Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog

The Striking Differences Between Motorcycle Accidents and Automobile Accidents

July 10, 2022 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Motorcycles allow for great maneuverability and can offer enjoyable rides for those who choose to utilize them as a mode of transportation. At the same time, it is important to be aware of the risks that can come with driving a motorcycle while sharing a road with other automobiles. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 80 percent of all reported motorcycle crashes result in injury or death to the motorcyclist. Furthermore, NHTSA emphasizes that the “motorcycle itself provides no head injury protection to the rider or passenger.” Thus, motorcyclists may face injury from ejection from the motorcycle, which may result in the motorcyclist striking objects nearby in addition to the ground. Motorcycle helmets are thus extremely important in helping protect the skull. In addition to being easier to see, an automobile, in contrast, has a roof, more weight and bulk, airbags, and seatbelts. However, motorcycles have the ability to swerve quickly in case of sudden need, which is one of the big differences between motorcycles and automobiles.

In recent news, a motorcycle accident left a 19-year-old dead and left many questioning the cause of the devastating accident. According to the report, a 67-year-old driver was heading north and tried to turn on a road across southbound lanes. At the same time, the 19-year-old motorcyclist crashed into the right side of the sedan. The 67-year-old driver survived and suffered minor injuries. The question of who was the at-fault driver still remains to be further investigated.

How Can Motorcyclists Reduce the Chances of a Left-Turn Accident?

Motorcyclists must be extremely alert when other drivers are making left turns because other drivers may not be able to see them. Thus, this requires motorcyclists to be prepared to drive defensively. In addition, it may be helpful for motorcyclists to wear bright-colored clothing and to have reflective gear so that they can be more easily seen by other drivers with whom they are sharing the road. According to the CDC, unhelmeted motorcycle riders are twice as likely to suffer traumatic brain injuries from crashes. Motorcyclists should be sure to follow traffic laws and abstain from speeding, drinking, and texting as well. For other automobile drivers, it is important to pay attention to your surroundings and to always be alert for motorcyclists who share the road with you. Drivers, in general, should avoid distractions, always check their blind spots, use their signals, and remain alert.

The Dangers that Arise when Motorcyclists Lay Down Their Bikes

July 5, 2022 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Motorcycle accidents can be devasting or even deadly for the motorcyclists involved. Some motorcyclists attempt to avoid a collision between their motorcycle and another vehicle by using what is known as the lay-down. This involves a motorcyclist laying down their bike in order to avoid a collision or to stop severe injuries from occurring, although this technique has not been proven to prevent injury.

In a recent news report, officers responded to an accident that killed one motorcyclist in Louisville, Kentucky. According to initial reports from witnesses, the motorcyclist laid his bike down to avoid another vehicle. The motorcyclist was sent to a local hospital where he later died.

Laying down a motorcycle can present various dangers, including injuries to the brain, head and legs, and severe road rash. In addition to the bike continuing to travel at a high speed, motorcyclists who attempt to lay down their bike may also find that they will be unable to control where they end up. Modern motorcycles have better technology, including anti-lock brakes and tires with better traction, all of which may help motorcyclists avoid collisions. Being an alert driver is also a very important part of sharing the roads with other drivers and pedestrians.

Maryland Off-Roading Dirt Bike Accidents

June 20, 2022 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

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.

What To Expect After a Maryland Hit-And-Run Motorcycle Accident

May 31, 2022 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

As if getting in a car accident was not stressful enough, having the at-fault party leave the scene only adds to the frustration and challenges that come with the aftermath of a major collision. If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident, you may still be able to get recourse in the event that local authorities are able to locate the at-fault party. If the at-fault party is located, you will also have several options to consider as you plan your next steps legally.

According to a recent news report, a man was charged after fleeing the scene of a deadly motorcycle accident. Based on initial reports, a Honda was traveling north when it crossed into southbound lanes and crashed into the motorcycle. The motorcyclist was thrown from their bike and pronounced dead on the scene. Following the accident, the driver of the Honda fled from the scene on foot and was located by local authorities shortly after. The police report noted that the driver of the Honda made no attempt to render aid to the motorcyclist. The initial investigation also showed that the Honda driver had an open 12 ounce can of beer in his vehicle’s center console and an empty box of beer in the backseat. The Honda driver has since been charged with vehicular homicide, driver intoxication, and leaving the scene of a fatal accident. The accident remains under investigation.

What Are Maryland’s Hit-And-Run Laws?

Hit-and-run accidents occur when a driver crashes into another vehicle, pedestrian, or stationary object, and then flees the scene. Among the various laws that govern this type of car accident, Maryland law requires that the at-fault party stop and stay on the scene of any accident resulting in injuries, deaths, or damaged property or vehicles that cannot be immediately moved. In addition, the state transportation code states that for at-fault parties, leaving the scene resulting in serious bodily injury constitutes a felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. If the accident results in a death, then a hit-and-run has a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Even for hit-and-run accident victims, you are not permitted to leave the scene under Maryland law unless you require immediate medical assistance. Under Maryland law, you are required to stay on the scene and call 911, provide your identification and contact information to others involved, and to help anyone who needs assistance following the accident.

Understanding Maryland’s Statute of Limitations in Motorcycle Cases

May 10, 2022 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Although motorcycles offer a convenient, fast, and mobile alternative to a traditional commute plan, they also come with a number of risks. After all, motorcyclists are often difficult for other drivers to see and if involved in an accident they can often suffer from significant injuries or even death. Because motorcycles also lack the metal exterior and protection a passenger vehicle would typically provide a driver, the risk of injury and death is often even higher.

According to a recent news report, a motorcycle accident left one individual injured. Based on a preliminary investigation, a motorcyclist was traveling east with a passenger vehicle traveling behind them. The passenger vehicle then attempted to change lanes to pass the motorcycle, but its front bumper crashed into the rear end of the motorcycle. The motorcyclist lost control and was thrown from their bike but remained alert. They were transported to a local hospital with significant injuries and were listed as in critical condition. The accident remains under investigation.

Following a major accident, filing a lawsuit may be the furthest thing from your mind. After all, if you experienced any injuries following a motorcycle accident, your primary focus is likely on getting the treatment and medical support you need so that you can get back on your feet as quickly as possible. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, however, you should consider filing a personal injury claim as soon as possible. In a successful lawsuit, you could be compensated for any medical expenses, physical therapy, or treatments you receive as a result of the injuries you suffered from the accident.

Beware of Minimizing Accident Harm in the Wake of a Maryland Motorcycle Crash

May 3, 2022 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Bicycle and Motorcycle accidents in the DC/Maryland/Virginia region cause many deaths and thousands of injuries each year. Often, cyclists may not realize the true extent of their injuries until well after an accident. This coupled with some bikers’ tendency to understate their injuries to family and friends can result in some serious injuries being untreated until it is too late to fully recover. The TV personality Simon Cowell (originally known for his work as a judge on “American Idol”) Recently revealed to journalists that the injuries that he sustained in a bicycle accident were much worse than initially thought or publically revealed.

According to the International news report, Mr. Cowell was involved in a collision while riding an electric bicycle in California in 2020. As a result of the crash, he broke his back in several places and suffered serious nerve damage that was not reported to the public until recently. The vehicle that Mr. Cowell was using, while branded as an “electric bicycle” could more accurately be described as an electric motorcycle based on the power of the motor and the top speed of the vehicle. While E-bikes are limited to 15 miles per hour while on public roadways, the bike involved in this crash has a top speed of at least 27 miles per hour, and can be as dangerous as a motorcycle when driven on roadways.

What Can E-Bike Riders Do to Protect Themselves?

Users of both E-bikes and electric motorcycles must use caution and protect their safety while operating their vehicles on roadways frequented by cars and trucks. E-bike riders should always wear a helmet and ensure their vehicles are in safe working order. Electronic motorcycle users should register their vehicles with the state or district they live in, and obtain liability and personal injury insurance coverage where possible. An E-bike user who is involved in an accident with another vehicle and injured is most likely covered by the insurance of the other vehicle. If the scooter or e-bike accident is the fault of the other driver, significant coverage may exist to support the rider to recover from any moderate or serious injuries.

Motorcyclist Killed in Crash Caused by Goose on Road

April 17, 2022 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Motorcycle accidents are very common, and often result in a rider suffering serious, life-changing injuries. Fatal accidents are also much more common than most people realize. Some hazards that may cause minor inconveniences to the drivers of automobiles can be extremely dangerous to motorcyclists. Road damage, debris, and wildlife can cause accidents that may be deadly to motorcyclists. A recently published local news report discusses a motorcyclist who was recently killed in a crash when he lost control of his vehicle after a goose flew into him while he was on the road.

According to the local news report, the tragic crash occurred on a Friday morning in early April of this year when a motorcyclist traveling on State Road in Croyden, PA was struck by a flying goose and lost control of his vehicle. After the initial collision with the goose, the biker swerved into oncoming traffic, sideswiping one vehicle and ultimately crashing into an SUV head-on. Authorities quoted in the article stated that the motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. The article did not release any further information about the identity of the motorcyclist, or whether they were wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

Financial liability for D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area accidents caused in part by wildlife or other non-human sources can sometimes be tricky. If the only at-fault party in a car accident is a dead animal, then someone’s insurance company is going to need to step up and pay for the damages. Generally, the bodily injury/liability coverage of an auto insurance policy will cover injuries to a rider or occupant on a motorcycle who was injured in a crash caused by the motorcycle. It is ultimately the responsibility of the vehicle operator to avoid a collision with wildlife, and bodily injury/ liability coverage should apply.

As Summer Approaches, the Number of Maryland Motorcycle Accidents Will Increase

March 31, 2022 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Motorcycles are fundamentally less crashworthy than other types of vehicles. By nature, they are less visible to other drivers and less stable than larger closed vehicles. As such, Maryland motorcycle riders tend to sustain more significant injuries in accidents. Studies by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicate that over 5,000 people died in a motorcycle crash in the most recent reporting year.

Many factors increase the likelihood of a Maryland motorcycle accident. Like other car accidents, road geography, time of day, environmental factors, and driver error all play a role in these crashes. While warmer weather generally brings more travelers, summer draws more motorcyclists, unlike other peak travel times. Although many motorcycle riders exhibit appropriate road safety, those who have had several months of hiatus may not appropriately assess risk or their level of expertise.

Further, greater traffic, increased impaired driving, and road construction contribute to an accident’s likelihood. Generally, motorcycles have a much higher risk of being hit on the road than other vehicles. For example, Maryland State Police confirmed the death of a motorcycle rider following a three-vehicle crash. An initial investigation reveals that a Harley Davidson motorcycle rider traveled west when a Honda Pilot driver moved over into the westbound lane. A Hyundai driver traveling behind the motorcycle slammed into both vehicles. The motorcyclist was ejected from his bike and fell on the Hyundai. The three vehicles caught on fire, and the biker died at the accident scene. Emergency responders transported the Honda Pilot driver to a hospital for his injuries.

Can You Recover Compensation from a Maryland Accident You Contributed To?

March 25, 2022 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

When someone hits your car, you may assume that that individual caused the accident by crashing into you first. But what if they only hit you because you were driving distractedly and checking your text messages or on your phone? Or, what if following the accident, the injuries you suffered were because you were not wearing a seatbelt? Can you still recover compensation following a car accident if you contributed in some part to the severity or cause of the collision in Maryland?

According to a recent news report, a local man is facing charges following an accident where the victim died. The accident, which took place last June, occurred when the local man crashed into an individual driving a moped. The local man was exiting a shopping plaza and stopped at a light at an intersection because it was flashing yellow. He did not see any vehicles approaching from the east where the sun was obstructing his view, so he began to turn onto the ramp. Midway through the turn, the local man heard a loud crash on the passenger side of his vehicle when he collided with the victim on a moped. Police located the man operating the moped in the road near his scooter with serious injuries. The moped driver was transported to a local hospital for treatment, where he was later pronounced dead.

Following the accident, the local man was taken to the hospital for an evaluation and gave authorities permission to obtain samples of his blood. An investigation of the accident revealed that the local man was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol while he was driving, but that he was using his cellphone. Because the man was distracted while operating his vehicle, he failed to yield to oncoming traffic, which caused the crash. The man has been charged with negligent homicide with a motor vehicle and failure to yield the right of way.

Motorcyclist in Critical Condition after Driver Fails to Yield at Intersection

March 17, 2022 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

It should be common knowledge that riding a motorcycle is more dangerous than driving the same distance in a car or other motor vehicle, however the amount that such danger increases can be surprising. Some sources claim that a motorcyclist is 26 times more likely to die in an accident than a driver or a passenger in an automobile. Because of this increase in danger, both motorcyclists and other drivers should be extra vigilant in situations where motorcycles and other vehicles share the road. A recently published local news report discusses a motorcycle crash last month that nearly killed a Harley rider.

According to the local news report, the accident occurred one afternoon last month after a pickup truck attempted to make a left turn into oncoming traffic. As the truck attempted to make the turn, a Harley Davidson motorcycle was being driven through the intersection by a 51-year-old man. The truck collided with the motorcycle in the intersection, ejecting the biker from his vehicle and resulting in critical injuries. The driver of the truck was not injured in the crash.

This horrifying and tragic crash demonstrates the fact that vehicles traveling on Maryland roads must be prepared to yield the right of way to smaller vehicles and pedestrians when sharing the road. If a motor vehicle operator is only looking out for other large vehicles, it places the operators of motorcycles, scooters, and bicycles, as well as pedestrians, at risk. If a driver fails to see a smaller vehicle and is involved in a crash, they could face civil and criminal liability for their actions, as well as administrative actions against their driver’s license.