Earlier this month in nearby Fairfax County, Virginia, a 25-year-old man was killed when he was involved in a two-motorcycle accident. According to one local news source, the accident occurred in the afternoon hours on southbound Route 123, near the intersection with Clifton Road.
Evidently, two motorcycles were approaching the intersection at a high rate of speed, one in each of the road’s two southbound lanes. As they both approached the intersection, a northbound truck was attempting to make a left-hand turn in front of the bikers. The motorcycle in the right lane was able to swerve around the front of the truck and avoid a collision. This motorcyclist continued on and has not been identified.
The other motorcyclist in the left lane was not so lucky. As he attempted to pass the truck, he struck the rear end of the vehicle and was thrown from his bike. He suffered life-threatening injures at the time of the accident and was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short time later.
Police are still in the midst of an investigation into the fatal motorcycle accident and have not yet issued citations to any of the motorists involved.
Left-Turn Motorcycle Accidents
Failure-to-yield accidents, and left-turn motorcycle accidents in particular, are some of the most common motorcycle accidents we see. This is likely for many reasons, but one of the main reasons is that drivers of cars and trucks have a more difficult time seeing motorcycles and judging the speed at which they are traveling. With that said, this is not a valid excuse.
Yielding the Right of Way
All drivers have a duty to follow traffic laws and all posted traffic signs and signals. Chief among these laws are those requiring drivers yield the right-of-way to other drivers when the situation calls for it. Some of the more common situations where yielding must take place are:
- When there is a posted yield sign;
- When merging onto or off the highway;
- When pulling out of a driveway or parking lot;
- When making a left-hand turn in front of oncoming traffic; and
- When navigating through a parking lot.
When a driver fails to yield the right-of-way and an accident results, that driver may be held financially liable for any damages that were caused. This can be done through the filing of a Maryland personal injury lawsuit. To learn more, speak with a dedicated Maryland personal injury attorney.
Have You Been Injured in a Maryland Motorcycle Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been involved in a serious motorcycle accident in Maryland, you may be entitled to monetary damages based on the other driver’s negligence. This may be due to a failure to yield the right-of-way or the violation of some other traffic law. To learn more about what you need to prove in order to be successful, and to speak with a skilled and knowledgeable attorney in this area of personal injury law, call 410-654-3600 today to set up a free consultation.
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.