Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog
The aftermath for accident victims dealing with serious injuries can be overwhelming. Maryland motorcycle and bicycle accident victims may suffer a range of damages available depending on their unique circumstances. Successful parties may be able to recover damages in the form of economic and non-economic damages in a Maryland lawsuit.
Economic damages, also known as special damages, are the out-of-pocket expenses that arise due to the victim’s injuries, such as medical bills, loss of income, and loss of earning capacity. Non-economic damages, also known as general damages, are damages without a fixed dollar value, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of consortium. Maryland has a cap on non-economic damages that may be recovered in a civil car accident case. For cases filed on or after January 1, 2021, the cap is $845,000 for non-economic damages.
What Are Punitive Damages?
Punitive damages may be available in some accident cases, although they are not routinely awarded in such cases. Punitive damages are only awarded in Maryland if the plaintiff proves by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant acted with knowing and deliberate wrongdoing. They are generally awarded only in the most egregious cases. Punitive damages are meant to serve as a deterrent for others and to punish the defendant for wrongful conduct. Statutory damages may also be available in some cases.
Police Introduce Special Bikes to Catch Motorists After Increase in Cyclist Deaths
According to a recent news report, state and local police in Nevada are rolling out a special bike intended to enforce the state’s law that drivers leave adequate room for bicyclists. The state requires that drivers merge to an adjacent lane when possible. When it is not possible, drivers must move over within the lane and give the bicyclist at least three feet of clearance before passing.
The police’s enforcement effort will have an officer ride on the special bike that is equipped with lasers to measure the distance between the bike and passing vehicles. The bicyclist will report violations to officers who will be staged along the route, which is a common bicycle route. Drivers may receive a citation, which can be over $250, or they may receive a warning. Police have conducted similar efforts in the past, but intend to increase the efforts in light of recent fatalities. There were 10 bicyclist deaths in the state last year, which amounts to an increase of 43 percent from the previous year.
Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Maryland motorcycle accidents are often serious and can be devastating for victims and their families. At Lebowitz and Mzhen, Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand the struggles you face and strive to reduce the stress on you as much as possible. Our founding attorneys, Jack D. Lebowitz and Vadim A. Mzhen, as well as our team of experienced personal injury lawyers, give each client personalized attention from the initial consultation until the case’s conclusion. We have decades of combined experience and are familiar with the complex issues in personal injury cases. Call us at (410) 654-3600 or toll-free at (800) 654-1949 or contact us online at any time.