Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog

Long-term Motorcycle Accident Brain Injury Result in Death of Rider Nearly 20 Years After Crash

January 31, 2024 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

It is common knowledge that motorcycle riders are at greater risk of injury and or death than car riders, but the actual disparity in risk is rather stunning. In fact, some sources claim that for every mile traveled, motorcyclists are 35 times more likely than car riders to have a fatal accident. Given the tremendous risk of motorcycle accidents and the potentially fatal results of such crashes, both motorcyclists and drivers of cars should take extreme precautions when it comes to navigating traffic situations involving motorcycles and sharing the road. A recent news article discussed a motorcycle rider who passed away from injury complications stemming from a crash nearly 20 years prior.

According to the local news article the original accident occurred on the morning of June 1, 2004, when the rider collided with a pickup truck at the intersection of Route 309 and Route 143 in Lynn Township. The rider was on his motorcycle that morning when he collided with the pickup truck. Now, nearly 20 years later, on Sunday, December 31, 2023, the Northampton County man passed away from injuries sustained in the original crash. A Lehigh County Coroner stated in a news release that the Northampton motorcycle rider died at 10:50 pm on Sunday at St. Luke’s Hospital-Allentown, from complications from a traumatic brain injury sustained in the motorcycle accident in 2004.

Why Are Motorcycle Accidents More Common than Car Accidents?

Motorcycle accidents are tragic and horrifying, and unfortunately, such crashes are all too common in Maryland. The long-term impact of such accidents shows the need for car drivers and motorcyclists to engage in exceedingly careful when driving at high speeds near or around motorcycles. The smaller profile of motorcycles creates a greater likelihood of motorcycles occupying blind spots of larger vehicles and the open nature of motorcycle riding creates unique harm for riders involved in any crashes. When operators of larger vehicles only look out for other large vehicles and cars and fail to pay special attention to motorcycles and smaller vehicles, it places the smaller vehicles at great risk. In the event that a driver fails to see another vehicle, resulting in a crash, they could face both civil and criminal legal liability.

Teen Killed in Fatal Florida Bus-Bike Collision

December 23, 2023 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

It is vital to take basic steps to protect yourself when you are driving or riding in a car or on a bike. One simple thing you can do every time you drive is to ensure that you are wearing your seatbelt, especially when you’re in the front of the car. Seatbelts significantly decrease the risk of fetal injuries in the event of a crash, while forgoing a seatbelt while in a car can increase your risk of death in a car accident by as high as 45%. Thousands of drivers in Maryland experience severe or fatal accidents annually due to their failure to wear seatbelts. Additionally, it is vital to wear a helmet if you are riding a motorcycle or bike. The small silhouette of these smaller vehicles makes them much more likely to be hit by others on the road, especially large automobiles such as buses.

How Many People Are Injured in Acidnets Involving Busses and Large Vehicles?

Automobile accidents involving large vehicles, such as buses, are extremely dangerous. According to a report by the U.S. Department of Transportation, more than 4,100 people were killed in large vehicle crashes last year. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has found that there were more than 500,000 crashes nationwide involving large vehicles, with approximately 107,000 resulting in injuries. Buses are much larger than standard passenger vehicles, averaging 20 to 30 times bigger, creating massive crashes when they impact other vehicles. The difference in the size of the vehicles can prevent bus drivers from seeing smaller cars and bikes, while also resulting in more severe impact when crashes do occur. Most deaths in large vehicle crashes are from occupants of passenger vehicles. Of those killed in such accidents, roughly 82% are people in smaller vehicles. A recent article discussed a fatal crash involving a bus and a bicycle rider.

According to the news article, the accident occurred early in the morning on Tuesday, December 5, around 7:00 am. The 15-year-old boy was hit and killed by a school bus early in the morning while trying to cross the street on a bicycle, according to the Lakeland Police Department. Emergency personnel responded to the scene, including Polk County Fire Rescue and the Lakeland Fire Department. Unfortunately, the teen was later pronounced dead at Lakeland Regional Health. According to the Lakeland Police Chief, the teen was apparently riding his bike to school when the crash happened. It seems as though he was trying to move from the highway’s turning lane into the inside lane where the bus was traveling westbound when the collision occurred.

Cause of Fatal Motorcycle Crash Under Investigation After Early Morning Collision

November 30, 2023 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

It is considered common knowledge that motorcycle riders are at higher risk of injury and or death than car or truck riders, but the actual difference in risk is much more than one might think. In fact, some sources claim that for every mile traveled, motorcyclists are 35 times more likely than car riders to have a fatal accident. Given the great risk of motorcycle accidents and the potentially fatal results of such crashes, both motorcyclists and automobile drivers should take extreme care when it comes to navigating traffic situations involving motorcycles and sharing the road.

Tragic and horrifying accidents are unfortunately all too common in Maryland and show the need for car drivers and motorcyclists to engage in exceedingly careful when driving at high speeds near or around motorcycles. The smaller profile of motorcycles creates a greater likelihood of motorcycles occupying blind spots of larger vehicles and the open-aired nature of motorcycle riding creates a tremendous amount of potential for harm for the riders involved in any crashes. When operators of larger vehicles only look out for other large vehicles and cars and fail to pay special attention to motorcycles and smaller vehicles, it places the smaller vehicles at great risk. In the event that a driver fails to see another vehicle, resulting in a crash, they could face both civil and criminal legal liability. A recent news article discussed a local fatal motorcycle crash.

According to the local news article about a motorcycle accident in Maryland, the accident occurred early in the morning on Saturday, November 4, when three motorcycles traveling south on I-395 were struck from behind by an SUV. The crash occurred near Exit 8 for Route 27. The accident occurred around 4:40 am, and two of the motorcyclists were transported to a nearby hospital. One of the two succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. The other was treated for serious injuries. The third motorcyclist was unharmed, as was the driver of the SUV. According to law enforcement officials, the crash remains under investigation. Charges are pending.

Safety Tips to Avoid Fatal Maryland Motorcycle Accidents

October 30, 2023 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

When a crash occurs between a car and a motorcycle, the motorcyclist usually suffers the brunt of the collision. As the Maryland Department of Transportation explains, motorcycles lack the protection of reinforced steel that keeps drivers of other vehicles safe in the event of an accident. Fortunately, motorcyclists can take a few extra steps to reduce their risk of a fatal accident.

Sadly, a recent news article reported that a motorcyclist was killed in an accident. The accident occurred near an intersection as a motorcycle collided with a car. The motorcyclist died from his injuries. The driver of the car was not hurt. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Who Has the Right of Way at an Intersection in Maryland?

Under Maryland law, the traffic laws that govern drivers of other motor vehicles also apply to motorcyclists. At an intersection, the driver who arrives at the intersection first has the right-of-way. If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the driver on the right has the right-of-way. Drivers must also yield right-of-way to other drivers, including motorcyclists, who approach an intersection from the opposite direction. When making a left turn, drivers must yield right-of-way to vehicles in opposite lanes.

Staying Safe in Maryland DUI Motorcycle Accidents

October 10, 2023 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Driving under the influence (DUI) often carries devastating consequences, including serious injury or death. The harm from a DUI accident is even more severe when the victim is a motorcyclist. Because motorcycles lack the same safety protections as other vehicles, motorcycle riders may suffer more severe injuries in a drunk driving accident. For that reason, it is all the more important to take steps to stay safe if you suspect a driver is operating their vehicle under the influence.

Recently, a news outlet reported that a motorcycle driver died in a DUI accident. According to the news article, the driver of a Kia was traveling northbound while under the influence when he struck a motorcycle. The car and motorcycle hit the median before they stopped on the left shoulder of the highway. The driver of the motorcycle was ejected from his motorcycle and died at the scene.

What Are the Penalties for Driving Under the Influence in Maryland?

Maryland imposes serious penalties for operating a vehicle under the influence. The state distinguishes between Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and Driving While Impaired (DWI). Motorists with a Blood Alcohol Concentration of 0.07% of higher will face a DWI conviction, while a BAC of 0.08% or higher could lead to a DUI conviction. Accordingly, the penalties for a DUI are more severe than a DWI. In Maryland, a DWI conviction can result in a $500 fine and up to two months in prison. A convicted DWI driver will also face a six-month license suspension. In Maryland, the penalties for drunk driving increase based on the number of DWI convictions on a person’s record. A second DWI offense carries up to a $500 fine and a one-year prison sentence, along with a license suspension between nine and twelve months. A DUI conviction carries a maximum of one year in prison and a $1,000 fine. A driver with a DUI conviction may also receive a six-month license suspension. A second offense could result in $2,000 in fines, up to two years in prison, and a one-year license revocation.

What to Do After a Maryland Car Accident Involving a Deer

September 26, 2023 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Accidents with a deer can often cause severe injury, both to the deer and the occupants of the vehicle that hit it. When drivers are about to hit a deer, their first instinct is often to swerve out of the way. However, swerving can cause drivers to collide with a vehicle in the opposite lane or drive off the road entirely. Motorcycle riders are especially vulnerable to injury. Unlike cars, motorcycles often lack the size and weight to absorb a collision with a deer. As a result, motorcycle riders must take extra precaution to stay safe in the event they encounter a deer on the road.

For example, a recent news article reported that two people suffered injuries after striking a deer. The accident occurred on a local roadway when a motorcycle rider hit a deer in the middle of the road. Both the motorcycle rider and his passenger suffered injuries, and the passenger required hospitalization.

What Should You Do If You See a Deer on the Road?

While you will likely encounter a deer on the road at least once, there are several steps you can take to stay safe on the road. Geico recommends a few simple safety tips to avoid an accident. First, minimize distractions when you are operating your vehicle. If your eyes are not focused on the road, you may not see a deer ahead of you. Additionally, if you are driving on a secluded road, use your bright lights so you can spot a deer as early as possible. This tip is important because deer tend to roam during periods of low light. Deer also will travel in packs: if you spot one deer in front of you, more are likely close behind. Finally, if your vehicle is about to approach a deer, honk your horn. The loud noise may cause the deer to run off the road.

Two Motorcycle Riders Injured After Collision With Automobile

September 12, 2023 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

There are many different risks when it comes to driving motorcycles. Those risks include the fact that the smaller profile of motorcycles leaves them vulnerable to car blind spots and the open nature of motorcycles, which can throw drivers from the vehicle upon impact during a crash. Because of these risk factors, on average, driving or riding on a motorcycle is more dangerous than driving a car. Motorcycle riders are not protected by their vehicle in the way that the occupants of a car are. Subsequently, approximately 72 percent of motorcyclists are injured when they crash.

How Frequently Do Maryland Motorcycle Accidents Happen?

Unfortunately, Maryland drivers are all too familiar with the dangers of motorcycle driving. Maryland on average has 73 motorcycle rider and passenger deaths per year and averages an additional 1,046 riders or drivers injured each year. This issue has continued to get worse in Maryland, with the state seeing an increase in motorcycle crashes from 2019 to 2020. A recent news article discussed an extremely serious motorcycle crash.

According to the news article, the accident happened on the evening of Sunday, September 3, around 5:30 pm. The crash occurred when a sedan was heading east on Allegheny approaching the B Street intersection, while the driver of a motorcycle, a 35-year-old man, and a passenger, a 39-year-old woman, were heading west. The motorcycle driver, attempting to turn left on B Street, drove around an unknown vehicle, and was then hit by the sedan. Both the motorcycle driver and passenger were taken to a local hospital by medics. The driver of the sedan was unharmed and remained on the scene until law enforcement officers arrived on the scene.

One Killed in Fatal Hit and Run Motorcycle and Truck Accident

August 31, 2023 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

It is commonly known that motorcycle riders and passengers are at greater risk of injury and or death than automobile riders and passengers, but the true difference in risk level between the two activities might surprise many. In fact, some sources claim that for every mile traveled, motorcyclists are 35 times more likely than car riders to have a fatal accident. Given the tremendous risk of motorcycle accidents and the potentially fatal results of such crashes, both motorcyclists and car drivers should take all prudent precautions when it comes to navigating traffic situations involving motorcycles and sharing the road. A recent news article discussed a local fatal hit-and-run involving a crash between a motorcycle and a truck.

The recent article described how a fatal hit-and-run collision unfolded on Wednesday, August 2. Around 3:35 pm, witnesses reported that a truck that struck a motorcycle left the scene of the collision. The accident occurred between a 78-year-old man in a pickup truck and a 64-year-old female motorcyclist near Main Street at Westville Road according to law enforcement officials. Police said that the motorcyclist was taken to Lawrence General Hospital, where she later died of her injuries from the crash. Main Street was closed following the accident while police investigated the crash. A longtime resident of Main Street in the area said he felt that a crash like this one felt inevitable. The resident stated, “Accidents all the time. All the time.” Other neighbors felt similarly. One stated, that the truck driver “had to backup to get the bike out from underneath his truck.” Once he backed up, “he just took off.” Members of the neighborhood said they have been trying to get a light or stop sign installed to slow drivers down.

How Common Are Maryland Motorcycle Accidents?

This type of tragic and horrifying accident is unfortunately all too common in Maryland and shows the need for car drivers and motorcyclists to engage in exceedingly careful conduct when driving at high speeds near or around motorcycles. The smaller profile and size of motorcycles result in a greater likelihood of such vehicles occupying blind spots of larger vehicles and the open nature of motorcycle riding creates unique harm for riders involved in any crashes. When drivers of larger vehicles only look out for other large vehicles and cars and fail to pay special attention to motorcycles and other vehicles with small profiles, it places the smaller vehicles at great risk. In the event that a driver fails to see another vehicle, resulting in a motorcycle crash, they could face both civil and criminal legal liability.

Motorcyclist Killed in Maryland Left-Turn Accident

August 22, 2023 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Left-turn accidents typically occur when a driver turns without yielding right-of-way to a driver traveling straight ahead. In particular, left-turn motorcycle accidents often lead to severe injuries or fatalities. Due to the typical size and weight of a car, motorcyclists lack adequate protection when they collide with a much larger vehicle. When a left-turn driver strikes a motorcycle, the motorcyclist or their passengers may choose to bring a negligence lawsuit to recover compensation for their injuries. However, motorcyclists should first understand how courts determine fault in a left-turn motorcycle accident.

A recent news article reported on a left-turn accident that left a motorcyclist dead. According to the article, a woman in Florida was driving north when she turned left at an intersection. As the woman made the turn, she struck a motorcyclist traveling south, who was thrown off his motorcycle. The motorcyclist was taken to a nearby hospital, where he sadly died from his injuries.

How Can You Prove Fault in a Maryland Left-Turn Motorcycle Accident?

To prove fault in a Maryland left-turn accident, plaintiffs must show that the defendant’s negligent driving caused the accident. Failing to obey Maryland traffic laws can provide some evidence of fault. Under Maryland law, drivers making a left turn must yield the right-of-way to any oncoming vehicles. This rule applies on private roads and busy highways at intersections with or without a stop sign. Unless left-turn drivers have a green arrow traffic light, they do not have the right-of-way. While the driver making the left turn is often the at-fault party, there are circumstances when the fault lies with the injured party. For example, the injured driver or motorcycle rider may have committed a separate traffic violation, such as running a red light.

Motorcyclist Killed After Being Struck by Multiple Vehicles in Highway Crash

July 30, 2023 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

It is commonly known that motorcycle riders are at greater risk of injury and or death than car riders, but the actual disparity in risk is higher than one might think. In fact, some sources claim that for every mile traveled, motorcyclists are 35 times more likely than car riders to have a fatal accident. Given the tremendous risk of motorcycle accidents and the potentially fatal results of such crashes, both motorcyclists and drivers of cars should take extreme precautions when it comes to navigating traffic situations involving motorcycles and sharing the road.

Tragic and horrifying accidents are unfortunately all too common in Maryland and show the need for car drivers and motorcyclists to engage in exceedingly careful when driving at high speeds near or around motorcycles.

What Makes Riding a Motorcycle So Dangerous?

The smaller profile of motorcycles creates a greater likelihood of motorcycles occupying blind spots of larger vehicles and the open nature of motorcycle riding creates unique harm for riders involved in any crashes. When operators of larger vehicles only look out for other large vehicles and cars and fail to pay special attention to motorcycles and smaller vehicles, it places the smaller vehicles at great risk. In the event that a driver fails to see another vehicle, resulting in a crash, they could face both civil and criminal legal liability. A recent news article discussed a local fatal motorcycle crash.