Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog
Victims of Maryland motorcycle or scooter accidents are legally entitled to file a civil negligence claim against the driver responsible. These claims, if successful, can provide injured motorcyclists with financial compensation for the injuries they suffered, including for past and future medical bills, lost wages, and even burial and funeral costs. In order to do so, however, plaintiffs must be able to identify and find the individual responsible. This may be harder in hit-and-run accidents, where the at-fault driver leaves the scene of the accident before providing identifying information or helping those who were injured.
For example, a man in Texas was recently killed in a hit and run accident while riding a scooter with a passenger. According to a local news report covering the accident, the collision occurred at around 8 p.m., with an SUV hitting the scooter and then driving off. When authorities responded to the accident, they took both the driver of the scooter and his passenger to the hospital, where the driver, unfortunately, passed away.
This incident illustrates the devastation that can occur with hit and run accidents; when an accident occurs and results in bodily injury, Maryland law requires that all drivers involved stop as close to the scene as possible and render reasonable assistance to any injured party. This means they may need to call an ambulance, and they are also required to provide their name and information to the others involved. If the others involved are unconscious or otherwise unable to meaningfully receive the information, the information must be provided to the police. Even if the car is parked and the owner is not around, the individual who hits it must leave a written note with their information. This law protects accident victims by (1) ensuring that, if they are injured, someone is able to call medical assistance for them and (2) ensuring that they have the information needed to file a civil negligence suit if appropriate.
When drivers do not follow these laws, they can face severe penalties, beyond those typical in a civil negligence suit. They may be ordered by the court to pay increased damages to the victims as punishment, or even be imprisoned for a period of time. But in order to hold them responsible they first must be found, and to be held liable to their victims they must be sued in civil court. This is why victims of Maryland hit and run accidents are advised to immediately call the police, and then a Maryland personal injury attorney, to help them through this difficult time.
Have You Been Injured In A Maryland Hit and Run Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been injured in a hit-and-run motorcycle accident, you may be able to hold the responsible party liable to you for monetary damages. This process can be difficult and complicated, and small mistakes in court may come with significant costs, so contact the personal injury lawyers at Lebowitz & Mzhen for immediate assistance. With over two decades of experience earning clients the compensation they deserve, we handle every step of the case so you can focus on healing. To learn more, call us today at 800-654-1949.