Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog
Last month in Colorado, a sergeant in the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office was killed when he was involved in a head-on collision with an SUV. According to a report by the local CBS affiliate in Denver, the accident occurred shortly after 10 a.m. when an SUV was attempting to pass another motorist. As the SUV crossed the double-yellow line, he collided with the sheriff’s officer.
The officer was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident; however, he sustained fatal injuries nonetheless. The driver of the SUV was wearing a seatbelt and sustained only minor injuries.
Police believe that the accident could have been prevented if more careful driving techniques had been used by the driver of the SUV. However, police do not believe that drugs or alcohol were involved in the accident. Criminal charges are pending against the driver of the SUV.
Motorcycles and Head-On Collisions
Perhaps there is no type of accident more feared than a head-on collision. While head-on collisions are not necessarily more dangerous than other types of Maryland motorcycle accidents, the thought of a head-on collision alone is enough to make most bikers skin crawl.
The unfortunate truth is that a large number of motorcycle accidents happen in the same way the accident that took the life of the Jefferson County sheriff’s officer, above. Often times other drivers try to peak around a slow-moving car in front of them, looking for a car or a truck. However, motorcycles—with their slimmer frame and smaller body—are often overlooked. In such cases, the motorcyclist is left with little time to react. All too often these accidents result in a fatality.
Preventing Head-On Collisions
There is little that the victim of the accident described above could have done to prevent the accident that took his life. However, other drivers can be more careful when they decide to pass slow-moving drivers. Drivers should only pass another driver when the lane signals permit passing and when it is safe to do so.
Above, the SUV crossed a double-yellow line when attempting to overtake the slow-moving car ahead of him. This is against the law and evidences that drivers reckless behavior in disregarding the law.
Have You Been Involved in a Maryland Motorcycle Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been involved in a Maryland motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for your injuries. Generally, such compensation includes separate amounts for past medical bills, future medical expenses, as well as for any pain and suffering caused by the accident. In addition, in some cases, a jury may award punitive damages if the defendant’s conduct was especially reckless or morally reprehensible. To find out more about the laws that allow Maryland accident victims to recover for their injuries or losses, contact an experienced Maryland motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible. With an attorney’s assistance, you will be able to better make an informed decision about what course of action is best for you and your family. To speak to an experienced Maryland personal injury attorney, click here, or call 410-654-3600.
More Blog Posts:
SUV and Motorcycle Collide in Texas, Injuring Four, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published January 20, 2014.
Motorcycle Accident in Florida Results in Another Motorcycle Fatality, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published January 13, 2014.