Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog
Off-road motorcycling and dirt biking are popular sports practiced by millions worldwide. The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (“MVA”) maintains specific licensing and registration provisions for dirt bikes and all-terrain vehicles (“ATV”); however, serious accidents continue to occur. ATVs are used both commercially, typically in farming, and recreationally. In either case, operating dirt bikes and ATVs requires coordination, experience, and appropriate training.
Despite the popularity of these activities, little research has been done on the dangers of this activity and the prevalence of injuries and death. However, some research suggests that ATVs use is more dangerous than motocross or dirt biking, as ATV accidents have a higher mortality rate, especially for children. Both activities continue to have a significant rate of head, spinal, and extremity injury.
For instance, recently, a Maryland news report described two deadly accidents. The first accident occurred when a man riding a three-wheel motorcycle drove off a ramp and landed on the ground. The next accident involved an incident where a driver slammed into a 31-year-old man driving a dirt bike. Reports indicate that officers believe a Ford Fusion struck the dirt biker. The collision knocked the dirt biker off his vehicle, causing him to hit his head. Emergency medical services transported him to a hospital for head injuries; however, he succumbed to his injuries tragically.
How do You Prove Fault in a Maryland Dirt Bike Accident?<br />
Like motorcyclists, dirt bikers and ATV users often face an inherent bias by insurance adjusters, judges, and juries. Overcoming this bias is especially critical in Maryland because of the state’s strict contributory negligence laws. After an accident, an attorney can help injury victims or their families determine the cause of the accident, assign fault, and apportion liability. Each step of a Maryland personal injury or wrongful death claim requires a comprehensive understanding of complex evidentiary and procedural rules. The failure to establish any element of the claim can result in a dismissal.
Contributory Negligence after Maryland Dirt Bike Accident
Maryland courts follow the contributory negligence doctrine. Under this doctrine, an injury vicitm cannot recover compensation from a negligent party if the victim’s negligence contributed to the accident. Unlike other states, any amount of negligence bars a victim’s recovery. As such, preparing a compelling and legally binding case for recovery is crucial in Maryland.
Have You Suffered Injuries in a Maryland Dirt Bike Accident?
If you or someone you love has suffered injuries in a Maryland motor vehicle accident, contact the attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen. The experienced attorneys on our team have a long history of securing favorable outcomes on behalf of Maryland injury victims and their families. Through our skills, resources, and experience, we have successfully negotiated with insurance companies and negligent individuals, companies, and government entities. In addition to Maryland dirt bike accident claims, our office handles other motor vehicle accidents and claims involving premises liability, medical malpractice, and nursing home abuse and negligence. Contact our office at 800-654-1949 to schedule a free initial consultation with an attorney on our team.