Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog

Bicycle Safety Experts: 20 Percent of Bike Share Riders Wear a Helmet When Riding

August 21, 2012 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

While it is not uncommon to see helmetless bicycle riders in the Gaithersburg, Annapolis and Washington, D.C., areas, it is more and more becoming less accepted as a typical practice for even causal cyclists not to wear a protective cycling helmet. Here in Maryland, there are numerous bicycle and pedestrian accidents involving cars and commercial vehicle, so it goes without saying that bike riders in the know would go to great lengths to outfit themselves with proper safety equipment.

Still, as personal injury lawyers practicing in the Baltimore area, we find it difficult to believe that asome people would choose to risk their health, not to mention their life, by not wearing an approved form of head protection against the potential of a traffic-related crash. Of course, times have changed over the past several decades and bicycle helmets have become much more evident in their use all around the U.S. But for people in such a densely populated urban area like ours, one would hope that there would be more adherents than scoffers.

We mention this because of an article we ran across detailing a study that was made in the Boston area concerning members of the public who took advantage of that city’s bike-sharing program. What one might have expected, especially from those who opt to ride a bicycle in a city environment, is a high percentage of helmet use. However, the results of the study showed that bike-share participants who wore helmets were severely under-represented versus non-wearers. Considering the frequent severity of bicycle-related personal injuries, this is rather disconcerting.

Baltimore Biker Injury News: Two Maryland Residents Hurt in South Lebanon Motorcycle Crash

August 16, 2012 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

It seems that everywhere we look these days motorcycle riders, as well as pedestrians and bicyclists, are being injured on a fairly regular basis. The trouble may stem from the facts that warm weather brings out the recreational riders in droves, but even so it is hard to see so many individuals being hurt or killed in traffic accidents. As Maryland personal injury attorneys, I and my staff are ready and willing to help victims and their families recover financially from these types of roadway collisions, but the sad fact is there are some auto accidents from which there is really no recovering.

People who are killed in a traffic wreck that is caused by a negligent driver cannot be brought back to life. This may sound trite, but it is a fact and it cannot be changed by any lawyer, judge or court. All the victim’s family can hope is that justice will be served and that the family will not be further town apart by the financial distress losing a loved one to a fatal car or commercial trucking accident.

And it bears repeating that riders who are hurt in car-bike or bike-truck accidents can be severely injured to the point of life-long disability. Closed-head trauma, spinal cord damage and other head/neck/back-related injuries can complicate a victim’s recovery, which can be weeks if not months or years in the making. Motorcycle-related traffic accidents are difficult, if only because the rider and/or passenger have next to no protection during impact.

Centers for Disease Control Weigh in on Helmet Use: Brain Buckets Save Lives and Money

July 31, 2012 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

If it wasn’t already obvious to most people out there, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has weighed in with their recommendation for helmet use by motorcycle riders. With a number of states still allowing bikers to travel unprotected by a certified motorcycle helmet, and with several states having repealed helmet laws requiring riders to wear so-called “Brain Buckets,” the CDC’s announcement that helmets save lives AND money would seem to call into question the wisdom behind legislation in those non-use states.

As Baltimore automobile accident lawyers, my firm handles cases ranging from pedestrian, bicycle and motorcycle injury accidents to car and commercial trucking collisions. One thing that we know, having seen our share of severe traffic accidents, is that unprotected individuals fare much worse on average than those who have some kind of protection.

According to study out of Washington, D.C., the CDC deduced that states which require riders and passengers of two-wheeled motor vehicles wear a helmet at all times on public roads had, in the words of the article, “dramatically lower” costs vis-à-vis biker-related accidents. In other words, it was found that those states with better, more all-encompassing helmet laws experienced lower monetary costs when it came to riders/passengers hurt or killed in bike crashes.

As Summer Temps Rise and Vacationers Flood the State’a Roadways, Motorcycle Safety of Paramount Importance

July 24, 2012 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

This far into the summer it may appear all too obvious that it’s perfect motorcycling weather here in Baltimore and throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C. Whether your passion is standards, cruisers, customs or sport bikes, the two-wheelers are out in force enjoying the sunny days and warm evenings. One could argue that we’re past the dangerous season, now that drivers of passenger cars and commercial delivery trucks are more used to seeing bikers on Harleys, Hondas, Yamahas and Kawasakis, but complacency has led to more than one traffic accident in the past.

As Maryland personal injury attorneys, I and my legal staff know better than some that motorcycle crashes and passenger car accidents kill way too many people every year. No matter if you ride for pleasure or as a daily commuter, staying on top of the nearby traffic action is one of the best ways to staying alive. Experience and training are also keys to survival, as is the proper equipment and bike maintenance.

More than one motorcycle rider has been killed due to improper or lack of vehicle upkeep. Tires that are too old, hardened rubber or cracked sidewalls, shallow or non-existent tread, under- or over-inflation; one or all of these could lead to trouble down the road. And tire failures can happen just when you need them the most, such as during an emergency maneuver to avoid a serious collision with another vehicle or pedestrian.

Caution to All Bike Riders; Bicycle Accidents Causing Closed-head Injuries Can Be Fatal

July 16, 2012 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

It only takes a moment to wind up in the emergency room these days. Bicyclists, runners, and even average pedestrians should use caution when near vehicular traffic or exercising in the evening hours. We bring this up because of the news today that “7 Habits” author, Stephen Covey, passed away following a protracted hospital stay; following a cycling accident back in April, he had received a traumatic brain injury that apparently led to fatal complications.

As Maryland personal injury lawyers, we understand that no one can fully protect themselves from the various and sundry dangers confronting people on a regular basis each and every day. From passenger car and commercial trucking collisions to trip-and-fall mishaps at home, the potential for bodily injury is always there. Similarly, the opportunity for critical or even fatal traffic wrecks, pedestrian accidents or truck crashes are ever-present within our densely populated cities and urban areas, such as Baltimore, Gaithersburg and Washington, D.C.

The bicycle accident which seems to have precipitated Mr. Covey’s death provides just one more example of the dangers that face every rider, young or old. In Mr. Covey’s case, the bike crash occurred late last April as he was reportedly riding down an incline near Provo, UT, a ways south of Salt Lake City. Although no other vehicles were involved, Covey did have an assistant riding with him, according to local police.

Motorcyclists Beware: Unexpected Events Can Cause Serious Injury or Worse

July 6, 2012 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

If there is one thing that motorcyclists, as well as other drivers, cannot completely avoid it would be random occurrences that affect the safety of that particular rider, driver or vehicle occupant. Traffic accidents by their very nature are random, whether they happen here in the Baltimore area, over in Bowie, Annapolis or Washington, D.C. What is more important to understand is that preparation can only help one to be ready for the unexpected.

As a Maryland personal injury lawyer, I know that nobody can fully prepare themselves for any contingency. This is why insurance companies exist and why people buy life, health and automobile insurance policies; there are just some events that cannot be predicted. Certainly, the timing of catastrophic events is very difficult to pin own, and again, this is why people all over the world purchase insurance to protect themselves and their loved ones.

Taking random events as a given, and as haphazard as they may seem, unexpected car and trucking accidents can turn out to be very deadly. More than one motorist, biker, cyclist, pedestrian or bystander has been killed or maimed by the random and deadly events sometimes precipitated by a negligent individual. And more than one wrongful death lawsuit has been filed in a Maryland court following what the plaintiffs have deemed gross negligence or even extreme indifference on the part of the defendant.

Speed May Kill, But Other Factors Can Also Conspire Against Maryland Motorcycle Riders

June 30, 2012 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Here in the Baltimore area, we see many bikers out and about on their motorcycles during the summer months. As automobile injury attorneys, we know that a certain percentage of these motorcyclists may be hurt or killed before the year is out. Is this a reason in and of itself to swear off bikes? For those “dyed in the wool” bikers, probably not. As for the rest of you, well, let your conscience be your guide.

Being Maryland personal injury lawyers, I and my colleagues know that human nature is difficult force to reckon with when it comes to dangerous or, at the very least, somewhat risky pastimes. We know that with so many individuals on this planet it is hard to use a cookie-cutter approach to pigeonholing any one person or group as practicing this or that lifestyle or recreational hobby. As long as the law doesn’t prohibit a pastime, then people should be free to pursue whichever activity they choose.

Again, motorcycling certainly cannot be placed in the same category with fishing or tennis. Injuries in those sports do occur, but they are rarely life-threatening. But when a motorcyclist gets into an accident of his own making or through no fault of his own, the ante is much higher than most any other leisure pursuit. In fact, when a rider (and likely his passenger as well) is lying in a hospital room and more than likely physically compromised, the driver of the passenger car or commercial delivery truck who may have actually caused the traffic accident in the first place might be perfectly fine and walking around.

Maryland Driver Accused of Hit-and-Run Bicycle Accident has Record of Not Appearing for Court

June 26, 2012 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Personal responsibility is one of the important cornerstones of a civilized society, yet it appears that many people choose to shirk this most basic of civic duties for their own personal gain, and to the detriment of their neighbors and fellow citizens. For those who injure or kill another person as a result of their own negligence, the law is strict and relatively unyielding. But still, many of those people who inflict pain and suffering through negligence or just plain thoughtlessness apparently decide that they are better served by avoiding the law and deferring justice. Frankly, their respite typically lasts only a short period of time.

As Maryland injury lawyers, I and my legal staff and colleagues put our energies into representing individuals who have suffered in one way or another following an injury-related motorcycle, car or commercial trucking accident. No two car accidents, truck crashes or bike wrecks are quite the same, which is why police and personal injury attorneys like ourselves must investigate the facts, gather evidence and present these elements in a courtroom to establish negligence on the part of one or more individuals or parties.

Naturally, in any civilized society those accused of wrongdoing are expected to face their accusers and present their own evidence to defend themselves against accusations or formal criminal charges. However, some individuals attempt to prolong the process by failing to show up for scheduled court hearings. We were reminded of this kind of situation when reading a recent news article about an man who was accused of hitting a young bicycle rider with his vehicle and then leaving the scene of the bicycle-automobile accident.

Baltimore County Hit-and-Run Bicycle Accident Leaves Maryland Teenager in Critical Condition at Hospital

June 12, 2012 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Anyone who has seen a hit-and-run traffic accident probably knows the feeling of anger or, at the very least, outrage at the ease with which some motorists can blithely drive away following a potentially serious automobile crash. While many hit-and-run accidents involve simple property damage, some can and do result in serious and occasionally life-threatening bodily injury. As Maryland personal injury attorneys representing individual victims or their families, we can say that these kinds of roadway accidents can be expensive in both life and limb, as well as financially.

Not only can a hit-and-run driver face certain criminal charges if he or she is found guilty, the victims of such negligent actions can sometimes bring a civil suit against that individual and sue for damages as a result of the crash. These damages can include medical treatment for severe injuries like closed-head trauma, spinal cord damage, broken bones and internal injuries; rehabilitation costs for those people who have lost the ability to walk on their own or sustained partial or permanent paralysis; not to mention lost wages due to being out of work for an extended period.

It’s important to remember that some families of victims killed by a hit-and-run driver may also file a wrongful death lawsuit against the negligent party or parties. As is the case, many a hit-and-run accident occurs because the negligent individual may have been drunk behind the wheel of his vehicle at the time of the crash. Also, lack of automobile insurance can also drive a motorist to leave the scene of an accident, without concern for the ultimately more complicated situation that doing so can create.

Baltimore Motorcycle Accident Update: Seasonal Safety Reminder for Maryland Bikers

June 6, 2012 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Now that the warm weather is here, and likely here to stay, more than a few Hondas, Harleys, Kawasakis and Ducatis are hitting the roadways of Maryland; here in the Baltimore area, over in Rockville and Gaithersburg, not to mention the streets of Washington, D.C. But it’s important to remember that as bikers venture back onto the roads, other vehicles are still there in large numbers.

As Maryland personal injury lawyers, we only know too well how drivers, passengers and motorcycle riders can easily be injured or killed by getting into an accident with another passenger car, a city bus or a commercial delivery truck. And since the drivers of those larger motor vehicles need to get used to the latest batch of motorcyclists crisscrossing our urban areas and interstate highways, the early part of the motorcycle season can see a lot of unexpected automobile accidents.

Once the less intrepid riders know that the cold weather is mostly past, they likely head out in greater numbers. But just as four-wheel motorists must adjust to the presence of more bikes on the road, bikers would do well to observe caution when mixing with those very same cars and trucks. Drivers of passenger cars, SUVs and minivans have just as many distractions as they did during the colder months, but adding two-wheelers to the high-speed mix can make for a deadly combination. More than one rider has been killed in a traffic accident through distraction; don’t let it be you.