Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog

Maryland Motorcycle Accidents Involving Road Rage

February 15, 2022 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

It’s been a tough couple of years for many people. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in immeasurable losses for many families. Whether it’s due to the loss of family members, layoffs, or the feeling of isolation, many people feel as though they are at the end of their rope. Not surprisingly, the rate of Maryland road rage incidents has increased significantly since the beginning of the pandemic.

What Is Road Rage?

Road rage is a type of aggressive driving that crosses the line from “negligent” to “illegal.” Road rage often includes actions that are intended to physically harm or intimidate another motorist. Road rage is illegal, and may form the basis of a personal injury lawsuit. Unfortunately, motorcyclists are often the target of road rage, which often ends in a motorcycle accident.

Some of the most common types of road rage include:

Throwing objects from a moving vehicle;
Using a car to block another person or vehicle;
Intentionally hitting a person or vehicle;
Yelling curse words or threats out the window;
Intentionally cutting off another vehicle; and
Running another driver off the road.

Given the dangers of this type of behavior, road rage accidents are not uncommon. For example, a recent survey revelated that 82 percent of drivers admit to committing an act of road rage within the past year. And over the past seven years, there have been at least 12,600 injuries caused by road rage and another 218 road-rage-related deaths. What’s worse, over the past ten years, there has been a 500 percent increase in the number of road rage accidents.

Common Causes of Maryland Motorcycle Accidents

February 8, 2022 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

When driving, it can often be hard for drivers to spot motorcyclists, especially if road or weather conditions are poor. Because motorcycle drivers do not have the protective casing and shell of a traditional car to protect them in the event of an accident, collisions involving a motorcycle and a car can often lead to significant injuries and even death. For drivers and motorcyclists alike, remaining vigilant on the road and exercising certain best practices can keep everyone safe.

According to a recent news report, a major motorcycle accident left one man dead. Local police responded to a four-vehicle crash at an intersection where investigators determined that a motorcycle that was traveling west collided with a Dodge that was turning left. The initial collision then caused both the Dodge and the motorcycle to crash into a Ford that was stopped at the traffic light. The motorcycle then also collided with a Toyota that was stopped at the light. After this series of collisions, the motorcycle driver was thrown from his bike and pronounced dead at the scene. According to local authorities, no one else involved in the accident was seriously injured or hurt. Although the accident remains under investigation, police believe that speed may have been a contributing factor in the accident.

Inexperience, driving under the influence, left-hand turns, speeding, and negligent or reckless driving are among the most common causes of motorcycle accidents. In addition, unsafe lane changes, car doors, lane splitting, and sudden stops also contribute to a number of motorcycle accidents each year. At intersections, motorcyclists are particularly susceptible to accidents. In fact, approximately 70 percent of motorcycle collisions take place at intersections.

Keeping Maryland Bicyclists and Pedestrians Safe

January 31, 2022 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Although cold temperatures mean fewer pedestrians and bikers are out and about this time of year, drivers should still remain vigilant when traveling. Drivers, however, should not entirely dismiss the possibility of pedestrians or cyclists just because of colder weather. In fact, these cooler months call for more vigilance from both pedestrians and drivers alike. Winter weather often means shorter days, lower visibility, and poorer weather conditions—all of which can contribute to increasing the possibility that an accident takes place.

According to a recent news report, a 13-year-old boy died after a truck hit him while he was on his bicycle. Local authorities reported that around 7pm, the driver of the truck was driving east past an intersection when the front of his truck crashed into the back of the child’s bicycle. According to witness reports, when the accident took place, the driver was trying to avoid the child’s friend, who was also riding a bicycle, but failed to do so and struck the 13-year-old boy instead. When law enforcement arrived on the scene, they noted that it was likely the crash was an accident, given low visibility and the limited shoulder along the road. The accident remains under investigation.

How Many Fatal Bicycle Accidents Are There Each Year?

Based on national statistics, the number of preventable deaths from bicycle transportation incidents has increased significantly over the last few years. In the last decade, rates of bicycle deaths from motor accidents increased 37 percent, from 793 deaths in 2010 to 1,089 in 2019. Steady increases have been taking place every year also, with the highest number of deaths taking place annually in warmer months when more bikers and pedestrians are out and about.

Maryland Motorcycle Accident Risk Factors

January 25, 2022 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Motorcyclists, including riders and their passengers, have the highest risk of fatalities among all motor vehicle operators. Although many people view motorcycling as an extreme mode of transportation, most riders operate their vehicles aware of their vulnerable position.

Like many Maryland accidents, motorcycle crashes are complex events that may have been influenced by various factors. These factors may include human error, vehicle defects, and environmental influences. However, while human error is the leading cause of motorcycle accidents, many of these errors are on the part of other road users and not the biker. However, given the biker’s vulnerable position, these accidents are more likely to lead to a fatality.

For instance, a recent news radio station reported that a motorcycle rider died in an accident involving a pickup truck. According to reports, the pickup truck driver was traveling southbound, approaching an intersection. The driver entered the highway in the path of a westbound motorcycle. The pickup slammed into the motorcycle, and the rider was ejected onto the roadway, where two eastbound drivers struck the vicitm. The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet, but he suffered fatal injuries and died at the accident scene.

Admissibility of Statements After a Maryland Car Accident

January 17, 2022 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

After seeking medical assistance, the next step a Maryland accident victim should take is to consult with an attorney. While speaking to an insurance adjustor or other party may seem harmless, many seemingly innocuous statements can drastically impact a victim’s recovery. Under conditions of extreme duress, a party may make a statement expressing guilt or remorse for an accident; however, this does not necessarily amount to an admission of guilt.

Apologizing after an accident does not equate with admitting blame; the other driver’s insurance company or attorney may use those statements as an admission of fault. Although it might go against a person’s inherent character, it is generally advisable to avoid apologizing after a Maryland accident. It is best practice to limit conversations to ensure the safety of all parties and contact emergency responders and law enforcement.

Does Apologizing After a Maryland Motorcycle Accident Affect My Case?

Apologizing after a Maryland motorcycle accident does not legally implicate guilt or fault, but the opposing party may argue that it does. In another state, this may not make much of a difference; however, because of Maryland’s strict contributory negligence laws, the other party may try to use a victim’s innocent statement of concern to bar their financial recovery. On the other hand, a victim may be able to use an at-fault party’s statement in their personal injury case.

Liability Following a Maryland Motorcycle Accident Caused By Road Hazards

January 9, 2022 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Many Maryland residents recently experienced the devastating impact that severe winter weather can have on travelers. The recent winter storm plummeted the northeast, and the snow and ice resulted in heavy traffic, chain-reaction accidents, and fallen wires and trees. The effects of inclement weather can reverberate for many weeks after severe winter events. While drivers may be accustomed to navigating potholes and damaged roadways, some unexpected dangers can result in serious accidents and injuries.

Fallen trees and branches can present serious challenges to motorists and other road users. In some cases, an accident may result from a falling tree and others may involve a driver crashing into a branch or tree that has not been cleared. Under Maryland law, it is a property owner’s responsibility to remove fallen trees and debris from their property. However, in some cases, the governmental entity may be responsible for removing dangers, such as fallen trees or branches.

For instance, reports described an accident involving a motorcycle rider who crashed with a downed tree. The motorcyclist was driving down a road when they hit a fallen tree lying in the roadway. The rider was wearing a helmet; however, he died at the hospital.

The Impact of Bias in a Maryland Motorcycle Accident Case

December 31, 2021 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Any experienced Maryland motorcycle accident attorney knows the effect that bias and profiling can have on an accident victim. The American Motorcycle Association (AMA) frequently educates the public on the impact of discriminatory enforcement actions targeting motorcyclists. While the state has a law to ban motorcycle profiling, the reality is that this bias is deeply embedded in society. The result of this bias often leaves motorcycle accident victims with overwhelming challenges. An attorney is a critical resource in overcoming these fundamentally unfair biases.

According to the Maryland Department of Transportation, annually, the state experiences nearly 1,800 motorcycle accidents. Further, motorcycle riders are ten times more likely to suffer serious injuries than other vehicles. Moreover, Maryland’s strict contributory negligence laws compounded with biker bias often result in hefty financial burdens on the accident victim.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Maryland Motorycle Accidents?

Motorcycle accidents can occur because of a variety of factors. Certain types of accidents, such as left-turn collisions and failure-to-yield, tend to result in litigation. However, accidents can stem from any form of driver negligence.

What Happens When Multiple Drivers Are at Fault in a Maryland Motorcycle Accident

December 25, 2021 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

In some cases, who is at fault in a motorcycle accident is not immediately clear and sometimes, multiple parties may be at fault. If someone is injured in a Maryland motorcycle accident and files a claim against a driver or another defendant in court, the person who files the claim (referred to as the plaintiff) must show that the defendant was at fault for the accident. This means showing that the defendant owed a duty to the plaintiff, failed to meet that duty by acting or failing to act, the defendant’s actions were the cause-in-fact and a legal cause of the plaintiff’s injuries, and the plaintiff suffered damages.

Of course, a defendant may try to pin the blame on another cause, such as another driver or the plaintiff. If two or more parties acted negligently and caused the plaintiff’s injuries, courts in Maryland will consider if the defendant’s negligent actions were a “substantial factor” in causing the plaintiff’s injuries and if they are sufficiently related to the defendant’s negligent conduct.

What Happens if the Other Driver Blames Me for the Accident?

If the other driver blames your for the accident, you will have to defend against such claims if you want to recover for your injuries. The state of Maryland follows the doctrine of contributory negligence, which means that a plaintiff will not recover compensation if a plaintiff is found to be even partially at fault. Few states in the country follow this doctrine, but Maryland is one of them. The doctrine can lead to very harsh results for some plaintiffs. If a defendant claims contributory negligence as a defense and provides sufficient evidence of the plaintiff’s negligence, a judge or a jury will consider the fault of the plaintiff while also considering the fault of the defendant. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand how to effectively bring your claim and reduce the chances of being found to have been at fault.

Who Is Liable After a Maryland Motorcycle Accident in a Parking Lot or Parking Garage?

December 16, 2021 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

On its face, parking lot and parking garage accidents and lawsuits may seem similar; however, they often fall under two different legal theories. While car and motorcycle accidents often occur on highways or congested roadways, parking lot and garage accidents are quite common. Even though cars tend to be traveling at lower speeds in these areas, the accidents can still result in devastating consequences. Injury victims should contact a Maryland motorcycle accident attorney to discuss their recovery options.

A recent news report described a parking lot accident between a motorcyclist and a box truck. According to an initial investigation, the motorcyclist was leaving a restaurant parking lot when he pulled in front of a box truck. The truck driver attempted to veer out of the way but could not. The motorcyclist died at a local hospital, however, local authorities stated that the driver will not face criminal charges.

What Are the Main Casues of Accidents in Parking Lots?

Parking lot accidents can occur in various situations, such as when vehicles are backing out of a spot, turning out of a lot, or entering space simultaneously. Contrary to what many people believe, drivers are not automatically equally at-fault for a parking lot accident. Instead, courts treat these cases like any other vehicle accident. Insurance companies and courts make liability determinations by looking at the totality of the circumstances. However, even in cases where fault and liability are apparent, defendants may present affirmative defenses to avoid liability. For this reason, it is best to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney before filing your case.

Pursing a Maryland Wrongful Death Claim Following a Fatal Motorcycle Accident

December 10, 2021 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Following a major accident that results in the death of a loved one, it can often feel overwhelming as you get their affairs in order and manage the fallout of losing someone close to you. If the death of your loved one was the result of another party’s negligence or carelessness, however, you may have grounds to file a wrongful death lawsuit—and hold those who are responsible for the accident accountable for their actions.

According to a recent news report, a 13-year-old boy was killed in a hit and run crash. Local authorities reported that a truck was driving north when it struck the boy, who was riding his bicycle. The boy was killed as a result of the crash and the pickup truck fled the scene. State highway patrol is seeking assistance from the public in identifying and locating the pickup truck involved in the crash, and the accident remains under investigation.

Following a major accident that is the result of the at-fault party’s negligence or carelessness, potential plaintiffs should consider filing a wrongful death lawsuit. Although the at-fault party in the case described previously may face criminal penalties for fleeing the scene in Maryland, this only results in criminal charges, rather than monetary compensation. To receive monetary compensation for their actions, potential plaintiffs must file a separate lawsuit in civil court to do so.