Maryland motorcycle accidents can be incredibly dangerous. Motorcyclists do not have the same level of protection when they get into a crash than those in other vehicles, such as cars and trucks. Their body is exposed, and as a result, they are more likely to suffer severe injuries or even death when they’re involved in a crash. For example, just last weekend a 42-year-old motorcyclist was killed in a tragic crash.
According to a news article reporting on the accident, the crash happened Saturday evening around 10:40 PM on a highway. The motorcyclist was heading south on the highway when a 59-year-old man driving a 2013 Mini Cooper heading south turned left, failing to see the motorcyclist approaching the intersection. The front of the motorcycle ended up slamming into the passenger side of the Mini Cooper. The force of the impact caused the motorcycle to break apart into several pieces. Tragically, the motorcyclist was seriously injured and transported to the hospital, where she died shortly after. The investigation of the crash is still underway.
This tragic accident is a sad reminder of how dangerous Maryland motorcycle accidents can be for riders. Because of this, a large number of Maryland residents may know what it feels like to lose someone they love in a motorcycle accident and may be wondering if and how they can recover. While, unfortunately, nothing can bring their loved one back, the state’s laws do allow victims to recover financially for their losses through what is called a wrongful death lawsuit. These lawsuits are brought against the individual or party who caused the accident and the death, so in this case, it might be brought against the driver of the Mini Cooper. If successful, these lawsuits can result in monetary damages granted to families to cover medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and even funeral and burial costs.
How Do You Win a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit?
To prevail in a motorcycle accident lawsuit, plaintiffs must prove four things. First, that the defendant owed a duty of care to the victim. Second, that the defendant breached their duty of care. Third, that this breach led to and caused the accident and the death. And fourth, that real damages were suffered as a result. While these four things may sound relatively simple to prove, they can end up being more complicated than they seem. Maryland law has developed a robust set of precedents and case law regarding how plaintiffs can and cannot prove these things, and failure to prove just one of them can result in a suit being dismissed. As such, potential plaintiffs may want to consider working with a personal injury attorney when filing suit to improve chances of success.
Do You Need a Maryland Motorcycle Accident Attorney?
If you are interested in filing a Maryland wrongful death lawsuit, contact the attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen, LLC, today to schedule a free initial consultation. Our dedicated and compassionate attorneys are available to meet with you, risk-free, to discuss your options and your legal rights in the aftermath of such a devastating loss. Call today to schedule your consultation at 800-654-1949.