Maryland motorcycle accidents are a common occurrence, and too often, they result in the serious injury or death of the motorcyclist. Many times, these accidents are due in no part to the motorcyclist’s actions but are caused by another driver’s negligence. This may be due to the other motorist being distracted or intoxicated or driving in an aggressive manner.
Anyone who loses a loved one in a motorcycle accident is entitled to seek compensation for their loss through a Maryland wrongful death lawsuit. In Maryland, wrongful death lawsuits must be brought by a primary beneficiary, if one exists. A primary beneficiary includes a surviving spouse, parent, or child of the accident victim. If no primary beneficiary exists, a secondary beneficiary can bring the claim. This opens up the class of putative plaintiffs to anyone who was related to the accident victim by blood or marriage and was substantially dependent on the accident victim.
Once it is determined that the proper party is bringing the wrongful death claim, the claim itself must be established. This requires the plaintiff to show that some negligent act or omission of the defendant resulted in the death of their loved one. Proof of negligence can be shown through the admission of cell phone records, traffic citations, accident reports, or eyewitness testimony. If successful, damages normally include not only amounts for actual losses incurred, such as medical expenses, but also amounts for mental anguish, pain and suffering, and loss of companionship.
Motorcyclist Killed After Being Struck by Car
Earlier this month, one man was killed when he was involved in a fatal motorcycle accident involving one other vehicle. According to a recent news report, the motorcyclist was planning on proceeding straight through an intersection when another vehicle attempted to make a left turn without ensuring that there was enough time to do so.
As the vehicle entered the intersection, the motorcycle collided with its passenger side, resulting in the motorcyclist being thrown from the bike. The motorcyclist was pronounced dead a short time after the accident. The driver of the other vehicle sustained minor injuries. Police are still conducting an investigation into the fatal motorcycle accident, and they have yet to issue any citations or make any arrests.
Have You Lost a Loved One in a Maryland Motorcycle Accident?
If you have recently lost a loved one in a Maryland motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation through a Maryland wrongful death lawsuit. The dedicated Maryland motorcycle accident attorneys at the law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers know how difficult it is to lose a loved one, and they tailor their representation according to the needs of each individual client while always maintaining a high level of advocacy. We handle motorcycle accident and wrongful death cases in Maryland, Virginia, and the Washington, D.C. area. We also offer free, no-risk consultations to family members. Call 410-654-3600 to schedule your consultation today.
More Blog Posts:
Motorcycle Accidents Caused by a Motorist’s Failure to Yield, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published September 20, 2017.
BInsurance Disputes in Maryland Bicycle Accidents, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published October 5, 2017.