Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog

The list of risks for Maryland motorcyclists is a long one, but not unexpected. Call it a sport, pastime or way of life, motorcycling -- as any seasoned rider knows -- is a balance of risk and reward. Living to ride another day requires a level head and an understanding of the constant dangers that confront a biker and his mount.

As Baltimore motorcycle accident attorneys and Maryland personal injury lawyers, I and my staff have the skills to represent victims of car and truck accidents. Because cyclists, like pedestrians, have next to no protection in the event of a traffic collision, the extent and severity or injury sustained by a rider can be many times that of a passenger car occupant.

Closed-head injuries are one of the more significant threats to biking accident victims. The moniker given to motorcycles by some in the healthcare industry -- namely, “donor-cycle -- is certainly well earned. However, the right to own, ride and enjoy a motorcycle makes this fact moot, as most people who take up the hobby live long and productive lives.

Like any traffic accident, motorcycle wrecks can range from minor to fatal. When one does occur, the police and insurance companies investigate to determine fault, if any. Many times, the cause of the serious crash may be found to be negligence on the part of another motorist, which doesn’t change the fact that the victim’s injuries may linger for months or years to come. From time to time, a motorcycle rider may lose control of his or her machine and crash alone.

Continue reading "Maryland Traffic Accident News: Cecil County Motorcycle Rider Killed in Harford Co. Bike Crash" »

As we mentioned in our previous entry, motorcyclists are one of the more individualistic groups of people out there; certainly one of the most visible to everyday commuters on Maryland roadways. And while a widely held belief is that bikers as a whole are wild thrill-seekers bent on self destruction, that view is far from the truth for most conscientious motorcycle riders.

As Maryland personal injury lawyers representing victims of car, motorcycle and trucking-related accidents, I and my colleagues have met enough motorcyclists to know that these people can be some of the more safety conscious individuals on the road. And why not? Unlike a typical passenger car driver or commercial trucker, a biker is totally exposed to nearly every danger that Maryland traffic can dish out, with no real protection save some leather and a DOT-approved helmet.

As we stated earlier, being aware and ready for trouble is no guarantee of actually avoiding it on the road. Rockville, Washington, D.C., Gaithersburg and Annapolis expressways and surface streets have been the scene of many serious and fatal motorcycle wrecks over the years. For most any motorcyclist, even the most minor accident can result in painful personal injuries such as road rash, deep lacerations, broken bones and even spinal cord damage.

As we age, our bodies can become less tolerant of injury, which is why it may be important for older bikers to keep in mind that what experts have been saying; that older motorcycle riders who are involved in serious traffic accidents tend to have a lower rate of survivability than younger riders, given the same circumstances.

Continue reading "Maryland Traffic Accident Update: Older Motorcyclists’ Risk of Death from Bike Wrecks Higher than Younger Riders" »

Motorcycle riders are certainly a group unto their own. There are no doubt many average passenger car drivers who consider anyone riding a Yamaha, Harley, Honda or Ducatti cycle to be a rebel hell-bent on destruction. To the contrary, as motorcycle accident lawyers, my firm understands that not every biker is a rebel in this way; instead most motorcycle riders are individualists who take the risk of their pastime in stride, if only because they enjoy the feeling of freedom and being apart from the crowd.

Common misperceptions aside, motorcycle riders -- as well as motor-scooter users -- are usually rather safety conscious; perhaps even more so than the typical car, SUV or truck driver, because their lives are on the line, not just the sheetmetal of their vehicle. Talk to most any motorcyclist and you may begin to understand the combination of passion and risk management that keeps these people riding year after year.

But as we all know, whether here in the Baltimore area, Frederick, Hagerstown or Washington, D.C., traffic collisions between motorcycles and cars, as well as accidents involving commercial trucks, happen more often than anyone would like. For a biker, even a minor crash can result in some serious and painful bodily injuries. Road rash, cuts and bruises and dislocated joints are usually the least of one’s problems following a motorcycle crash.

Continue reading "Baltimore Motorcycle Injury Update: Older Maryland Bikers at Greater Risk of Death from Bike Wrecks" »

As far as motorcycling is concerned, there are numerous factors that conspire to challenge even the best of riders. Many times these “challenges” bring with them the prospect of injury or potential death due to the rather unforgiving nature of the pastime. Bikers must contend with dangers such as poor weather and road conditions, lack of visibility due to a motorcycle’s narrow vertical profile, and relative lack of protection bikes afford their riders.

Even the least significant bike crash can cause injuries such as cuts, bruises and dislocated joints. More severe motorcycle accidents -- those involving collisions with commercial delivery trucks or passenger cars -- can result in the biker sustaining broken bones, neck and spinal cord damage, and even traumatic brain injury. As personal injury lawyers serving the residents of Maryland and Washington, D.C., I and my colleagues are familiar with the range of bodily injury that can result from a bad traffic accident.

For most drivers of passenger cars, it is hard to imagine that motorcycle riders enjoy putting themselves in what is perceived by most of the motoring public as a constant state of peril. But understanding the drive and enthusiasm of the average motorcyclist, we can appreciate the draw that the open road has for this group of motorists.

Continue reading "Motorcycle Injury Accident News: Harley-Davidson Rider Killed in Crash with SUV in Cecil County" »

Motorcycling here in Maryland, whether one is a full-time rider or fair-weather cruiser, can be a rewarding albeit risky pastime. Although most of the road-going public prefers to travel by passenger car, city bus or taxi cab, bikers are a breed unto themselves. Unfortunately, the very thing that makes riding a cycle unique and exciting also means that potential danger lurks around every bend. The fact of the matter is that all motorcyclists must be vigilant and ready for almost any eventuality.

As Baltimore motorcycle accident attorneys and Maryland personal injury lawyers, I and my staff know how quickly a fun ride can turn into tragedy. As counsel for road accident victims, as well as their families, we understand the pain and suffering that one person can be exposed to as a result of another person’s negligent actions. Sadly, the very nature of motorcycling means that injuries are commonplace and fatal crashes hardly unusual.

If one is lucky enough to survive a traffic collision between, for instance, a commercial vehicle such as an 18-wheeler or delivery box truck, some kind of bodily injury is the norm. Aside from the usual road rash, broken bones and compound fractures can occur, as do lacerations and internal injuries. Helmets can make a big difference in survivability of a crash, but even so a biker can sustain life-threatening injuries (such as closed-head trauma and spinal cord damage) very easily and without much

As motorcycle injury lawyers, we are familiar with the many and various ways in which a biker can be hurt in a traffic wreck. Whether a crash involves just the bike, or another vehicle, the effect on the rider can be many times more severe than that experienced by a passenger car or commercial truck driver. This is due in large part to the relative lack of protection afforded by the cycle versus other, larger motor vehicles.

Because of the higher risk of injury or death, motorcyclists typically exercise extreme caution when sharing the road with other vehicles, especially in high-speed traffic or when riding through densely-populated urban centers.

With the aforementioned in mind, we would like to provide a few safety tips for the conscientious rider. The most obvious warning is that bike accidents can happen nearly anytime of the night or day. Whether you ride to live or live to ride, there are many different kinds of motorcycle accidents, some of which happen more often than others.

Single-bike Accidents
Bikes lend their owners a unique feeling of freedom, something that most car and truck drivers will likely never experience in a closed vehicle. And although motorcycles are fast, highly maneuverable and a joy to ride, the inherent instability of having just two wheels one the road can make them more susceptible to skidding and sliding on poor or uneven road surfaces, which can result in a serious accident caused by laying the bike down or high-siding and throwing the rider off.

Continue reading "Maryland Motorcycle Accident Update: Biker Injuries, Potential Fatalities Caused by Car, Truck Collisions; Other Factors" »

Although the driving public at large may feel differently, the sometimes common perception that motorcycle crashes are a result of aggressive driving on the part of the motorcyclist. Frankly, most bikers are actually rather good riders who enjoy their chosen mode of transportation very seriously; enjoying it both as a pastime and an economical way to get around cities like Frederick, Bowie, Hagerstown and the District.

The truth of the matter is that many of the serious and fatal traffic collisions involving cars, trucks and motorcycles occur because the other motorist -- be he or she a passenger car driver or commercial trucker -- quite simply fails to see or recognize the motorcycle and its rider until it is too late. Many roadway accidents happen because the rider-bike combination presents a much smaller and less familiar profile than what drivers of four-wheelers tend to expect. It’s a matter of conditioning; and most car, truck and SUV drivers have little impetus to watch out for bikers; that is until it’s too late.

Not seeing a biker can be as simple a situation as the rider and his machine being eclipsed by another larger vehicle -- basically out of sight from oncoming passenger car drivers. This can be a very dangerous situation, especially at intersections or busy shopping mall entrances. Weather can play a part as well; as do nighttime conditions. But these only increase the chances that a motorist, who may not be concentrating, might hit a biker. Drivers who don’t expect a motorcycle to be approaching, or who are impatient when attempting to make a left turn or pass another motor vehicle, are more likely to miss seeing a bike until it's too late.

As Maryland personal injury attorneys and auto accident lawyers, I and my staff know that many motorcycle injury accidents could possibly be prevented if only passenger car and commercial truck drivers would take that little bit of extra effort to double-check for a biker in the area before executing a maneuver. Just this simple attempt to confirm is a bike is coming up could transform a potentially deadly turning or merging operation into what it should be: a routine and ordinary event with no victim.

Continue reading "Montgomery County Motorcycle Accident News: Maryland Driver Charged in Fatal Hit-and-Run Scooter Crash" »

Lives lost as a result of senseless traffic accidents is a sad and tragic fact of life these days here in Maryland and Washington, D.C. Whether it’s a family losing a father or mother, or a wife’s loss of a husband to a commercial trucking wreck, there are no words that can console the victim’s loved ones. Any loss of life can be devastating to the relatives and friends of person killed in a fatal roadway collision.

Communities also suffer from the deadly results of a thoughtless driver’s negligent actions. While police officers and firefighters face the danger of personal injury and possible death every working day of their lives, it is a shame that numerous public servants are killed while off duty every year. Again, with most car, truck and motorcycle collisions being preventable, on the whole, these victims are stolen from their families and communities long before their time.

As Baltimore motorcycle accident lawyers and Washington, D.C., personal injury attorneys, I and my staff feel for the families of any person injured or killed in a traffic mishap. And even though many bikers understand the dangers inherent in their sport or chosen mode of transportation, when a crash does occur, it’s never a comfort to say they knew the risks.

But if one operates a cycle long enough, chances are you will become involved in an accident or have a brush with death or injury as a result of a close call. Whether one’s chosen ride is a sport bike, hog, cruiser or dirt bike, the lure of the open road and the freedom that a motorcycle represents is irresistible to many. Whether you live or ride to work in densely-packed metropolitan areas such as Annapolis, Rockville or Gaithersburg; or if you enjoy the relatively open rural roads, every biker understands the dangers posed by this sport.

In fact, it makes no real difference if one rides a Honda, Suzuki, Harley or Yamaha, motorcycling as a pastime is right up there with other rather risky hobbies. Any high-risk activity requires a modicum of caution, but to survive on a bike one needs to apply a balance of pleasure and the potential danger for physical harm.

Accidents do happen. And for motorcyclists the results can be serious, or even fatal. Just one severe injury accident can land a biker in the hospital for day, weeks, and even months or years. (Closed-head trauma is a typical injury most commonly associated with motorcycle accidents.) Even those individuals who choose to wear protective gear, including a helmet, can still suffer from paralysis, cognitive problems and even death.

Continue reading "Baltimore Personal Injury News: Harford County Motorcycle Wreck on Rte 1 Kills Towson, MD, Firefighter" »

The odds of being killed in a car, motorcycle or commercial trucking accident are somewhat less than those of being severely injured as a result of another driver’s negligence, but the risk still remains. As motorcycle riders know too well, injury or death are just part of the landscape when operating a cycle. In fact, thousands of people die in traffic accidents every year across this nation; in this regard, residents of Rockville, Gaithersburg and Washington, D.C., are no strangers to fatal motor vehicle wrecks.

Although being injured or killed in a multi-vehicle collision is not unusual, there are situations where a cyclist is at greater risk, sometimes without knowing it. Drunk driving is one of the many contributing factors to motorcycle injury accidents. As Maryland personal injury lawyers, we have seen the results of fatal highway wrecks that have ultimately led to a wrongful death lawsuit on the victim’s behalf.

Alcohol consumption and motor vehicle operation is a dangerous mix. As Maryland and Washington, D.C., auto injury attorneys, I and my staff have seen many people who have been hurt as a direct result of a drunk driver. These instances of serious or fatal car accidents caused by drunken driving continue to occur despite state laws designed to reduce and eliminate the problem.

Anyone who has ever lost a family member or loved one through the senseless act of drunk driving knows the heartache associated with these mostly preventable accidents. Victims’ families not only experience a huge emotional loss, but they can be affected financially as well, especially if the victim was a family breadwinner. While nothing can make a family whole again following a fatal car or motorcycle accident, recuperating medical costs and lost wages may help the surviving family members make it through one of the darkest periods of their lives.

Not long ago, a Parkton, MD, resident was killed while riding his bike along a stretch of York Rd. Sadly, this crash may have been avoided since news reports indicate that the driver of the vehicle which hit the rider may have been drunk at the time of the crash.

Continue reading "Maryland Traffic Accident Injury News: Baltimore County Rider Killed in Fatal Drunken-driving Roadway Collision" »

We’ve said it here before; riding a motorcycle is a rewarding, yet risky pastime that requires skill, concentration, and a modicum of luck. It’s this last quality, if you will, that includes a level of trust that the other motorists on the road will be watching out for you. Unfortunately, this is not always the case.

Considering the dangers involved, it’s amazing that motorcyclists ever take to the streets here in Baltimore, over in Frederick and even in the District. Sharing the road with other drivers means placing one’s life in the hands of strangers, many of whom are likely good people with good intentions. But traffic accidents happen; and when an accident happens to a biker, the consequences can be deadly.

Besides “road rash,” which would seem like a rite of passage for many motorcycle riders, a traffic accident with a larger motor vehicle is likely to result in lacerations, broken bones, internal injuries and closed-head trauma. Mix in a collision with a commercial delivery truck or 18-wheeler and there’s a good chance of a fatality. Too many riders are killed every year as a result of highway wrecks, and the figures will likely add up, as they do every year, until the colder temperatures send those “fair weather” riders home to sit the winter out and wait for springtime.

As Maryland auto accident attorneys and Washington, D.C., personal injury lawyers, we have the legal training and experience to represent victims of motorcycle accidents and their families. We know that many bikers involved in serious road wrecks face an uncertain future due to the critical injuries that can be received on a bike. Medical costs can mount up quickly, and rehabilitation can take months or years.

Continue reading "Maryland Motorcycle Accident News: Joppa, MD, Biker Collides with Car, Dies after being Run Over" »

If you’ve ever wondered why local police and other law enforcement agencies work so hard to get drunk drivers off Maryland roads, consider that hundreds of people are killed every year across the country by motorists who cause traffic accidents while impaired by alcohol, prescription meds and even illicit drugs (controlled dangerous substances).

Looking at the motoring public as a whole, one can easily deduce that motorcycle riders are at the greatest risk of physical harm when it comes to highway accidents, urban collision and even wrecks along lightly traveled rural roads. It’s not that motorcyclists are any less vigilant than other motorists -- in fact, as a group these individuals are probably one of the most safety conscious on the street -- but it is that they are much more vulnerable to injury.

One reason why motorcycle accidents involving passenger cars and commercial trucks happen is the visibility issue. Having a much smaller profile, a motorcyclist on the roadway literally does not always register in the mind of the average automobile driver or tractor-trailer operator. Size makes these vehicles more risky in terms of potential collisions.

Still, as Baltimore car and motorcycle accident attorneys and Maryland personal injury lawyers, we can understand the lure that the open road has on riders, especially during the warmer months of the year. That said, we also know that bikers are more likely to suffer from some serious injuries following a truck or car crash.

Continue reading "Maryland Traffic Accident News: Drunken Driver Kills Harley-Davidson Rider in Fatal Baltimore County Crash" »

Just last month we reported on a teenager who lost his life after crashing into a tree on a friend's all-terrain vehicle (ATV). This isn’t an isolated episode, as many teens and young adults are injured each year on these machines, and for a variety of reasons. These four- and three-wheeled gasoline-powered machines are certainly fun to ride, but their short wheelbase and narrow track can become an issue for some riders, depending on vehicle speed, road surface and weather conditions.

Naturally, as Maryland auto injury attorneys and personal injury lawyers, we would remind anyone wishing to ride such vehicles to be sure and wear the correct protective clothing and always, without exception, a good quality motorcycle helmet. Closed-head trauma is one of the most commonly seen injuries for those involved in motorcycle and ATV accidents. And you don’t have to encounter another vehicle to end up in the hospital; single-vehicle crashes occur with alarming frequency all across the nation.

While the makers of ATVs claim that their products have been designed and tested to be safe, the very nature of off-road riding adds a variable that can take even the most seasoned rider by surprise. Rocks, dips and drop-offs are not always easy to identify at the speeds that these machines can attain, making the dangers even more pronounced.

For years now, all-terrain vehicles have been making news as young and old riders alike continue to be injured or killed as a result of single- or multiple-vehicle wrecks. Understanding the injuries that can be caused by an out of control ATV, we know how quickly a fun outing can turn into a lifetime of pain and discomfort, if one is lucky enough to survive the initial crash.

In sad cases, such as the one that happened recently, a child can die from his or her injuries and never seen another birthday. The question every parent must ask themselves is whether the exhilaration and thrill offered by these vehicles is worth the potentially deadly consequences.

Continue reading "Baltimore Motorcycle Injury Accident News: 12-Year-Old Maryland Boy Dies in Hospital Following ATV Crash" »

Ask most any dedicated motorcycle rider about how he or she approaches riding alongside any larger motor vehicle and at some point you will likely hear the statement, “I ride as if I’m invisible to other drivers.” This may seem like a strange thing to say, since the common assumption is that many bikers are looking for attention. The sad fact is, attention is not what they get; not at least from passenger car and commercial truck drivers.

Being seen is one of the most important factors in avoiding a traffic accident on Maryland’s roadways. And, yet, motorists involved in both fatal and injury-related accidents with motorcycle riders frequently tell police that they never saw the bike or the rider until after the actual collision. As Baltimore automobile accident lawyers, we know this happens every day across the country.

This isn’t very surprising, especially when one considers the relatively thin profile that a motorcyclist presents to other drivers on the road. Quite literally a motorcycle gets lost against all of the background information that a driver must process every second while traveling down the road. This is why the “invisible” statement is so true. Ride as if you were invisible and you may live to see another day.

Being invisible is bad enough on a high-speed expressway, but it’s nothing compared to riding on a city street or a two-lane country road. At times like these, not being seen can be deadly for motorcyclists, and bicycle riders as well. This is why the best riders work hard to manage the multiple and changing threats encountered along their ride. Risk management is something that every rider needs to master.

Continue reading "Baltimore Motorcycle Accident News: Maryland Rider Dies from Injuries Sustained in Frederick County Bike Crash" »

It’s no secret that ATVs, or all-terrain vehicles, have been in the news for years as youngsters and adults alike have been injured or killed while riding these off-road vehicles. Although the manufacturers claim that their products are safe, the nature of riding off paved roads on a relatively fast, short-wheelbase vehicle can add up to disaster.

As Maryland personal injury lawyers who represent victims of motorcycle, automobile and commercial truck crashes, we are all too aware of the injuries that can be sustained during a traffic collision. Fortunately for those who ride in passenger cars, SUVs and commercial vehicles, being enclosed in a relatively large and heavy motor vehicle can be a saving grace in the event of a bad traffic wreck.

On the other hand, motorcycles, three-wheelers and other ATV-type cycles offer their riders next to no protection. While obviously exhilarating, these vehicles provide a potentially dangerous combination of small size and high power-to-weight ratio, which translates to acceleration with little margin for error.

Just as a street bike, such as a Harley-Davidson or Honda Goldwing, must be ridden defensively and with caution on highways and city streets, so must an all-terrain vehicle be operated with the hazards of off-road riding clearly in mind. Many individuals have been seriously hurt or killed when the ATV they were riding on tipped over and rolled on top of the driver.

Continue reading "Maryland Motorcycle Injury Accident News: Harford County Teenager Dies in Fatal ATV Off-road Crash" »

Losing a son or daughter in a senseless traffic accident can be a painful and devastating event for any family. Having such a tragic event take place on a holiday or special family occasion can forever color that day for friends and relatives for years to come, if not for a lifetime.

Mothers and fathers who lose a child to an accident, regardless of their age, can be so overwhelmed with grief that day-to-day activities are nearly impossible. As Baltimore motorcycle accident lawyers and personal injury attorneys, our hearts go out to the families of these victims.

With that said, we understand the draw and excitement that the open road holds for some individuals who ride motorcycles. Whether you ride a cruiser, hog or sport bike, there are few other joys in life than the freedom that a cycle provides. Regardless of whether you live in the dense urban areas of Annapolis, Rockville or the District, or if you enjoy a more rural existence, any motorcyclist worth his or her salt understands the dangers of this sport.

As pastimes go, riding a Harley, Yamaha or Susuki is up there with other rather risky hobbies. But good riders know that balancing pleasure with danger is a basic requirement. Unfortunately, accidents do happen, even to the best motorcycle riders. And when they do, the results can be serious.

One catastrophic accident can send a person to the hospital for weeks or months. Head trauma is usually one of the most common injuries, even for those who wear a helmet, which can lead to paralysis, cognitive problems and even death.

Being Maryland injury attorneys, I and my colleagues have seen how head and brain injuries sustained due to a bad traffic collision can continue to affect a victim medically and financially sometimes for his or her entire life. The trouble is, injuries to the brain and spinal column are much more complex and difficult to correct than are lacerations, bruises and even injuries to other internal organs like the liver, lungs and heart.

Continue reading "Baltimore Motorcycle Accident News: Mother's Day Marred by Fatal Traffic Accident that Killed Maryland Biker" »

Now that the motorcycle riding season has more or less begun, it’s important to remind all riders out there to be extremely cautious when venturing out amongst those larger and more massive motor vehicles on our roadways. No matter what kind of cycle you ride – Suzuki or Harley, Yamaha or Kawasaki, cruiser or sport bike -- your ride is almost always going to lose a fight with even a small passenger car, much less a larger sport utility vehicle or commercial delivery truck.

As Maryland personal injury attorneys who represent motorcycle riders injured in traffic collisions as a result of another person’s negligence, we have the experience and know-how to help victims of serious injury accidents. Having a qualified motorcycle accident lawyer by your side is extremely important since car-bike wrecks usually lead to extensive physical injuries and expensive medical treatment. Post-accident, recovery from a bad crash can take months or even years of physical therapy and additional surgeries.

According to a news article not long ago, a motorcycle rider was killed when he collided with a large SUV along a stretch of Rte1 in Jessup, MD. Based on police reports, 63-year-old Douglas Gorenflo died as a result of the crash, which occurred on a Wednesday afternoon near the intersection of Montevideo Rd. Gorenflo, an Elkridge resident, was heading north on his Honda Shadow around 1:35pm when the accident happened.

Police reports indicate that the SUV, a 2008 GMC Envoy, which was traveling south along Route 1, apparently turned left toward Montevideo Rd, crossing directly into the path of the oncoming bike. News articles stated that Gorenflo’s bike struck the SUV’s right-rear door. Initial reports from the police showed that the GMC’s driver likely failed to yield the right of way to the man’s motorcycle.

Following the crash, Gorenflo was transported to Howard County General Hospital in Columbia, MD, where he was reportedly pronounced dead. The driver and passenger in the sport utility vehicle -- 43-year-old Jennifer Sizemore and 21-year-old Heather Krieger, were reportedly not injured in the crash.

Man Dies Following Crash Between His Motorcycle, Another Vehicle on Route 1 in Jessup, Patch.com, February 16, 2011

While motorcycles offer their owners an unparalleled feeling of freedom on the open road, there are dangers associated with riding one. It makes little difference if your bike of choice is a Harley, Honda, Triumph or Yamaha, when a motorcyclist tangles with a passenger car or commercial truck, the results can be very serious. At the very best, one can expect cuts, bruises and so-called “road rash.” Worse yet, a car-motorcycle accident can result in broken bones, internal injuries and bleeding, or even closed-head trauma.

As Baltimore motorcycle injury lawyers and personal injury attorneys, we understand the draw of these powerful and liberating machines, while at the same time being fully aware of the dangers that the hobby presents from time to time. It is a sad fact of the biker lifestyle that a pleasant afternoon ride or morning commute can quickly turn into a life-threatening and sometimes life-changing event due only to a moment’s inattention on the part of another motorist.

Worst-case scenarios are, of course, fatal traffic accidents involving a cycle and a larger motor vehicle, such as a sedan, SUV or minivan. Semi tractor-trailer rigs can also pose extreme danger to a rider, not only in a collision, but also in terms of thrown tire treads or other broken or defective vehicle equipment. Just the other day it was reported that the family of a motorcycle rider killed during a July 2010 police pursuit is suing the City of Baltimore for wrongful death.

According to news reports, the $40 million lawsuit alleges that the officer who struck Haines Holloway-Lilliston on an Interstate-695 exit ramp was at fault when he rammed into the back of the motorcycle while distracted by his telephone and radio communications. The suit arose following the release of an investigation report by the Maryland State Police, which concluded that Baltimore Officer Timothy Everett Beall was told to end his pursuit of Holloway-Lilliston and that the patrolman acknowledged the command and turned off his siren and lights.

According to previous reports, the Baltimore County prosecutor’s office had declined to press vehicular manslaughter charges against the 32-year-old Officer Beall even after the patrolman allegedly failed break off the pursuit back on July 25. Beall had told investigators that the rider had crashed out in front of his patrol car and that the police cruiser never made contact with the mans motorcycle.

Continue reading "Maryland Traffic Injury News: Baltimore Named in $40 Million Lawsuit following Motorcycle Rider’s Death" »

As Maryland personal injury attorneys and motorcycle accident lawyers, we understand the attraction that the open road holds for most every motorcycle rider out there. The feeling of freedom and independence that a bike offers cannot be duplicated in a closed passenger car. But just as a sedan blocks many of the sensations of the outside world from the driver and passengers, it also provides greater protection in the event of a bad traffic collision.

Motorcycles offer few if any of the safety features that make survival in serious auto accidents more certain. Even with protective outer wear, boots, gloves and a motorcycle helmet, riders can be critically injured in traffic crashes that a passenger car driver would likely walk away from. Broken arms and legs, internal bleeding and traumatic head injuries are all possible outcomes.

In the worst of cases, motorcyclists can receive such extensive injuries that they may actually die at the scene of an accident before they can be rushed to the hospital for treatment. Even a biker who survives a wreck might end up a paraplegic or quadriplegic due to irreparable damage to the individual’s spinal cord. Years of physical therapy combined with full-time care can sap a family’s budget and result in deep financial troubles.

In some cases, another driver is found to be to blame for an accident which kills or injures a motorcyclist. One such example occurred not long ago when police arrested a 22-year-old driver indicted for allegedly hitting a biker head-on along a stretch of highway. According to reports, Jessica Faircloth tested positive for narcotics immediately following the accident, which occurred last July. Faircloth was named in a five-count indictment that included operating a motor vehicle while under the influence and causing the death of another individual.

Based on police reports, David Edward Kessel, a long-time employee of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency, was riding his motorcycle just west of Mills Gap near Gerrardstown. According to police investigators, Faircloth's 1992 Honda crossed over the center line for some reason and collided with Mr. Kessel's bike.

The resulting collision caused Kessel to be thrown onto the Honda, then over the vehicle’s roof and down a steep incline adjacent to the road. Emergency responders arriving at the crash site more than likely attempted to render aid to Kessel, however their efforts were unsuccessful and the man was pronounced dead at the scene. Police and medical reports indicate that death was caused by blunt force injuries.

According to the news article, Faircloth was taken to a local hospital for treatment of her injuries. Investigators later interviewed the woman, who stated to police that she had not been drinking, and agreed to sign a medical waiver to that fact. However, several blood tests taken a the hospital apparently showed that the woman had some amount of the sedative Benxodiazepine in her bloodstream.

Area woman indicted for fatal accident, Journal-News.net, February 18, 2011

Having worked for years as a Baltimore personal injury attorney and auto accident lawyer, I have seen the result of numerous motorcycle accidents. In fact, just a look at the local news during the year and one will likely find a string of bike accident articles. Whether you live in Annapolis, the District, Frederick or Gaithersburg, MD, motorcycle collisions involving passenger cars, light trucks and commercial deliver vehicles are not uncommon during the riding season.

No biker, regardless whether he or she is a Harley, Honda, Triumph or Vespa fan, will deny that motorcycles, scooters and mopeds offer virtually no protection to their operators in the case of a traffic accident. Nevertheless, this fact has hardly discouraged the tens of thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts to hit the road every year as temps warm up and the snow and ice melt away.

As a motorcycle accident attorney, I truly understand the lure of the open road for many individuals. But that doesn’t change the fact that a motorcycle wreck, whether caused by poor weather conditions, another driver’s error or equipment failure, can be much more severe than the average car accident under similar circumstances. Much of this is due to the relatively poor protection that a bike provides to its rider.

Now that we can perhaps see an end to the winter season, riders all around the state will be starting up their bikes in anticipation of the first beautiful spring day. With that in mind, it is perhaps wise to remember that there can be increased opportunity for serious or fatal injury as motorcycles slowly begin to be more common on our roadways.

Over the past few snowy and icy winter months, passenger car drivers have likely become used to not seeing bikes on the roads, especially when compared to the peak summer riding season. As a motorcycle owner, its good to be extra cautious when riding this spring not only in high traffic areas, but also on lesser traveled roads. Automobile drivers and trucker need some time to get used to motorcycle traffic once the warmer weather sets in.

Having represented victims of auto-cycle collisions, we would like to remind riders that motorcycle accidents can occur almost anytime, night or day. Sadly, this is due to the fact that four-wheel motorists and commercial truckers do not always spot the smaller profile of a bike and its rider until it’s too late. As many a rider has learned, it’s better to drive as if nobody can see you. Betting your life that a distracted parent driving a minivan full of screaming children will see you coming just as he decides to turn left into the mall is not a strategy we would advise.

Good luck, be safe and enjoy the coming riding season.

A resident of Carroll County, MD, recently pled guilty in a Howard County court room to the fatal drunk driving-related motorcycle-car collision that killed a 68-year-old woman who had been riding on the back of her husband’s bike. The accident took place on Rte 40 when now 23-year-old Alison Walsh, 23, reportedly drove her Honda Civic into the back of the cycle being driven by a 74-year-old man, Antonio Amato, and his wife, Cecilia.

According to news reports, Amato told police that the couple’s motorcycle was stopped at a red signal along a stretch of Rte 40 at the intersection of Marriottsville Rd at the time of the crash. Amato stated that his bike was sitting approximately 15ft from the intersection when they were hit from behind by Walsh’s car.

As a Baltimore motorcycle accident lawyer and Maryland personal injury attorney, I know that this kind of accident can cause severe injuries and sometimes death. In this particular case, the man’s wife was riding on the back of the bike and was thrown off as a result of the impact. Even with the use of a helmet, brain trauma and spinal damage can result from this type of traffic accident.

Based on news reports, the force of the crash caused Mrs. Amato to land on the hood of Walsh’s vehicle and then onto the roadway. Mr. Amato was also thrown to the ground, but apparently suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Walsh, who was not injured in the crash was arrested by police and charged with drunken driving after she registered a 0.17 percent blood-alcohol content.

Police reports indicate that Cecilia Amato was conscious when emergency responders transported her to Maryland Shock Trauma Center. As a result of the collision, the woman suffered a number of fractured ribs and severe internal bleeding -- she died not long after as a result of blood loss and cardiopulmonary arrest, according to news articles.

Based on court records, the Howard County prosecutor’s office is pushing for a five-year prison sentence for Walsh in connection with the fatal 2010 crash, though a previous run-in with the police may not help her situation. In that instance, she was reportedly arrested in 2008 by Carroll County police who charged her with attempting to drive under the influence of alcohol as well as negligent driving. At that time, the Hampstead, MD, resident pleaded not guilty and received probation before judgment.

Carroll County woman pleads guilty to negligent manslaughter, BaltimoreSun.com, February 11, 2011

Looking forward, and at this point we’d say rather far forward, to spring and the new riding season, motorcyclists will at some point be getting back on the road. When that time comes, there will likely be some more intrepid riders heading out early. Whether you ride a Yamaha, Harley, Honda or Suzuki, when the next clear and warm riding day arrives bikes will start to make their appearance all across the state.

As a Maryland personal injury lawyer and motorcycle accident attorney, I know that as the snows melt and the roads dry out, motorists will start to encounter bikes on the street again. There is a danger during those early weeks, however, for riders and their passengers. It’s a good guess that passenger car and commercial truck drivers will need to acclimate to motorcycles being out on the roadways.

Especially for those die-hard bikers who venture out early in the season, it’s good to be aware that four-wheelers aren’t expecting these smaller and faster bikes being in traffic again. Use caution during those early weeks, when riders are fewer in number. The question we need to ask ourselves is whether or not motorcycle-car accidents may increase as riders begin to hit the road, due in part because car, minivan, SUV and semi drivers have become less conscious of motorcycles during a long and nasty winter season.

Automobile-motorcycle and truck-bike crashes can be some of the most deadly traffic collisions that police and emergency responders see on a weekly basis here in Maryland. As such, every rider should be careful not to assume that motor vehicle operators see them or are even aware that they are in the area. As they say, better to ride as if you are invisible rathter than assume a driver sees you and your bike.

When the season starts up in Baltimore, Annapolice, the District or Rockville, it will be safe to say that there will be fewer motorcycle riders out and about than in the summer and early fall months. That doesn’t mean that your chances of a bike accident are low, since Maryland drivers may not be looking for those early season riders. On a percentage basis, our guess is that the rate is higher early on, so please keep this in mind as you clear out those cobwebs and get that iron horse, crotch rocket or cruiser back on the road.

I and my colleagues are all concerned for the safety of all cycle jockeys. But if something does happen and a rider finds him or herself injured as a result of another person’s negligence, be sure to consult with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney to understand the options and next steps. And, by all means, keep the rubber on the road and shiny side up.

It’s a tragedy when anyone is killed in a senseless Maryland traffic accident, but to lose a loved one as a result of a fatal hit-and-run crash, that is a double blow to a family that is already reeling from the loss. As a Maryland automobile injury lawyer, I have represented victims of car, bike and commercial trucking accidents over the years. One thing that never seems to change is the sadness of families of people killed in by negligent drivers.

When a motorist is found to have operated his or her vehicle in a negligent manner that results a catastrophic traffic accident, that person should be held liable for the injury or wrongful death of the victim or victims. In some cases, the state will want its pound of flesh too, meaning the defendant could also wind up spending time in jail. Whatever the circumstances, it doesn’t change the fact that careless or reckless acts committed by another individual, whether a passenger car driver or professional truck driver, can have long lasting effects on the victim and his or her family.

A little while back, a man was killed in a hit-and-run accident here in Baltimore. At the time of the news report, police were still looking for the suspect, who was reportedly driving a black Mercedes-Benz at the time of the crash. These kinds of accidents can be hard to solve, but the fact that the driver fled the scene may indicate the potential for negligence on his or her part.

According to reports, Baltimore City police responded to a reported hit-and-run car-motorcycle collision during a Saturday evening along the 5200 block of Erdman Avenue. An eye witness to the crash, Laura Price, said that a black Mercedes hit 25-year-old Gerard Grant's motorcycle. According to Price, there was an audible “pop” after which the woman saw Grant and his bike flying through the air. Based on reports, the bike flipped three times before coming to a stop.

Following the collision, nearby residents came to the man’s aid, performing CPR prior to the arrival of emergency personnel. After EMS arrived, Grant was taken to Bayview Hospital for medical treatment however he died not long after as a result of his apparently extensive injuries.

At the time of the article, police were looking for a black Mercedes with significant damage to the driver's side and which also was missing its mirror. There was no specific indication of road rage, according to police.

Motorcyclist killed in hit-and-run accident in Baltimore, ABC2news.com, September 12, 2010

While winter may be here to stay for some time, it’s important to remember that motorcycle accidents can and do happen at the most unlikely times and for sometimes unexpected reasons. As a Baltimore auto accident attorney and motorcycle injury lawyer, I’ve seen enough news articles and police accident reports to know that bikers are at high risk for injury and death when traveling on our public roads.

Especially during the off-season for riders, fewer passenger car and commercial truck drivers are looking for motorcycles in the colder months. Riders already know they are relatively invisible and therefore more apt to be hit by another, larger motor vehicle. The results, of course, can be tragic.

It wasn’t long that a motorcyclist from Anne Arundel County died in a multi-car accident on Solley Road when a deer apparently bolted out into the street. According to police, the accident happened late on a Saturday night when 34-year-old John Fabian III and a passenger where riding on the man’s ‘96 Honda Shadow near Nabbs Creek Road.

Just before midnight, Fabian was traveling behind a ‘08 Honda Civic when a deer appeared in the roadway right in front of a ‘95 Ford Contour. The driver of the Ford hit his brakes in order to avoid the deer, according to police reports. As a result, the Honda Honda’s driver also slammed on his brakes, Fabian apparently did not brake in time. The motorcycle rammed into the rear of the Honda, throwing the rider and his passenger off the bike.

County police and firefighters responded to the scene, where Fabian was pronounced dead. The passenger, 29-year-old Miranda Means from Baltimore, was taken to the Maryland Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore with serious injuries. According to police, alcohol may have contributed to the accident.

Motorcyclist dies in chain reaction crash, HometownAnnapolis.com, October 3, 2010

As the motorcycle season winds down here in Maryland, now is not the time to take your mind off the road and all those cars, minivans and large commercial trucks out there. As any rider who wants to avoid a traffic accident knows, bikes are nearly invisible to many motorists mainly because of their small profile and their even fewer numbers when compared to the thousands of four-wheeled motor vehicles on the roadways.

As a Baltimore motorcycle accident lawyer and Washington, D.C., injury attorney, I understand how easily a carefree ride can turn bad, usually with a collision between a bike and a much larger and more imposing passenger vehicle. Make no mistake, many bike riders involved in an automobile or commercial truck accident suffer life altering injuries, if they are even lucky enough to survive in the first place.

And it is a sad fact that a certain percentage of motorcycle riders are killed in traffic accidents. It is with this reminder that we say, please ride defensively and live to see another day. On that note, there was a story of a seasoned biker who was killed earlier in the year as a result of not being easily seen.

According to a news article, Carroll County, MD, saw its third motorcycle fatality when a 41-year-old rider was hit by another motorist along Maryland Route 30. The accident happened around 6:30pm on a Thursday evening when a vehicle turned left in front of his bike in Manchester.

Based on police reports, Irving Wheeler was headed southbound toward Ebbvale Road. A Chevy Cavalier, driven by Lawrence Taylor of Manchester, was reportedly going northbound. Just as Wheeler approached the Chevy, the car attempted a left turn onto Ebbvale Road apparently right into the path of the oncoming cycle.

Both Taylor and Wheeler were transported to the Carroll Hospital Center. According to reports, Wheeler hit the car directly with his head, likely causing massive trauma. Doctors told a family member that the rider should have been pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the car was treated for minor injuries.

At the time of the article, Wheeler was the third fatal bike crash in Carroll County for 2010. According to police, Wheeler’s accident and another of the three were deemed not the rider’s fault. The third was apparently rider error when the motorcycle collided with a mailbox and a fence on Alesia-Lineboro Road in Manchester.

Md. 30 crash is Carroll's third motorcycle fatality this year, CarrollCountyTimes.com, June 16, 2010

Nothing can bring back a loved one who has been killed in a senseless automobile accident, or taken by a bullet from a criminal’s gun. As a Maryland personal injury attorney, I’ve seen first-hand the torment that victim’s families experience in the wake of an untimely death. Whether caused by the negligence of a passenger car driver, the operator of an 18-wheeler, or a seasoned criminal, the anger and pain seems to never quite go away.

For the victims of fatal motorcycle accidents, their families are always left wondering what if. What if he didn’t go for a ride that afternoon? What if he stayed the night instead of heading home after dark? What if it was someone else behind the wheel of the car who hit him? None of these questions can be answered to anyone’s satisfaction. But still the second-guessing continues.

Not long ago eight victims of violent crime and motor vehicle accidents met in Baltimore to share their stories of grief and frustration with each other and cities officials. According to one report, the group included residents of Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Harford, Cecil and Howard counties. Families and victims alike told their stories in front of a panel at Long Reach High School. It was the second of several such regional meetings being held statewide.

Based on the news article, one couple recounted the death of their son who was killed in a fatal car-motorcycle accident in Ellicott City by a drunk driver. According to reports, James and Joan Sullivan have since relocated to West Virginia, but they drive four hours to be at the forum.

According to the husband, their 42-year-old son Jay was thrown 100 feet from his motorcycle after being struck by a passenger vehicle at St. John's Lane and US 40. The Sullivans blamed a number of careless and insensitive errors that reportedly occurred following their son’s tragic death. Because of a reported technicality, the parents said the motorist was never charged in their son’s death despite the fact that she was allegedly drunk at the time of the accident.

Some of the mistakes, said Sullivan, included them finding out that Jay’s body had been taken to an organ donor center even though he never registered as a donor. Further errors included the hospital listing three separate times of death for their deceased son, and the hospital staff’s transporting the lifeless corpse down to radiology for an X-ray.

According to the news, the drunk driver only received a ticket for negligent driving, despite Sullivan’s alleged claims that she had a blood-alcohol content (BAC) of 0.29 percent -- three times Maryland’s legal limit for DUI. However, because the woman paid the traffic ticket, the state's attorney's office told the Sullivans that she couldn't be charged with anything else in the incident.

Representatives on the panel included Baltimore State's Attorney Patricia C. Jessamy and Baltimore County State's Attorney Scott D. Shellenberger; Howard County Police Chief William McMahon and Howard County State's Attorney Dario Broccolino; as well as six other officials from state and local government.

Crime victims share stories of grief, frustration with legal system, BaltimoreSun.com, August 26, 2010

The loss of any life to a senseless traffic accident is tragic to say the least, but the death of a young person is doubly so. Motor vehicle collisions happen quite frequently, but motorcyclists especially know that danger lurks around every corner. What can start out as a pleasant afternoon ride can end in pain and costly medical care, and that’s if one is lucky.

As a Baltimore motorcycle accident lawyer and personal injury attorney, my sympathies go out to anyone who loses a loved one as a result of a bike accident. Regardless of whether you ride a chopper, cruiser, standard or so-called “crotch rocket,” every rider faces the same set of risks on Maryland’s roadways.

Any kind of accident is hard for the survivors to deal with, but a single-bike crash can leave them wondering what went wrong. Although driver error is always at the top of the lit, other factors can conspire to cause an accident. Defective brakes, wheel bearings, faulty tires and poor motorcycle maintenance are just a few of the potential causes of a serious wreck.

Just recently a young girl was riding with her dad on his motorcycle when he apparently lost control and crashed the bike. According to news reports, the father, 42-year-old Brian Ross Little couldn’t maintain control of his bike at the Darlington intersection in Harford County. Police reports indicated that the 14-year-old passenger, Little’s daughter Lauryn Marie, was thrown from the vehicle when it crashed into the rear of a van at the intersection.

Maryland State Police said that both the father and daughter, both Whiteford residents, were thrown from the man’s Harley-Davidson during the collision just before 5pm in the afternoon. Emergency responders arriving at the scene likely treated the injured riders and then transported them to local hospitals for further medical attention. According to reports, the teen was taken to Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, where she was pronounced dead. The father was taken to Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center.

Motorcycle accident claims life of 14-year-old Harford Co. girl, BaltimoreSun.com, September 3, 2010

Products liability covers a range of topics one of which is defective vehicle equipment that may be responsible for motorcycle, trucking and passenger car accidents. Faulty, poorly designed, or incorrectly maintained vehicle components, systems and safety equipment has been known to be the main cause a many vehicle crashes and resulting traffic accidents.

As a Maryland personal injury attorney who represents bikers injured as a result of a crash on a highway, rural road or city street, my main objective to help that victim and his or her family recover various medical cost and lost wages suffered as a result of the accident. For families who have lost a loved one as a result of a bike crash, the burden can be especially hard when the deceased was the primary breadwinner for the family.

If defective equipment is to blame, there may be a third party to consider in a suit. It’s not uncommon for defective equipment and components to be a source of both minor and serious motorcycle accidents. Depending on the particular system that failed on the bike, the resulting wreck can cause injuries from cuts and bruises to internal bleeding, permanent spinal cord damage and even fatal brain trauma.

A recent news article illustrated how a rider can be killed as a result of a collision. According to police reports, a 49-year-old Hyattsville man was killed on an early Sunday morning while riding with a passenger on his bike along University Boulevard near Baltimore Avenue.

According to reports, the two individuals were traveling west on University, approaching an overpass at Baltimore Avenue near MD-193. Police reports indicate that the driver apparently failed to negotiate a lane barrier, which the motorcycle hit head-on. There was no indication if defective equipment was to blame, though police likely would investigate that and other potential causes since no other vehicles where reportedly involved.

Emergency crews arriving to care for the victims found the man dead at the scene. His passenger, a 43-year-old Hyattsville woman was hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries at Prince George's Hospital.

Man Killed in Motorcycle Accident on University Boulevard, CollegePark.Patch.com, August 8, 2010

Without a doubt, motorcycle riding gives its fans a wonderful experience of freedom and adventure. There is little in the way of affordable fun that provides that same level of joy and excitement on the open road. But as a Maryland motorcycle accident attorney, I know the downside to all that fun and adventure. Sadly, when a rider is involved in a highway accident, especially at cruising speeds or involving a large commercial truck, the result can be nothing less than tragic.

While riding provides an unparalleled traveling experience, the pleasure of a two-wheel excursion must always be balanced against the dangers inherent with the sport. Not long ago a news article point out that fact in no uncertain terms.

According to the article, a woman was killed when the bike she and her husband were traveling on went out of control and crashed in Baltimore County. Based on police reports, the accident occurred on Putty Hill Avenue just after 12:30am in mid-July.

The early morning accident reportedly happened because the driver lost control of the bike and it skidded into an oncoming vehicle. According to reports, as the biker lost control of his 2005 Harley Davidson, the motorcycle skidded onto its right side and slid across the center line of the roadway, crashing into the left-hand front tire of a 2001 Chevy Tahoe.

The passenger, Kimberly Jean Bortell, was ejected from the bike and struck the bodywork of the SUV, killing her instantly according to Baltimore County Police. Bortell’s husban, Charles Joseph Bortell, was only injured in the crash. After emergency responders arrived they treated the man and then transported him to Bayview Hospital for additional medical attention.

No mention was made whether or not the accident was a result of driver error or defective equipment, such as a worn tire that may have lost pressure. At the time of the article, police were still investigating the crash.

Woman killed in motorcycle accident on Putty Hill Avenue, ABC2News.com, July 18, 2010

As a Maryland personal injury attorney and motorcycle accident lawyer, my job is to help victims and their families recover from the aftermath of sometimes life-altering traffic collisions. Regardless of whether the individual is a driver or passenger, injuries sustained in a crash on city streets, open highways or rural country roads the results can be horribly expensive in both human and financial terms.

A recent article points out the dangers of police pursuit, especially in cases where life is lost. According to news reports, a Baltimore patrolman was suspended after he allegedly ignored orders to break off a chase with a biker allegedly riding a stolen Suzuki GSX 600. Police officials said that the 10-year department veteran had received orders to stop chasing a motorcyclist who was eventually killed in Cockeysville, MD, he apparently crashed as a result of the police pursuit.

Baltimore police are reportedly barred from chasing vehicles unless provided with specific orders to do so. The chase in question began on Northern Parkway after the officer, Timothy Beall, apparently saw the motorcyclist racing with another vehicle. According to the article, Officer Beall fatally shot a man in January 2009 when the suspect pointed an assault rifle at the officer during a foot chase in Better Waverly. The Baltimore Police Department ruled that the shooting was justified.

The recent pursuit of the motorcyclist occurred in the early morning hours when Beall observed the rider, identified as 27-year-old Haines E. Holloway-Lilliston, committing traffic violations in the city.

According to police reports, around 3am Maryland State Police were advised that a Baltimore city officer was behind a motorcycle that was speeding northbound on Interstate 83. Shortly thereafter, Officer Beall called the MSP barracks and stated that he believed the bike was stolen.

The chase apparently ended on an off-ramp from I-93 to Dulaney Valley Road when the rider lost control and crashed. Police said that Holloway-Lilliston was thrown from the bike onto the hood of the patrol car and finally hitting the roadway.

Troopers responding to the scene found the crash on the ramp involved the marked patrol vehicle and the motorcycle. Emergency crews and EMS workers responding to the crash pronounced the motorcyclist dead at the scene, likely due to massive injuries such as brain trauma.

According to the news article, a preliminary investigation indicated that the motorcycle was in front of the police car as both proceeded south on the off-ramp. No charges had been filed at the time of the article, however the completed investigation will likely be provided to the Baltimore County State’s Attorney’s Office for review.

Baltimore officer suspended after chase ends in fatality, BaltimoreSun.com, July 25, 2010

As a personal injury attorney, my job is to represent victims of accidents precipitated by the negligent actions of other individuals. Motorcycle riders may be one of the most common groups of motorists injured on the road, especially during the spring and summer months.

Unfortunately, traffic accidents involving bikes, such as Harley-Davidsons, Suzukis, Triumphs and Hondas, are usually severe and cause extensive bodily injury to the riders. More often than not, a crash with a passenger car or commercial truck can result in death. Helmets make a big difference, but in this life there are no guarantees.

The tragic part of the story is that many injuries and fatal crashes experienced by the motorcycling community could be avoided if other motorists took the added effort to check for two-wheelers sharing the road. As a Maryland motorcycle accident lawyer, I’ve seen enough horrendous accident scenes to last a lifetime. But I never tire of offering help to victims and their families following these kinds of terrible and sometimes life-altering collisions.

A little while ago we came across a news item that illustrates one of the worst-case scenarios facing motorcyclist on our public roads. According to reports, a 46-year-old Charles Thompson III of Hagerstown died while riding his bike along U.S. 40 in Frederick County. The accident happened just before 8pm when another motorist was attempting to enter the roadway in a 2001 VW Jetta.

According to police, 19-year-old Zachary Gunther, a resident of Myersville, was attempting to enter the eastbound lane of U.S. 40 off of Pleasant Walk Road and apparently pulled right in front of Thompson’s motorcycle. In the process the rider was thrown from his bike onto the roadway.

Emergency crews arriving on the scene administered first aid and then transported the severely injured man by helicopter to R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore. Unfortunately, Thompson’s injuries were too extensive and he died a short time later at the hospital.

Police issued the Jetta’s driver with a traffic citation for failure to yield the intersection right of way. At the time of the news article, local police were expected to approach the Frederick County state’s attorney’s office to discuss whether additional charges should be brought against Gunther.

Hagerstown motorcyclist dies following crash in Frederick County, Herald-Mail.com, May 7, 2010

Having assisted numerous motorcycle riders following life-threatening bike-automobile accidents, I have seen the carnage that can be inflicted on a motorcyclist during a serious crash. It goes without saying that bikers and other riders of two-wheel motor vehicles have less protection against a severe traffic wreck than people in four-wheeled vehicles, and zero when compared to semi truck drivers in their big rigs. But most motorcycle riders know this and understand the risks.

Some highway collisions cannot be survived. At the very least, massive head and back injuries are common, even at low speeds, which can lead to permanent paralysis and a lifetime of medical care. Rehabilitation following such accidents can help, but is also expensive and can crush a family’s savings in a very short time. If the victim was the major income earner for the family the effects of a debilitating bike wreck are only magnified.

Not long ago a young rider from Broomes Island was killed when a pickup truck apparently pulled into the road directly in front of the man’s motorcycle. According to reports, the accident occurred just after 6pm along Broomes Island Road near Island Creek Lane in Calvert County.

Based on police reports, 21-year-old John Alton Stratchko riding his 2003 Yamaha YZF R6, traveling southbound along Broomes Island Road. As he approached the entrance of a private, a 2002 GMC pickup apparently began to enter the roadway right in the path of Strachko’s motorcycle. The bike struck the driver’s side of the truck, which was being driven by another local resident, 53-year-old Martin Wayne Mister.

It appears from the police report that Stratchko may have tried to lay his bike down before colliding with the pickup. The reports indicated that the man was ejected off the bike with his body hitting the driver’s door of the vehicle. The motorcycle itself came to rest on top of Stratchko’s body. Emergency responders transported the man to Calvert Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead from his extensive injuries.

At the time of the news article, a cause of death and nature of the injuries sustained by Stratchko were pending an autopsy, which was scheduled to be performed by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) in Baltimore, Maryland. The Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Team was also involved in determining the events of that evening that led to the death of the untimely death of this motorcycle rider.

Calvert Man Killed in Street Bike Accident, TheBayNet.com, May 4, 2010

Few can deny that motorcycles have their appeal. On one hand they offer a feeling of freedom. On the other hand, they certainly can be dangerous. This is why some motorcycle owners describe riding a bike as an exercise in risk management. One of the biggest risks for bikers here in Maryland — regardless of whether they own a Honda, Kawasaki or Harley Davidson — is the potential for severe injury or even death as a result of a traffic accident.

As a Baltimore motorcycle accident lawyer, I’ve met many motorcyclists and they all share an undying passion for riding, for the open road. Each person deals with the inherent risks in his or her own way. Sadly, however, all bikers face some formidable dangers in the guise of passenger cars, family minivans and commercial trucks. From being side-swiped by a distracted driver to catching a thrown tread off a poorly maintained semi tractor-trailer, the prospect of receiving cuts, bruises, broken bones and road rash looks downright sunny next to the dead-end alternative a fatal high-speed crash with another, larger motor vehicle.

Not long ago, two riders died in separate accidents on the same Friday evening here in Maryland. One could say it was a fluke, but with the number of motorcycle enthusiasts on the road these days, a more cynical person would suggest it was simply inevitable. In each of these cases — one in Joppa, MD, and the other in Hanover — the accidents involved questionable riding behavior on the part of each rider. Both motorcycle accidents involved a collision with an automobile.

According to news reports, the accident in Joppa occurred around 7pm on Friday on Joppa Farm Road near Foster Knoll Road. Harford County Sheriff's deputies responded to an accident involving a 2009 Yamaha motorcycle and a 2010 Toyota Corolla. Apparently, 20-year-old Karl Michael Kunz had been traveling north passing vehicles at high rates of speed in a no passing zone when he struck a Toyota Corolla which had started to cross Joppa Farm Road westbound from Foster Knoll Road.

Police reports show that Kunz was ejected from the bike after striking the Toyota’s driver-side door. The Toyota ended up striking a tree and nearby street sign before coming to a stop. Police reports showed that Kunz was taken to Upper Chesapeake Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

The second crash involved a 2004 Suzuki GSX R 600 that ran a red light and hit a 1992 Nissan 300 ZX. Police reports indicated that 25-year-old Gustin Samuel Page was heading westbound on his Suzuki along Dorsey Road at about 6pm when a the Nissan made a left turn from Candlewood Road onto eastbound Dorsey Road. Page apparently couldn't slow down for the red light, causing him to hit the passenger car on the left-hand side.

Page was taken to Baltimore Washington Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. The Nissan’s driver, Norman Walter Faber Jr., 52, of Churchton, also was taken to BWMC with injuries that were not life-threatening. Witnesses told police Page was driving recklessly and speeding before the crash, including riding on the rear wheel of the motorcycle.

Motorcyclist Killed In Joppa, WJZ.com, April 27, 2010

Man Killed In Motorcycle Accident In Hanover, WJZ.com, April 27, 2010

Summer is fast upon us. Motorcycle riders have already been flooding the city streets and roadways across Maryland. But as any good rider knows, motorcycle-automobile accidents can be unforgiving on bikers and their passengers. Many motorcycle and car accidents become very tragic because a motorcyclist has little protection against the mass of a car, SUV or pickup truck.

Where a driver of a car or truck is relatively protected in the case of a crash, a motorcyclist and his or her passenger can receive the direct impact from another vehicle. Motorcycle occupants can also be thrown far from the scene of a bike wreck. As a result, motorcycle accidents have rather high injury rates that include broken bones and lacerations, neck and spine injuries, traumatic head injuries, and other permanent and non-permanent injuries.

Wearing a helmet is one of the best choices a motorcyclist can make to improve his chances of surviving a bad motorcycle crash. The proper helmets can reduce the incidence of fatal head injuries by a large percentage. The use of various protective outerwear and good footwear can also mean the difference between minor and serious injury, or even death.

Sadly, the Maryland legislature may adopt legislation that allows some riders to decide if they wish to wear a helmet or do without. According to the American Motorcycle Association (AMA), House Bill 1282 and Senate Bill 492 would provide exemptions to the motorcycle helmet law currently on the books in Maryland.

Authored respectively by Delegate Curt Anderson (D-Baltimore) and Senator John C. Astle (D-Annapolis), the new law would apply to operators or occupants of three-wheeled enclosed-cab motorcycles or operators of two-wheeled motorcycles who have been licensed for at least two years, or those who have completed a motorcycle rider safety course. An adult passenger riding on a two-wheeled motorcycle would also be able to choose whether or not he or she wishes to wear a helmet as long as the operator is exempted under the law.

Our experience as Baltimore motorcycle accident attorneys tells us that whenever helmets are not worn, injuries can be more serious. It’s a fact that no matter how well you prepare, there is always a chance that you could be involved in an accident on your bike. It makes no difference whether the cause is driver error, another driver’s negligence, excessive speed, or alcohol or substance use, an accident is an accident; outfitting oneself with a helmet is cheap insurance and better protection than none.

AMA News & Notes: May 2010, ama-cycle.org, April 9, 2010

One fact that becomes quite clear, having represented numerous victims of motorcycle accidents, is that bikes offer next to no protection for their riders. It makes little difference whether you ride a Harley, Suzuki, Yamaha or Honda, larger vehicle including cars, SUVs, minivans and semi tractor-trailers can inflict serious injuries to a rider in the case of a crash. Deaths from car-bike wrecks and bike-truck accidents are also common.

It is because of this fact that riding a motorcycle leaves very little margin for error. The freedom of two-wheel travel on the open road must always be balanced by the dangers awaiting even the most careful biker. This is why, as a Maryland motorcycle accident lawyer, I am quick to remind anyone contemplating owning a chopper, cruiser, standard or so-called crotch-rocket, be careful and use every piece of safety equipment available to you.

One recent motorcycle crash points out the potential finality of any traffic accident. According to news reports, a 31-year-old rider died following a collision with a van on Route 301 in Waldorf, MD. The accident occurred late on a Saturday afternoon when Deven Rachar Blackshear hit the side of a 2005 Chrysler Town & Country that was pulling out of a parking lot onto the highway.

According to Maryland State Police, the man’s Ducati was traveling northbound on U.S. 301 near Route 5 just before 6pm when his motorcycle hit the minivan and went airborne. The rider and bike traveled a short distance and collided with a southbound Chevrolet HHR. Police claim that the speed of the 2009 Ducati played a part in the fatal accident.

As a result of the crash, Blackshear reportedly suffered from severe head trauma and a broken neck. He was transported by police medivac helicopter to R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore, but died not long after from his injuries.

The Town & Country driver, Abigail Jaye Nabors, 33, of Waldorf, and a 2-year-old child riding in the rear seat of the van were both flown to Children's National Medical Center in Washington, D.C., according to reports.

A 16-year-old who was driving the Chevrolet and a 46-year-old passenger reportedly did not receive any injuries.

Cycle accident kills driver, 31, SdMdNews.com, March 31, 2010

It is a fact that motorcycles offer less protection to their riders than cars or trucks do to their drivers and passengers. But while some people say bikes are too dangerous to ride on the street the choice to ride or not is a personal decision that every motorcyclist must make for him or herself.

As a Baltimore motorcycle injury attorney, I support an individual’s right to choose how they will live their life, even if the risks are more than some people can accept. So long as the state of Maryland allows bikers to rider their machines on the city streets and rural roads, they have the same rights and responsibilities as passenger car drivers and truck operators.

In my position, I often hear of fatal motorcycling accidents that would give most people pause. Recent news of a crash in Charles County is one such incident. According to Maryland State Police in La Plata, there was a traffic accident on Route 301 that resulted in the death of a rider and injury to two other motorists. At the time of the news article, police were still investigating the crash.

Based on reports the accident occurred sometime after 5pm in the afternoon when a white 2009 Ducati ridden by 31-year-old Deven Rachar Blackshear collided with a van and one other vehicle in Waldorf, MD. News articles said that Blackshear was traveling north on Route 301 near Route 5 when his motorcycle collided with a 2005 Chrysler Town & Country minivan that apparently pulled out out of a parking lot onto the path of the oncoming bike.

Upon hitting the Chrysler, the motorcycle and rider were apparently thrown into the oncoming path of a southbound Chevrolet HHR. Responding to the accident scene, rescue workers transferred the rider to a Maryland State Police helicopter for transport to Baltimore Shock Trauma for treatment of serious head trauma and a broken neck. The man was later pronounced dead as a result of those injuries.

The occupants of the Chrysler were also injured. Thirty-three-year-old Abigail Jaye Nabors, who was driving the Town & Country minivan received facial injuries, and a toddler, who was riding in the back seat of the van and whose injuries were unknown, were both flown to Children's Hospital in Washington D.C.

A 16-year-old driver and 46-year-old passenger in the HHR were unhurt in the accident and did not require any medical attention. According to Maryland State Police, speed does appear to be a contributing factor in this crash.

Motorcyclist Dies, Two Others Injured in Waldorf Crash, TheBayNet.com, March 23, 2010

Waldorf Man Dies in Three Vehicle Motorcycle Accident, SoMD.com, March 28, 2010

Motorcycle riders are particularly at risk when it comes to Maryland traffic accidents. Unlike bicycles, whose riders are similarly exposed, a biker’s machine is more powerful and much faster. Even when wearing leathers or other protective riding gear, being thrown from your Harley or Honda onto hard pavement at highway speeds can result in life-threatening injuries, sometimes a rider is even killed on the spot.

Motorists also have a hard time identifying motorcycles in traffic. Because of this, a smaller Suzuki or Yamaha two-wheeler can go unnoticed until it’s too late. As a Baltimore injury lawyer, I‘ve read too many time about motorists turning directly in front of a bike in broad daylight only to say they never saw the rider or his bike. That’s a scenario that many riders learn about first hand, and it only takes once to make that point clear.

A recent news reports indicated that a resident of Ann Arundel County pleaded guilty to a charge of negligent homicide in the drunk driving-related traffic accident that killed a Glen Burnie motorcycle rider last summer. The accident happened on Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard last August when a 2004 Acura driven Alida Roxana Holyoke, 27, apparently turned in front of a motorcycle rider causing him to crash, the woman then left the scene of the accident.

Police investigators piecing together the accident scene determined that the rider, William "Shawn" Jacobs, had the right of way when Holyoke turned. The man’s 2008 Harley Davidson hit the side of Holyoke’s car causing the man to be thrown off the bike.

Paramedics responded quickly to the car-motorcycle accident, treating the rider, who investigators discovered had also been drinking that night, then transporting him to the Maryland Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore. He never made it to the hospital, suffering a cardiac arrest on the way. He was pronounced dead just after 3am.

A witness to the accident followed the woman, who drove to a local gas station where police eventually caught up to her and took her into custody. At the police station Holyoke’s blood-alcohol content (BAC) was measured at 0.19 percent, more than double the legal limit for driving. At sentencing she could face up to 15 years in jail and a $15,000 fine -- however, state guidelines call for probation to two years in prison.

Woman pleads guilty in fatal crash, HometownAnnapolis.com, March 26, 2010

As a Baltimore Injury Accident attorney, my office handles numerous motorcycle accident cases around Maryland and the Washington, D.C. area. Motorcycle injury accidents can be much more severe than automobile accidents given the same circumstances. This is due to the relatively little protection that bikes offer the operator, as opposed to occupants of cars or trucks.

Considering the increased chances of serious injury or even death, motorcycle riders should always use extreme caution when traveling in high traffic areas or when taking up riding following a long break, such as this past winter season. Because most riders tend to park their cycles during the cold winter months, automobile and truck drivers are likely less aware of bikers when the spring weather entices riders to dust off their bikes and hit the roads.

With this in mind, here are a few points to remember before you start out on your first ride of the year. Keep in mind that motorcycle accidents can occur almost anytime of the day or night. Whether you live or work in Baltimore, Gaithersburg, Hagerstown or the District, there are many different kinds of motorcycle accidents, though some types happen more often than others:

Motorcycle-automobile Crashes
While the public may think otherwise, it’s not necessarily true that motorcycle accidents are caused mainly by aggressive driving on the part of the motorcycle rider. The truth is that the major cause of motorcycle accidents can be traced back to the fact that motorists and truck drivers simply do not see bikers and their machines. Many of these wrecks happen because the smaller profile that a motorcycle presents in traffic makes it difficult to spot.

Whether hidden behind another vehicle or out of sight in a driver’s blind spot, it’s a dangerous situation when car and truck operators cannot detect the presence of a biker. Poor weather or nighttime conditions can also cause problems for motorists who may not be expecting a motorcycle when turning or passing another vehicle. Many injury accidents can be prevented if drivers of four-wheelers and trucks took that extra effort to double-check their blind spots or scan the roadway fully before turning or merging.

Continue reading "Baltimore Motorcycle Accident Update: Common Causes of Maryland Biker Crashes" »

A word to the wise: It doesn’t matter how good a cycle rider you are, motorcycle accidents can happen to the best riders. Tragically, motorcycle accidents can be very unforgiving to many motorcyclists. As motorcycle accident attorneys, I and my colleagues understand how sudden a fatal traffic accident can occur; many motorcycle-car accidents can spell danger to bike riders. Just recently, a veteran police officer and avid motorcyclist lost his life while riding to work.

According to news reports, an 42-year-old off-duty Baltimore County officer was killed in late October when his cycle nearly collided with a car about two miles from the Parkville Precinct station. Officer Jeffrey Neral, a 17-year member of the department, was riding to work around 1pm on his 2009 Harley Davidson southbound on Old Harford Road when he approached a 2002 Ford Focus, a police spokesman said.

The car's driver, 26-year-old Pei Kao had just left Loch Raven Presbyterian Church in the 9300 block of Old Harford Road. To avoid a collision, Neral laid down the motorcycle but was subsequently thrown from it and hit the driver's side of Kao’s automobile.

Neral was taken by a county Fire Department ambulance to Good Samaritan Hospital, where doctors tried to save him. Unfortunately, he died shortly thereafter. The article did not say whether or not the officer suffered any type of brain trauma, however the police report showed that Neral had been wearing his helmet. Kao was not injured in the accident.

According to news reports, this was the second fatal accident involving a county police officer in a little more than month. On September 24, 32-year-old Detective Jason Simons of the Towson Precinct died following a crash on Route 88 near the village of Cooperstown.

Baltimore County officer dies after motorcycle accident, BaltimoreSun.com, October 26, 2009

An Annapolis, Maryland, motorcyclist was killed in mid-September traffic accident when a Catonsville man driving a Saturn passenger car collided with a motorcycle on Riva Road in Anne Arundel County. As Maryland motorcycle accident attorneys working in the area of personal injury law, our staff has seen the results of crashes like this one, and sadly, the automobile no matter how small usually wins.

According to reports, the accident occurred around 5:30 on a Friday afternoon, near Aris T. Allen Blvd. Officers from the Anne Arundel County police department stated that a Saturn model being driven by 38-yeaar-old Michael Joseph McCann attempted to make a left turn out of the Bowen Farm Supply onto Riva Road.

Traffic was apparently stopped in the two southbound lanes as the Saturn driver began to turn into the southbound left-turn lane. Just then, Adam Douglas Ketels, 25, from Annapolis changed lanes into the left-turn lane and sped up, according to witnesses. Ketels’ Yamaha motorcycle slammed into the driver side door of the merging Saturn.

New reports state that an off-duty volunteer firefighter witnessed the wreck and attempted to provide aid to the severely injured biker. Once emergency medical services (EMS) crews arrived at the scene, Ketels was treated and transported to the Anne Arundel Medical Center. He was later airlifted to Maryland Shock Trauma Center for further treatment of his injuries, from which he later died.

As is usually the case in such car-motorcycle accidents, the driver of the Saturn was reportedly unhurt in the crash. Meanwhile, County police began a full investigation into the fatal crash.

Annapolis man killed when motorcycle, car collide, BaltimoreSun.com, September 22, 2009

Whether you ride a Harley, Yamaha, Honda or any one of the vast array of motorcycles out there, you know how liberating these machines can be. However, you probably also know that these vehicles can be widow-makers when operated under the wrong circumstances. The incidence of motorcycle accidents, as reported last month, is expected to increase in 2009 due to the poor economy and the increase in use of more fuel-efficient two-wheeled transportation. As a Maryland motorcycle accident lawyer, my firm handles a large number of injury and accidental death claims involving bikes.

Although many accidents are the result of another person’s negligence, sometimes speed can contribute to the severity of a crash, which is particularly dangerous for the motorcycle rider. This is the case for the following three bike accidents which occurred in and around Maryland.

Columbia, Maryland
One rider was killed and another critically injured just a few days ago when the motorcycles they were riding collided on Maryland Route 100. According to Howard County police, the accident happened in the late afternoon near Snowden River Parkway on the westbound side of Route 100.

Sadly, a 41-year-old rider, Ronal Wayne Parker Jr. of Mitchellville, was pronounced dead at the scene. The other motorcyclist, Vincent Williams, 39, of Catonsville was air-lifted by Maryland State Police Medivac to University of Maryland Shock Trauma. Reports indicate that following the collision, one of the motorcycles continued briefly and struck a guardrail, which threw the rider from the bike.

Although police are still investigating the accident, a number of causes are possible, including rider error or defective equipment, each of which could have played a part in the accident.

Springfield, Virginia
Virginia State Police reported a fatal motorcycle accident that occurred on a Saturday morning early in August. The accident happened at 3 a.m. on Interstate 495 about three-quarters of a mile north of I-95. Authorities had to shut down the southbound lanes of I-495 for about six hours until emergency crews and police completed their work at the crash scene.

Based on news reports, police received calls that two motorcycles were traveling at high rates of speed along the interstate. An eye witness apparently saw one of the motorcycle riders pass a dump truck, then moments later the second motorcycle struck the back of the dump truck. That bike was subsequently hit by a 2005 Honda Civic killing 21-year-old Christopher M. Ford of Gainesville, Virginia.

The first motorcycle operator, 23-year-old Wendell Howard, Jr. of Manassas, was charged with reckless driving and failure to have a valid motorcycle endorsement. Police did not know at the time if alcohol was a factor in the crash.

Continue reading "Maryland Motorcycle News: Three Fatal Accidents, Excessive Speed Blamed in Each " »

According to a report from the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), 2008 saw a total of 38 motorcycle riders killed in the District of Columbia and other nearby jurisdictions. Most recently, Peter Horst of the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) says his organization anticipates this figure will balloon in 2009.

Already this August, three motorcyclists died in less than two days as a result of multiple-vehicle traffic accidents. Although the economy has caused a decrease in the sales of motorcycles, riders who have bikes are using them more than usual in an effort to save on gas money.

For 2008, the number of U.S. traffic injuries and fatalities for every motor vehicle category dropped -- all except the motorcycle accident category. Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C. may have bucked the trend last year, but as our D.C. accident lawyers reported earlier in this post the total for 2009 is expected to be greater.

Common causes of Washington, D.C. motorcycle injuries and deaths include:

• Driver inexperience
• Driver inattention
• Alcohol
• Miscalculation
• Road defects
• Defective motorcycle parts

Like pedestrians and bicyclists, motorcyclists are more vulnerable than motor vehicle occupants, truck drivers, and bus passengers because they only have their gear as protection from the impact of a D.C. traffic crash.

Frequently, injuries from a D.C. motorcycle crash are catastrophic. If you believe there may be another driver or another party who can be held liable for personal injury or wrongful death, our Washington DC personal injury would like to talk to you.

Motorcycle Crash Facts

• 5,154 motorcyclists died in 2007.
• The number of motorcycle deaths increase each year.
• In 2007, about 123,000 motorcycles were involved in US traffic crashes.
• For every vehicle mile traveled in 2006, motorcycle riders had a 35 times greater chance of dying in a traffic accident than motor vehicle riders.

Motorcycle Deaths in Area Raise Concerns, The Washington Post, August 24, 2009

Motorcycle Crashes, Insurance Information Institute, April 2009

The 19-year-old motorist who reportedly caused a deadly motorcycle accident that killed a Maryland rider was fined $115 for the accident, although accident investigators determined that the driver was otherwise not negligent in regard to this traffic fatality. The deceased rider, Harry D. Catts, of Smithsburg, Maryland, passed away due to injuries received late in April on Pennsylvania's Route 11.

Despite the seriousness of the accident, police and the local prosecutor’s office declared that Samantha Young was not "grossly" negligent when she turned her vehicle left into the path of the oncoming motorcycle. Eye witnesses said they saw the teenager make a left turn in front of the 72-year-old rider, who then struck the side of the girl's vehicle.

Police reported that the crash occurred after 1 p.m. on April 26 at a busy intersection near the Plainfield exit of Interstate 81. According to reports, Young told an officer at the scene that she saw the green light and made the turn, but claimed she didn't see the motorcyclist. An accident reconstruction team reviewed the crash scene but apparently found nothing out of the ordinary. Authorities stated that there was no alcohol or cell-phone use involved, and police said that the traffic signals were found to be working properly.

As Maryland Automobile Accident Attorneys, our office has represented many families who have lost a loved one through a motorcycle or car accident. Motorcycle accidents, in particular, can result in very serious bodily injuries or even death due to complications from head trauma or spinal cord injuries.

In this case, the police determined that the driver who caused the accident was simply inexperienced and therefore not grossly negligent for the motorcycle rider’s death. Despite the local district attorney’s statement that the accident was "a mere error of judgment," there is little solace in the fact that the young woman received only a monetary penalty.

Continue reading "Teenage Driver Who Killed a Maryland Motorcycle Rider will Only Pay a Small Fine" »

The Washington County Circuit Court has ordered a man convicted of manslaughter by vehicle to pay Debra Reed Fields-Jordan’s family $2 million in restitution. Fields-Jordan died in a May 2008 truck-motorcycle accident when the driver of a pickup truck ignored a stop sign and hit the woman's motorcycle on MD Route 77.

The driver of the pickup truck, Harry W. Shrader, fled the scene of the fatal motorcycle accident. Several days later, police arrested Shrader after tracing the vehicle to him -- the truck was registered in his name. In November of last year, Shrader was handed a 10-year prison sentence following a guilty plea on the count of vehicular manslaughter. He is now being held at the Maryland Correctional Training Center. According to reports, Shrader was drunk at the time of the fatal traffic accident.

In August 2008, Fields-Jordan’s husband, Stephen J Jordan, sued Schrader for his wife’s wrongful death. Jordan sought $2 million in punitive damages and $4 million in compensatory damages. He accused Schrader of causing emotional trauma, mental anguish, loss of companionship, society, marital care, comfort, protection, advice, attention, training, guidance, counsel, education, and his wife’s love.

Last month, Jordan filed documents accusing Schrader of trying to defraud his family from any wrongful death compensation they could be owed when the inmate transferred more than 44 acres of land to his girlfriend.

Intoxicated Driving
Driving while intoxicated, whether under the influence of alcohol or drugs, is against the law. It is also a cause of far too many personal injuries and wrongful deaths. A truck driver, motorcyclist, car driver, or bus driver who engages in intoxicated driving and injures someone else as a result may be held liable with a Maryland personal injury claim or wrongful death lawsuit.

$2M restitution in manslaughter case, The Herald Mail, January 30, 2009

Smithsburg man gets 10 years in vehicle manslaughter case, The Herald-Mail, November 17, 2008

Related Web Resource:
Motorcycle Accident Overview, Justia