Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog
Motorcycle accidents have many causes, but no cause is more common than a vehicle’s failure to yield to a motorcycle. This is due in part to a motorcycle’s slim profile, making them less visible and more likely to be overlooked by other motorists. The most common failure-to-yield accident is one involving a vehicle making a left-hand turn into a motorcycle. In fact, left-turn accidents account for roughly 40% of all serious motorcycle accidents involving a motorcycle and another vehicle.
Left-turn accidents are common in a number of routine traffic situations, including:
- When a motorcycle is proceeding straight through an intersection, and a car is making a left turn in front of the motorcycle;
- When a motorcycle passes a vehicle on a single or multi-lane highway; or
- When a motorcycle attempts to make a left turn in front of another vehicle.
Despite the difficulties motorists have in seeing motorcycles and judging the speed at which they are traveling, motorists still have a duty to ensure they are safely operating their vehicles around motorcycles. When a driver causes a motorcycle crash, even if by accident, the motorist may be held liable for any injuries sustained by the motorcyclist through a Maryland motorcycle accident lawsuit.
Bus Driver’s Failure to Yield Results in Motorcyclist’s Death
Earlier this month in Washington State, a motorcyclist was killed when a bus driver made an improper left turn in front of the motorcyclist. According to one local news report, the accident occurred in the afternoon hours and involved a school bus and a Harley Davidson motorcycle.
Evidently, the school bus driver was heading westbound when he made a left-hand turn at an intersection. As the driver initiated the left turn, he cut off the motorcyclist, who was heading eastbound on the same road. The motorcyclist was unable to avoid the collision and ended up crashing into the side of the school bus.
The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet but was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. The bus driver and his single passenger were not injured in the accident. Police cited the bus driver for making an improper left-hand turn. It remains to be seen if the family of the deceased motorcyclist will pursue a wrongful death lawsuit against the bus driver.
Have You Been Injured in a Maryland Motorcycle Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been injured in any kind of Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, D.C. motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. The skilled attorneys at the personal injury law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers have decades of collective experience handling motorcycle accident cases, and we know how to make a compelling case for compensation. Call 410-654-3600 today to set up a free consultation with a dedicated personal injury attorney. Calling is free, and you will not be billed for our services unless we can help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
More Blog Posts:
Multi-Vehicle Accidents Involving Motorcyclists, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published November 4, 2016.
Motorcycle Passenger Killed in Head-On Collision with Drunk Driver, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published November 17, 2016.