Advocating for Injured Motorcyclists Across Maryland
Unique Risks for Motorcyclists and Common Accident Causes
Motorcyclists face unique risks on Maryland roads due to the lack of physical protection and their smaller size compared to cars and trucks. These factors make motorcyclists especially vulnerable to severe injuries in accidents.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents:
- Lane Splitting:
- Maryland law does not permit lane splitting, but drivers may misunderstand or fail to anticipate motorcyclists’ movements.
- Visibility Issues:
- Motorcycles are harder to see, especially in blind spots or during poor weather conditions. Drivers failing to check mirrors or signals can cause collisions.
- Negligent Drivers:
- Distracted driving, speeding, or failing to yield are leading causes of motorcycle accidents.
- Left-Turn Collisions:
- Drivers turning left at intersections often fail to notice oncoming motorcycles, leading to T-bone crashes.
- Rear-End Collisions:
- A low-speed impact for a car can be devastating for a motorcyclist, resulting in severe injuries.
- Road Hazards:
- Potholes, debris, and uneven pavement pose significant dangers to motorcyclists.
Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents frequently result in catastrophic injuries due to the lack of protection. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs):
- Even with a helmet, motorcyclists can suffer TBIs, leading to cognitive impairments, memory loss, or permanent disability.
- Road Rash:
- Severe abrasions caused by sliding on asphalt can lead to infections, nerve damage, and scarring.
- Broken Bones:
- Fractures in the legs, arms, ribs, and pelvis are common due to the impact of a collision.
- Spinal Cord Injuries:
- These injuries can result in partial or total paralysis, significantly impacting the victim’s quality of life.
- Internal Injuries:
- Internal bleeding or organ damage may not be immediately apparent and require urgent medical attention.
Maryland Helmet Laws and How They Affect Injury Claims
Maryland law requires all motorcyclists and passengers to wear DOT-approved helmets and eye protection. While compliance with helmet laws reduces the risk of severe head injuries, it also impacts personal injury claims.
- If You Wore a Helmet:
Wearing a helmet demonstrates compliance with the law and strengthens your claim. Insurance companies cannot argue that you contributed to your injuries by failing to protect yourself.
- If You Did Not Wear a Helmet:
While not wearing a helmet may not bar you from recovering damages, the insurance company may argue that your injuries were more severe due to your failure to comply with Maryland helmet laws.
An experienced attorney can counter these arguments and demonstrate that the other party’s negligence caused the accident, regardless of helmet use.
Your Role in Proving Fault and Overcoming Biases Against Motorcyclists
Motorcyclists often face unfair stereotypes, such as being reckless or speeding, which can negatively affect their claims. Our role as your attorney is to overcome these biases and build a compelling case by:
- Gathering Evidence:
- Collecting police reports, eyewitness statements, traffic camera footage, and accident reconstructions to prove the other party’s negligence.
- Demonstrating Compliance:
- Showing that you followed traffic laws, wore proper safety gear, and took reasonable precautions.
- Challenging Bias:
- Countering unfounded assumptions about motorcyclists’ behavior with factual evidence.
- Identifying All Liable Parties:
- Determining if the accident was caused by a negligent driver, defective motorcycle parts, or unsafe road conditions.
How We Ensure Fair Compensation for Our Clients
We understand the significant physical, emotional, and financial toll motorcycle accidents take on victims and their families. Our firm fights tirelessly to secure compensation for:
- Medical Expenses:
- Coverage for emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future medical needs.
- Lost Wages and Earning Potential:
- Compensation for time missed at work and diminished earning capacity due to long-term injuries.
- Pain and Suffering:
- Non-economic damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Property Damage:
- Reimbursement for repairing or replacing your motorcycle and any other damaged property.
- Punitive Damages:
- In cases involving egregious negligence, such as drunk driving, we may pursue punitive damages to hold the at-fault party accountable.
Call-to-Action
Motorcycle accidents can leave victims with devastating injuries and financial burdens. You don’t have to face this alone. Fight for the justice you deserve with the help of an experienced Maryland motorcycle accident attorney.