Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog

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.

Four Dead in Large Scale Multi-Vehicle Motorcycle Crash

June 30, 2023 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

There are significant risks in driving motorcycles. The smaller profile of motorcycles leaves them vulnerable to car blind spots and the open nature of motorcycles can throw drivers from the vehicle upon impact during a crash. Because of this, on average, driving or riding on a motorcycle is more dangerous than driving cars. Motorcycle riders are not protected by their vehicle in the way that the occupants of a car are. As a result, approximately 72 percent of motorcyclists are injured when they crash.

How Common Are Maryland Motorcycle Accidents?

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 fatal multi-vehicle motorcycle crash.

According to the news article, the accident happened on the morning of Saturday, June 3, around 11:20 am. The fatal crash occurred when a Toyota Corolla crossed the center line of a highway and hit five motorcycles according to the State Highway Patrol. Law enforcement officials stated that the five motorcycles were traveling north on Missouri 39 in Lawrence County, three miles north of Autora, and the Toyota Corolla was traveling south when the car veered out of its lane Saturday and crashed into the group of motorcycles, throwing the drivers and passengers from the bikes. Following the crash, the Toyota Corolla traveled off the west side of the road and landed in a ditch.

Warm Weather Means More Motorcyclists Sharing the Road with Other Motorists

May 31, 2023 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

As the warmer months and summer approach, it is not uncommon for the number of people we are sharing the road with to increase as people get on the move to enjoy the sun. This includes an increase in pedestrians walking, and the number of motorcycles, motorbikes, and e-scooters to increase. Here are some statistics: According to a study done by ValuePenguin, 49 percent of deadly motorcycle accidents in the 2016 to 2020 period occurred from June to September, with the highest percentage in July. 49 percent of deadly motorcycle accidents in the 2016 to 2020 period occurred over the weekend, versus 51 percent on weekdays.

According to a news report in early April, a motorcyclist was killed in a Maryland crash involving a tractor-trailer. The crash occurred in Prince George’s County, Maryland on Route 301. The motorcyclist was heading northbound on Route 301, and the tractor-trailer attempted to make a U-turn from the southbound lanes into the northbound lanes on Route 301 when the motorcyclist crashed into the side of the semi-truck. The motorcyclist was pronounced dead on the scene. The Maryland State Police encouraged motorists to be mindful of the increased number of motorcycles on the road with warmer weather and as summer approaches.

How Common Is Speeding the Cause of a Motorcycle Accident?

Speeding is a known factor in fatal motorcycle crashes. In 2020, 5,579 motorcyclists died according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. To ensure safe road sharing, motorcyclists should take some precautions, which include ensuring that you are properly licensed (in Maryland, drivers need a Class M license), checking the motorcycle’s tire pressure and tread depth, hand and foot brakes, headlights and signal indicators, and fluid levels before riding, wearing a properly fitted helmet that meets the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Vehicle, ensuring arms and legs are completely covered while riding, obeying traffic signals and laws, avoiding distracted driving and being under the influence of any alcohol or drugs.

Charles County, Maryland Fatal Motorcycle Accident After Truck Crosses into Lane

April 28, 2023 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

A recent news report revealed the aftermath of a fatal motorcycle accident in Charles County, Maryland. The motorcyclist was found dead on the scene. A truck was traveling eastbound while the motorcyclist was traveling westbound. For reasons unknown, the truck crossed the double yellow center line and struck the motorcycle. When personnel arrived on the scene, they found the motorcyclist pinned under the vehicle and unresponsive. Firefighters extricated the trapped motorcyclist, EMS requested a MEDEVAC due to serious injuries sustained by the motorcyclist, but then began CPR on the patient. The patient was unfortunately reported dead on the scene. The cause of the accident is still being investigated.

Are Motorcycle Accidents More Common than Car Accidents?

According to the National Safety Council, motorcyclists make up only 3 percent of all registered vehicles, but motorcyclists account for 14 percent of all traffic fatalities. The National Safety Council also reports that over the last 10 years, deaths have increased 19 percent. Furthermore, according to the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOTMVA), in Maryland alone, each year an average of 73 motorcycle riders and passengers are killed in traffic crashes, and nearly 1,046 riders and passengers are injured each year. Motorcyclists are injured in approximately 72 percent of crashes. According to the MDOTMVA’s Motorcycle Program Area Brief, “crashes that involved motorcyclists resulted in injury or death at more than twice the rate of all injury or death related crashes occurring across the State.” Most motorcycle crashes occurred in highly populated regions such as Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, and Baltimore City.

Statistics also show trends in age ranges and time of day for crashes. Motorcyclists between the ages of 21-34 were the most represented in motor-cycle involved crashes in Maryland, and the study found that weekends and mid-days were the most dangerous times for motorcyclists, according to the MDOTMVA. These statistics can be insightful in helping motorists understand what factors may contribute more to motorcycle-involved crashes and for thinking of ways to protect themselves.