Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Accidents involving a motorcycle can be extremely dangerous. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcyclists were approximately 29 times more likely than those who ride in a car to die in a motor vehicle crash and 41 times more likely to be injured. So when a motorcycle driver is injured or killed in one of these accidents, they may wish to bring a lawsuit against the responsible party. To be successful in their lawsuit, the individual—the plaintiff—must prove the defendant was at fault for the accident and the plaintiff’s injuries. While it sometimes may be easy to determine who is at fault in such accidents, other times it may be more difficult to prove.

A motorcyclist was recently killed after colliding with a large truck. According to a local news report, the driver of the commercial pickup truck was attempting to turn left when it struck a motorcycle. The driver of the motorcycle—who was wearing a helmet—was taken to the hospital and later died of his injuries.

When accidents like this occur, it is important to determine who is at fault—especially in those instances when a lawsuit is brought. Because motorcycle drivers are more likely to be injured or killed in accidents involving a car, it is often assumed the motorcycle driver is not at fault. However, there are still facts a motorcycle driver must prove to prove the other individual caused the accident. The plaintiff can establish fault in a few ways.