accident, it is certainly plausible that the driver of the truck thought that he would be able to make it across the highway before the motorcycle approached. Tragically, however, the driver was mistaken and this was not the case.
These kinds of misjudgments are often the cause of Maryland traffic accidents. And if one of the vehicles happens to be a motorcycle, the potential that the accident will result in a fatality is exponentially increased. It is for this reason that all drivers should take extra precaution when driving near motorcyclists.
Failure to Give Due Care Can Result in Civil Liability
When drivers don’t pay as close attention as they should and cause an accident, Maryland law allows the victims of that accident to recover monetary compensation for their injuries from the negligent driver. Most often, this compensation consists of separate amounts for past medical expenses, future medical bills, as well as for any pain and suffering caused by the accident. In some cases, the jury may also award the accident victim punitive damages when the defendant’s conduct was especially egregious or morally reprehensible. Punitive damages are designed to deter socially unacceptable behavior and are not always available for basic instances of negligence.
Have You Been Involved in a Serious Maryland Motorcycle Accident
If you or a loved one has recently been involved in a Maryland motorcycle accident, you should speak with an experienced Maryland motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible. As an accident victim, you may be entitled to monetary damages. However, in order to preserve your claim, you may need to take action before any applicable statute of limitations runs out. To speak to an experienced Maryland personal injury attorney, click here, or call 410-654-3600.
More Blog Posts:
SUV and Motorcycle Collide in Texas, Injuring Four, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published January 20, 2014.
Motorcycle Accident in Florida Results in Another Motorcycle Fatality, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published January 13, 2014.