Motorcycle accidents are among the most likely to result in serious injury or death due to the lack of protection riders have while on a bike. While wearing a helmet can help to reduce the risk of injury, some accidents are so severe that even wearing a helmet won’t change the outcome. In fact, each year, approximately 69 people die as a result of Maryland motorcycle accidents.
Whenever someone gets onto a motorcycle, they are placing their lives in the hands of other motorists. While some motorcycle accidents can be avoided, many cannot, even when exercising the utmost care. Those who have lost a loved one in a Maryland motorcycle accident may be eligible for compensation for their loss through a Maryland wrongful death lawsuit.
A Maryland wrongful death lawsuit is a type of personal injury case that is intended to compensate the family members of an accident victim. In most cases, a wrongful death claim must be filed by a “primary beneficiary,” which are defined as spouses, children, and parents. If there are no primary beneficiaries available to file the claim, a secondary beneficiary can pursue a wrongful death case. Secondary beneficiaries are defined as “any person related to the deceased person by blood or marriage who was substantially dependent upon the deceased.”
Damages in a wrongful death claim are divided among the beneficiaries and can include both economic damages, such as medical expenses, as well as non-economic damages, including mental anguish and emotional pain and suffering. However, Maryland law caps non-economic damages in wrongful death cases at $2 million. There is no limit to the amount of economic damages that can be recovered. Generally, Maryland wrongful death claims must be brought within three years from the date of death.
Virginia Beach Motorcyclist Killed in Recent Accident
Earlier this month, one man was killed when he was involved in a motorcycle accident in Virginia Beach. According to a local news report, the accident occurred at the intersection of Bonney Road and Boggs Avenue, on a Sunday evening. Police received a call shortly before 8 p.m., and by the time emergency responders arrived on the scene, the motorcyclist had passed away. Police say that the cause of the crash remains under investigation, and they have not filed criminal charges against the driver.
Have You Lost a Loved One in a Maryland Motorcycle Accident?
If you have recently lost a loved one due to a preventable Maryland motorcycle accident, contact the dedicated injury advocates at Lebowitz & Mzhen, Personal Injury Lawyers. Our team of attorneys represents individuals across Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia in all types of motor vehicle accident claims, including wrongful death claims. To learn more about how we can help you recover for the losses you sustained as a result of someone else’s negligence, call 800-654-1949 to schedule a free consultation. Calling is free, and there is no risk to you in doing so, because we will not bill you for our services unless we can successfully recover compensation on your behalf.