Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog
It is always important for motorists to pay attention to their surroundings. However, motorists are presented with myriad distractions, ranging from cell phone use to talkative passengers and everything in between. In fact, according to a recent report by the National Highway Transportations Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 3,300 people are killed each year in accidents involving a distracted driver. Additionally, there are 387,000 people injured in similar accidents.
The NHTSA defines distracted driving as “any activity that could divert a person’s attention away from the primary task of driving.” Distracted driving is unsafe, and when a driver is not paying attention and causes an accident, they may be held liable for their negligence. While it may seem difficult to prove that a driver was distracted at the time of an accident, cell phone records, eyewitness accounts, and circumstantial evidence can all help an accident victim show that the driver responsible for their injuries was not paying as close attention to the road as they should have been.
Motorcyclist Killed in Head-On Collision
Earlier this month in California, a motorcyclist was killed when he was struck by an oncoming Ford Crown Victoria. According to a local news source covering the accident, the collision occurred on a rural road in the afternoon hours.
Evidently, the motorcyclist was heading northbound when a southbound driver inexplicably crossed over the center median and struck the motorcyclist head-on. The motorcyclist was ejected from his bike and was pronounced dead a short time later by emergency responders. The driver of the Crown Victoria was not injured in the accident.
Police are continuing to investigate the cause of the accident and may issue vehicular manslaughter charges against the responsible driver if the investigation warrants such charges. There is no indication that drugs or alcohol were involved in the fatal motorcycle accident.
Are Criminal Charges Important in a Civil Case for Damages?
Accident victims often wonder whether the issuance of criminal charges is necessary to bring a personal injury case against a driver they believe to be at fault in the accident. The short answer is no; however, if criminal charges are brought against the other driver, the victim’s case would likely be stronger. To learn more about motorcycle accident cases in Maryland, contact a dedicated personal injury attorney.
Are You in Need of an Attorney?
If you or a loved one has recently been injured in any kind of motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. The skilled Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. personal injury attorneys at the law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers have decades of experience helping victims seek the compensation they need and deserve. Call 410-654-3600 today to set up a free consultation. There is no risk in calling, since we will not bill you for our time or services unless we can help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
More Blog Posts:
Motorcycle Helmet Cams May Be Valuable Evidence at Trial, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published February 6, 2017.
The Hazards Motorcyclists Face Drastically Increase After Dark, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published January 19, 2017.