Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog
Perhaps the single most dangerous situation for motorcyclists is when they are approaching an intersection in which an oncoming driver is attempting to make a left-hand turn. These left-turn accidents are responsible for a significant portion of the total Maryland motorcycle accidents that occur each year. Indeed, it is estimated that left-turn accidents account for about 42% of all motorcycle accidents.
Left-turn accidents are not unique to motorcycles; however, the slim profile of a motorcycle makes it more difficult for other motorists to see that a motorcycle is approaching and correctly assess its speed. Thus, motorists routinely begin a turn when they do not have time to complete it, cutting off the motorcyclist as they enter the intersection. The motorcyclist is then left with little to no time to react.
As a general rule, a motorist making a left turn is required to yield to motorcycles that are continuing straight through an intersection. Thus, most left-turn accidents are determined to be the fault of the turning motorist. However, if the motorcyclist is speeding at the time they enter the intersection, the motorcyclist may be found to have caused the accident.
When it comes to determining liability for a Maryland motorcycle accident, courts apply the legal doctrine of negligence. Under a negligence analysis, a motorcyclist will be able to recover for their injuries if the motorcyclist can establish that another motorist violated a duty of care that was owed to the motorcyclist, and that this was the cause of the motorcyclist’s injuries.
Fatal Motorcycle Accident Claims the Life of Student
Earlier this month, an 18-year-old motorcyclist was killed when he was struck by another vehicle that was attempting to make a left-hand turn in front of the motorcyclist. According to a recent news report, the motorcyclist was heading to meet up with other members of his school’s astronomy club to watch the launch of the SpaceX Falcon rocket when the accident occurred.
Evidently, the motorcyclist was heading southbound when an eastbound driver attempted a left-hand turn in front of the motorcyclist. The motorcyclist struck the left side of the turning vehicle. Several nurses witnessed the accident, and attended to the motorcyclist until emergency responders arrived. However, the motorcyclist’s life was unable to, and he was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.
Have You Been Injured in a Maryland Motorcycle Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been injured in a Maryland motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for the injuries you’ve sustained. At the Maryland personal injury law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen, LLC we represent injury victims in all types of claims arising in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. We handle motorcycle accident claims, slip-and-fall accidents, and medical malpractice claims, among others. To learn more, call 410-654-3600 to schedule a free consultation today. Calling is free, and we will not bill you for our services unless we can help you obtain compensation for your injuries.
More Blog Posts:
The Importance of Properly Pleading a Maryland Personal Injury Case?, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published October 18, 2018.
The Dangers of Biking with Headphones in Maryland and Nationwide, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published October 4, 2018.