Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog
While motorcyclists only account for a small number of the vehicles on the roads, the number of serious or fatal accidents involving motorcycles is fairly high. While some motorcycle accidents are caused by rider error, many of the fatal motorcycle accidents we see each year are caused by other motorists and their inexperience with sharing the road with motorcyclists. In fact, one of the major causes of serious and fatal motorcycle accidents is another motorist’s failure to see a motorcyclist.
Whether a motorist drives a car, truck, or motorcycle, they have a duty to those with whom they share the road. This duty requires that the motorist operate their vehicle in a manner that is safe and responsible. Of course, this also includes refraining from distracted or intoxicated driving. When a motorist violates this duty and creates a danger on the road, he or she can be held liable for the damages that result through a Maryland motorcycle accident lawsuit.
Injured motorcyclists should be prepared for a fight, however. Routinely, at-fault drivers and their insurance companies try and shift the blame onto the motorcyclist. For example, if a motorcyclist is injured while not wearing a helmet, an at-fault driver may attempt to use that fact against the motorcyclist. However, the fact remains that without the at-fault driver’s negligence, there would have been no accident in the first place.
Motorcycle Accidents on the Rise
According to a recently released study by the Governors Highway Safety Association, the total number of motorcycle accidents jumped by about 10% from 2014 to 2015. In 2014, there were 4,586 fatal motorcycle accidents. In 2015, that number increased to 5,010. One news article reporting on the new study indicated that this is the first time the total number of motorcycle accidents rose above 5,000 since 2008. While the total number of fatal accidents increased, several states saw a decrease in the total number of fatal motorcycle accidents. However, there was a 5% increase in fatal motorcycle accidents in Maryland. The District of Columbia reported the exact same number of fatal accidents.
The researchers who conducted the study believe that several factors played a role in the increase, including a longer riding season, cheaper gasoline prices, and some states rolling back their mandatory helmet laws.
Have You Been Injured in a Maryland Motorcycle Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been injured in a Maryland or Washington, D.C. motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. The skilled motorcycle accident attorneys at the Maryland and Washington, D.C. law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers have decades of experience bringing cases on behalf of clients who have been injured in motorcycle accidents. They understand that the physical recovery is not the end of the story, and they work hard to make the recovery process as easy as possible for their clients. Call 410-654-3600 today to set up a free consultation.
More Blog Posts:
Family of Fatal Motorcycle Accident Victim Takes Issue with the Determined Cause of the Accident, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published May 19, 2016.
State Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Insurance Company in Multi-Vehicle Motorcycle Accident, Greatly Limiting Victims’ Damages, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published April 19, 2016.