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Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Skilled Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Maryland

If have suffered an injury in a motorcycle accident in Maryland, you may be eligible for financial compensation. Motorcyclists have the same rights on the road as other vehicles, but they are more susceptible to injuries due to their limited protection. It is the responsibility of motor vehicle drivers to be mindful of motorcycles and respect their space. When drivers fail in this duty, motorcyclists can sustain severe injuries.

If you or someone you care about has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Maryland, Hyatt & Goldbloom is here to assist you in obtaining the compensation you deserve. You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. We can handle negotiations with insurance companies or opposing lawyers on your behalf, allowing you to focus on your recovery. To learn more about how we can support you, contact our Baltimore motorcycle accident lawyers now for a free consultation.

Dangers of Motorcycle Accidents

When a motorcyclist, vulnerable and exposed, is struck by a 4,000-pound vehicle, it comes as no surprise that they can sustain severe traumatic injuries across their body. The gravity of these injuries only amplifies if the collision ejects the motorcyclist from their bike, subjecting them to both the force of the vehicle impact and the harsh impact of the ground. In some instances, the motorcycle may collide directly with a fixed object, such as a light post, causing the motorcyclist to experience a direct collision with said object. Motorcyclists are at risk of enduring severe injuries in accidents, some of which can be tragically fatal, such as:

If you or a loved one have experienced life-altering injuries due to a motorcycle accident, you deserve proper compensation for your medical bills and other related expenses. Begin your case today with the help of our trusted Maryland motorcycle accident lawyers.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Maryland

Motorcycle accidents are considered to be one of the most severe types of motor vehicle accidents. Unlike drivers of cars, motorcycles lack the protective measures of steel body frames, airbags, and other safety features. Your motorcycle accident probably happened either because another driver failed to notice your presence or because they violated traffic rules. Numerous factors can contribute to motorcycle accidents, encompassing various circumstances such as:

  • Distracted Driving: Any activity that diverts a driver’s attention from the road is perilous. This includes texting, talking on a cell phone, adjusting the radio, eating, drinking, applying makeup, using GPS, and even conversing with passengers in the vehicle.
  • Intoxicated Driving: Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or certain prescription medications can be extremely hazardous. It impairs reaction times, and decision-making abilities, and can cause drowsiness.
  • Drowsy Driving: Drivers who are fatigued or fall asleep behind the wheel may lose control of their vehicle, drift from their lanes, exhibit delayed reaction times, or make poor judgments.
  • Unsafe Lane Changes: Neglecting to check mirrors or blind spots can lead to failure in noticing an approaching motorcycle, resulting in accidents when changing lanes.
  • Failure to Yield the Right of Way: Failing to yield at intersections can lead to serious collisions.
  • Turning Accidents: When a vehicle turns in front of a motorcycle, whether approaching or traveling in the same direction, the consequences can be devastating for the motorcyclist.
  • Speeding: The faster one drives, the longer it takes to come to a stop. Drivers who exceed speed limits may not be able to halt in time during emergencies, leading to rear-end accidents that can prove particularly fatal for motorcyclists.
  • Failure to Obey Traffic Laws: Drivers who disregard traffic signals, posted signs, or driving regulations put everyone’s safety at risk.
  • Aggressive Driving: Speeding, tailgating, weaving through traffic, running red lights, ignoring road signs, failing to use turn signals, and other reckless driving behaviors make a motorist unpredictable, thereby increasing the likelihood of accidents.
  • Vehicle Malfunction: If a motorcycle or another vehicle experiences mechanical issues, the operator can lose control, resulting in single- or multi-vehicle collisions, even if the driver themselves did nothing wrong.
  • Road Defect: Problems with the road, such as potholes, unclear signage, faded lane markings, and more, can cause both single- and multi-vehicle accidents.

Non-Injury Factors in Motorcycle Accident Cases

In addition to injuries, the value of your settlement will be determined by a trial jury based on the following factors:

  • The precise details of the motorcycle accident encompass various aspects, including the responsible party, factors like speed or alcohol involvement, and the condition of the vehicles both prior to and following the incident, among others.
  • If you can substantiate that the injuries you sustained were a direct consequence of the accident and not from a previous incident, you will be able to establish a stronger case.
  • The number of witnesses who saw the accident occur
  • The jury’s perceived credibility of those witnesses
  • The jury’s perceived credibility of you and the defendant
  • The potential defensive arguments that may be raised by the defendant’s attorney
  • How easily your motorcycle accident attorney in Maryland refutes these arguments

In motorcycle crash cases, juries also take into consideration the extent of your pain and suffering. Unfortunately, insurance company software often downplays the assessment of pain and suffering. That’s why it’s crucial to have a skilled Maryland motorcycle accident lawyer on your side, fighting for the maximum settlement. When examining motorcycle crash lawsuits, insurance companies do consider several factors, including:

  • Detailed medical records outlining the nature and severity of your injuries
  • Documentation of lost wages resulting from the accident
  • Medical bills for past and future procedures related to your accident
  • Information regarding the location of the motorcycle accident and the upcoming trial
  • Any additional data provided to the insurance company by your Maryland motorcycle accident lawyer
baltimore injury and accident lawyers

Wrongful Death Claims for Fatal Motorcycle Accidents

Each state has distinct laws concerning wrongful death claims. In Maryland, a wrongful death claim can be pursued if a fatality is caused by the negligence or misconduct of another party. Following a fatal motorcycle crash, family members have the option to initiate two separate legal actions.

  • Wrongful death claim: It is filed to seek compensation for the losses suffered by loved ones, encompassing lost future financial support, companionship, and other forms of support. In Maryland, there is a cap of $2 million on non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering, for wrongful death claims.
  • Survival action: This type of claim is initiated on behalf of the deceased motorcyclist’s estate to pursue compensation for the harm inflicted upon the motorcyclist. This includes medical expenses incurred after the accident, the pain and suffering endured by the motorcyclist, as well as funeral and burial expenses.

In general, individuals who are the primary beneficiaries, such as spouses, children, and parents, have the option to initiate a wrongful death claim, a survival action, or both. In cases where primary beneficiaries are unavailable or unwilling to proceed, secondary beneficiaries, like siblings or cousins, might have the opportunity to do so. The damages resulting from a survival action will be directed to the estate and distributed in accordance with the deceased person’s will or the applicable laws of intestacy in Maryland.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Be Compensated If I Wasn’t Wearing A Helmet?

Even if you were not wearing a helmet at the time of a motorcycle crash in Maryland, there is still hope for recovery. In Maryland, personal injury cases operate under the doctrine of “contributory negligence.” This means that if you bear any responsibility, no matter how minimal, for your injuries, you cannot recover in a negligence claim against another party. Unlike most states which follow a “comparative negligence” system, where parties may be assigned a percentage of fault but the injured party can still receive compensation for damages, Maryland’s approach leaves little opportunity for recovery.

However, when it comes to motorcycle helmets, there is a state law that prohibits the use of non-helmet use as evidence against the victim. This fortunate provision protects motorcyclists from negligent drivers who cannot argue that they owe nothing based on the victim’s lack of a helmet. If you are unsure about the viability of a negligence claim, it is advisable to seek a free consultation with a Maryland motorcycle crash attorney.

What Are The Motorcycle Laws In Maryland?

It is crucial for every motorcyclist to have a thorough understanding of the motorcycle laws in Maryland, ensuring they are fully aware of their potential liability in the event of an accident. Among the significant motorcycle-specific regulations in Maryland, the helmet law stands as one of the most paramount.

  1. Motorcyclists in Maryland are required by law to wear a Department of Transportation-certified helmet while riding on the state’s roads, streets, interstates, and highways. However, off-road dirt bikers are exempt from this helmet requirement.
  2. Motorcyclists riding on state roads must wear eye protection, unless the motorcycle is equipped with a windscreen. It’s important to note that this requirement does not apply to off-road bikers.
  3. Although Maryland motorcyclists are not obligated to activate their headlights during the daytime, it is widely acknowledged by traffic safety experts that doing so is a prudent habit. This simple practice effectively reduces the likelihood of accidents caused by compromised visibility.
  4. When transporting a passenger, it is necessary to have both a passenger footrest and a passenger seat in place.
  5. Maryland law requires you to have a muffler.
  6. Helmets speakers are only legal for one ear only.
  7. In Maryland, motorcycle handlebars must not go beyond 15 inches from the rider’s seat.
  8. It’s illegal to drive on the line between two other occupied lanes in order to pass (lane splitting)
  9. Lane sharing is legal – motorcycles riding abreast in a single lane

Contact Our Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Now

If you find yourself involved in a motorcycle crash, you may be wondering about your options moving forward. It’s important to acknowledge that no amount of compensation can fully undo the injuries, pain, and suffering caused by such an incident. In the unfortunate event that a loved one is lost in a motorcycle crash, no amount of money can bring them back.

However, financial damages can help cover expenses resulting from the accident, make up for lost income, and alleviate the disruption in your life. After experiencing such a traumatic event, it’s crucial for victims and their families to focus on recovery and rebuilding their lives. An experienced Maryland motorcycle accident lawyer can serve as your advocate, ensuring fair treatment and securing the compensation you deserve. Contact Hyatt & Goldbloom now for a free consultation and learn more about how we can help.