Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog

As mentioned previously, when it comes to motorcycle accidents involving a second motor vehicle, it is quite common that the automobile or truck driver behind the wheel of the other vehicle may actually be the negligent party. This is due to the all-too-common problem of the smaller profile that motorcycles present in traffic. And to make matters worse, a motorcyclist is at least 20 times more likely to die in a traffic accident than an occupant of a passenger car.

While not always a valid excuse, the fact is that when a driver fails to recognize a nearby rider in traffic, the potential resulting accident can turn out to be very serious to the point of being life-threatening. After a bike crash, the needed medical treatment and potential rehab, which may also be required, can add up to extensive hospital bills. A rider who incurs such costs following an accident caused by another negligent driver should consult a qualified personal injury lawyer to better understand his or her options vis-à-vis recouping those medical costs from the responsible party or parties.

As Maryland personal injury attorneys, we have the skills and training to handle motorcycle-related accident cases, which we have already established can often be due to the negligence of another driver in a car- or truck-related accident. Furthermore, it’s a fair assumption that the majority of motorcycle riders are safety conscious despite the negative stereotypes typically portrayed on television and in the movies.

Continue reading "Baltimore Traffic Accident Update: How Maryland Personal Injury Lawyers can Help Motorcycle Accident Victims -- Part Two" »

Motorcyclists have a touch time of it, we know. While their mode of transport offers a wonderful feeling of freedom and ease of travel, the very nature of a motorcycle -- be it a so-called crotch rocket, standard bike, cruiser or chopper -- is that these motor vehicles are small and not easy to notice in traffic, at least this is the complaint of most drivers who get into accidents with bikers.

Add to their slim profile, most bikes are fairly fast and even quick to stop, putting less-than-inattentive drivers of four-wheeled passenger cars and 18-wheel commercial trucks in danger of running into them both coming and going. Insurance companies understand the dangers of motorcycles, to the point of making their policies less than attractive, or even placing certain motorcycle models on a list of “uninsurable” vehicles.

For anyone who hasn’t had a close call with a motorcyclist, as Maryland personal injury attorneys who represent bikers injured in traffic collisions, we can say that even the best drivers can be caught unaware by the “sudden” appearance of a bike in the roadway ahead of them. But it is conceivable that even police officers who have been trained in all manner of traffic safety, defensive driving and emergency situations, could from time to time be surprised by a motorcyclist.

Late last year, a news article described an accident between a biker and a marked police cruiser in the North Laurel, MD, area. According to news reports, a 43-year-old rider was sent to the hospital after a collision with a police car on Rte 216 near the Leishear Rd. intersection.

Continue reading "Baltimore Traffic Accident News: Maryland Biker Hospitalized following Crash with Howard County Police Cruiser" »

Although cars and trucks share the road with motorcycles, bikers all around Maryland and Washington, D.C., should understand that when it comes to a roadway accident, being injured while riding a bike is not exactly the same as being hurt in while riding in an automobile or commercial vehicle.

As Maryland personal injury attorneys, I and my staff have in-depth knowledge of the state laws and statutes covering traffic accidents, cost recovery following various types of personal injury, as well as the legal rules and guidelines that govern the insurance industry’s coverage of drivers, riders and passengers of various motor vehicles. As we mentioned above, the insurance laws governing individuals hurt while riding a Harley-Davidson, Honda, Ducati or any other kind of motor bike are somewhat different than those that apply to persons injured while riding in a car or truck.

Because of our experience in handling motorcycle-related personal injury cases, we know that most non-riders (that is, drivers of four-wheelers) are usually surprised to learn that the majority of car-bike and truck-bike collisions are caused by negligence on the part of the automobile or truck driver, not the motorcyclist as many tend to believe. Perhaps it’s the rough and tumble, so-called bad-boy image of the biker typically portrayed in movies and on TV; but the fact remains, most riders are conscientious and safety-oriented individuals.

Continue reading "Baltimore Traffic Accident Update: How Maryland Personal Injury Lawyers can Help Motorcycle Accident Victims -- Part One" »

Anyone who has ridden a motorcycle for any length of time already knows that getting into a traffic accident on a bike is no picnic. Even if one is fully equipped, with helmet riding leathers, full-coverage boots and thick gloves, the risk of broken bones, compound fractures and head or spine trauma is always staring a rider squarely in the face.

As Maryland personal injury lawyers, I and my colleagues have the knowledge and skills to represent bikers injured in collisions with passenger cars and commercial delivery vehicles. Aside from pedestrians and bicycle riders, motorcyclists are one of the more at-risk groups on our public roads. And whereas bicyclists also operate their bikes on the road, motorcycles are fast enough to travel on highways and expressways where the higher speeds only serve to exacerbate the potential for injury should a traffic wreck occur.

Not surprisingly, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has collected nationwide motorcycle accident statistics for many years. Much of what the NHTSA has learned is also confirmed by experts in the field of motorcycle safety. Whether one riders in Annapolis, Gaithersburg, Rockville or the District, it’s important to keep in mind that there are several constants when it comes to injury-related and fatal bike accidents.

Some of the more common causes of biker accidents include rider inexperience or inattention; alcohol use prior to mounting a bike; rider error or miscalculation; damage or imperfections in the roadway surface, including weather-related problems; and defective or poorly-maintained vehicle components, such as brakes, throttle system and wheel/suspension hardware.

Continue reading "Baltimore Motorcycle Accident Update: Physical and Emotional Injuries following a Bike Wreck Can be Extensive" »

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" »

Doing the right thing doesn’t always mean that you will avoid serious problems in your life. Motorcycle riders, like many people who engage in risky sports or hobbies understand that a traffic accident may be just moments away or around the next bend; or even waiting for them at the next busy intersection. As Maryland auto accident lawyers and personal injury attorneys, I and my staff know how serious a bike accident can be when a motorcycle is struck by a car or commercial truck; the rider is almost always the one to suffer.

Whether one rides a Harley-Davidson, Honda or Yamaha here in Baltimore or in Rockville, Gaithersburg or the District, the chances of a serious or fatal biking accident are always there. While experience and time on the road may help some riders to anticipate a crash situation or avoid areas that present excessive risk for motorcycle, scooter, or moped, fate itself can be a harsh mistress.

And the aftermath can sometimes be worse than the original roadway collision that sends the victim to the hospital in the first place. Medical treatment, physical therapy and weeks or months of recovery time can drain a family’s resources. Taking the victim out of the workforce for an extended period can result in lost wages, which are only compounded by extensive medical bills and hospital costs.

Continue reading "Maryland Motorcycle Rider Critically Hurt with Life-threatening Injuries in Anne Arundel County" »

As Maryland personal injury attorneys and motorists ourselves I and my colleagues see near misses between cars, trucks and motorcycles every month on the roads in and around Rockville, Cumberland, Annapolis and Washington, D.C. These instances are hard to forget because they are real-life reminders of the sometimes random and haphazard way in which car and trucking accidents can occur.

Aside from those individuals injured in motorcycle accident, bicycle riders are one of the more at-risk groups when it comes to traveling in densely populated urban and suburban areas. Efforts are ongoing to make the rural roadways and city streets, such as those in Baltimore, safer for two-wheeled and pedestrian traffic. Sadly, accident involving cyclists and persons on foot continue to occur with sometimes fatal consequences.

When it comes to motorcycle accidents, fatalities can be quite common for bikers hit by commercial delivery vehicles and even smaller passenger cars. Even with proper safety equipment -- operating headlight, taillight, good footwear, heavy leather jacket and pants, as well as a correctly-fitted helmet -- a cycle rider can receive extensive and sometimes life-threatening injuries. A helmet can help to reduce the extent of head injuries, but traumatic brain injury is one of common conditions that emergency room doctors see after a car-bike crash.

The so-called “donor cycle” moniker given to motorcycles by some in the healthcare field is not totally undeserved. In fact, it is likely due to the preponderance of closed-head injuries that the name arose, since it is often brain or spinal cord damage that kills or renders a rider in a vegetative state, leaving the rest of the individual’s body more or less in tact. Needless to say, motorcycle riders of any age must always remain alert and aware to the dangers all around them.

Continue reading "Maryland Traffic Accident News: Biker Critically Injured in Harford County after Collision with Passenger Car" »

The father of a man injured on his ATV during a motor vehicle crash with a Frederick County sheriff's cruiser is calling into question the police department’s version of what transpired on Saturday, May 23. According to news reports, a man from Mount Airy, MD, and his friends were riding their all-terrain vehicles along a stretch of Old National Pike Saturday.

The riders were reportedly spread across all lanes when a sheriff’s deputy had to brake and swerve to avoid hitting the ATVs. As a result, Christopher Hancock, 22, ended up striking the officer’s patrol car. Hancock was reportedly seriously hurt as a result. The young man’s father, Keith Hancock, says that according to his son the group was traveling in single file, not spread out as the police report maintains.

Furthermore, Hancock has told reporters that the group was only using the public roadway so that they could reach riding trails because the off-road route that they had planned to use was apparently too muddy. According to Hancock, his son remembers that the police car swerved in front of the group of ATVs in an apparent effort to make them stop.

As a result of the crash, Hancock was taken to Baltimore's R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma center. Based on reports, the man received a variety of injuries including a compound leg fracture, multiple lacerations and head trauma. While doctors believe all of these injuries are non-life-threatening, they are nonetheless extensive and perhaps could have been avoided.

The order of events, as provided by the sheriff's department, shows that deputies were dispatched to the stretch of Old National Pike near Mount Airy around 4pm in the afternoon after someone reported ATVs on the road. Based on police reports, Deputy First Class William Mosser was going westbound on Old National Pike near Sydney Road when he observed several ATVs approaching in the opposite direction and taking up both travel lanes.

Continue reading "Maryland Motorcycle Accident News: Injured ATV Rider Disputes Officer’s Account of Crash with Police Cruiser" »

The old expression, “Where there’s one, there’s another,” can apply to many things in life. On the road, motorcycle riders keep this phrase in mind whenever they see a deer or other animal in or near the roadway. You and your Harley, Ducati or Yamaha might avoid an accident with a buck, but keep a watchful eye that a second deer isn’t behind the bushes waiting to dart in front of you and your bike.

Maryland motorcyclists are no strangers to single-vehicle crashes, especially in autumn when fallen leaves and a little bit or rain can make pavement slick at the worst possible moment. More than one biker has lost control of his mount in a fast corner and collided with a guard rail, tree or other immovable object. Road rash is a distinct possibility in such biking accidents, but a broken leg or arm is not unusual.

Once down, a disabled motorcycle rider lying in the roadway can easily be hit by an approaching passenger car or commercial truck, especially at night. Many bikers have lost their lives in this kind of fatal, post-crash collision. The point we are trying to make here, as Maryland personal injury lawyers who represent riders injured in traffic accidents, is be careful out there. The riding season is still new and you’ll enjoy it more from the saddle of your favorite bike, instead of a hospital bed.

On that note, we ran across an article that returns us to the original saying of “Where there’s one.” According to the news, two motorcyclists were taken to the hospital following two separate traffic accidents on a Friday not long ago. In one crash, a rider from Hagerstown apparently lost control of his bike on an entrance ramp to I-70. There was not indication if the wreck was caused by defective equipment, but that’s always a possibility in single-vehicle accidents.

Continue reading "Baltimore Motorcycle Accident News: Two Riders Injured, Taken to Hospital in Separate Bike Wrecks" »

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.

Sometimes it seems like things can’t get any worse following a severe traffic accident. But whether it’s a car, motorcycle or trucking-related crash, there are instances where things can and do get worse some time down the road; occasionally months or years after the initial car or bike collision is but a hazy, yet painful memory.

As a Baltimore motorcycle injury lawyer, I and my colleagues understand how injuries sustained following a tragic traffic wreck can continue to trouble an individual both medically and financially all thought his or her lifetime. Such can be the case with injuries that affect the brain and spinal column.

Especially in cases involving traumatic brain injury (TBI), a person can suffer ill effects for years following a motorcycle or car crash. There are few maladies worse than those caused by a closed head injury. The complete or partial lose of motor function, speech problems and permanent memory loss, just to name a few, can each be a life altering affect of a single traffic accident.

Traumatic brain injury has also been known to alter an individual’s personality and even basic behavior and moral compass, according to some experts. Not long ago an article appeared discussing how one 38-year-old victim of TBI became entangled in his local criminal justice system following his injuries.

In this case, the man already had mental health issues as a young adult, with occasional marijuana use and weekend drinking. The article goes on to explain that he experimented with cocaine and amphetamines, yet never used them habitually. However, when he was 26 years old he was involved in a low-speed motorcycle accident. The crash reportedly left him briefly unconscious for about an hour.

Once he regained consciousness, there didn’t seem to be any obvious problems save for a broken arm. But over the next few years, the man began to exhibit more risky behavior, which involved an increased use of drugs and speeding on his motorcycle. At 29, while working for a construction company, the man reportedly fell three stories and sustained a much more severe TBI.

Continue reading "Maryland Injury Accident Update: Motorcycle, Bicycle-related Head Injuries can Lead to Serious Problems Later On" »

Following a car-scooter crash that injured Maryland football player Pete DeSouza on the University of Maryland campus, some people are asking whether the increase in scooter use on college campuses could lead to an increase in injury accidents among university students. As Baltimore motorcycle accident lawyers, we would also ask if the savings in time getting from one side of school to other is worth the added risk to life and limb.

According to news reports, DeSouza suffered severe injuries as a result of a traffic accident last fall caused when a passenger car turned directly in front of the 310-pound offensive lineman's scooter. Based on reports, DeSouza was headed back from study hall on the evening of October when the crash occurred, resulting in the man receiving two broken legs, which required numerous surgeries that will likely lay him up for six months or more.

It appears that DeSouza could have suffered other, more severe injuries to his head or brain had the backpack he was wearing not protected his head from direct impact with the pavement after he was thrown from the scooter that evening. Following the accident, the University Senate began debate on whether or not scooter riders be required to wear helmets when traveling on campus -- right now, helmets are not required for those who rider scooters on public roads.

Crashes like DeSouza’s can result in tragic results. Serious spinal damage as well as traumatic brain injury are relatively common in scooter, bicycle and motorcycle traffic accidents. Because most other motor vehicle are larger and heavier than a tiny scooter, it is not uncommon to see a rider killed during a severe car crash.

The argument for using scooters would seem to have many supporters, at least on the University of Maryland campus, which occupies more than 1,200 acres. For a student like DeSousa, a cross-campus walk takes about 15 or 20 minutes; taking a scooter cuts that transit time down to about six minutes. As many have said, for those students who already have tight schedules and extra 15 minutes here or there would be welcome for any number of tasks, like study, eating or catching up on notes with other classmates.

Efficiency and economy are big draws, but the “cool” factor is another significant appeal of these small-displacement motor scooters. With some scooters selling at around $600 for a base model, college administrators around the country claim that these cheap modes of transport are now popping up like weeds on campuses all over.

Maryland football player Pete DeSouza's scooter accident raises safety concerns on college campuses, WashingtonPost.com, November 5, 2010

How many times do we read news reports of single-vehicle accidents that either severely injure or kill the operator of that motor vehicle? In many instances, police investigations turn up evidence of driver error or fatigue, which more than likely had a major effect on the outcome of such events. Occasionally, however, investigators determine other possible causes.

One possible cause of a single-vehicle crash can be defective vehicle equipment. While this generally points to a manufacturing problem, such as faulty production methods or incorrect materials, there also exists potential third-party liability through a service facility such as a tire store or local repair garage.

Whatever the cause, the result of a motorcycle crash can be devastating, not only in terms of physical injury but in the monetary and financial cast to an individual or family.
As a Baltimore personal injury attorney, I have represented bikers and their families following serious traffic accidents.

In the case of a fatal wreck, it may be appropriate to file a wrongful death claim against another individual for negligent or wrongful behavior. Yet even if the rider survives a crash, costs to the family may be quite extensive. In such instances, a claim allows the victim and his family to receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages and other financial costs associated with the accident.

A recent news report detailed the crash of a motorcyclist who was riding alone when he apparently lost control of his 2009 Kawasaki bike. According to police, 24-year-old William David Ballenger hit a telephone pole along Catoctin Furnace Rd. near Auburn just after 8pm on a Friday evening.

Although no mention was made of whether defective equipment may have played a part, authorities said Ballenger only had his motorcycle operator's license for about two months prior to the accident. Police reports also indicate that the man was traveling too fast when he lost control of the bike.

Police said Ballenger, who was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, was taken to R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore just after 9pm. His injuries were described as not life threatening. The crash was still being investigated at the time of the news report.

Motorcyclist injured in crash with telephone pole, FrederickNewspost.com, August 21, 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

A 47-year-old motorcyclist and his passenger were injured on a Saturday afternoon when the bike they were riding on collided with a passenger car along a section of Maryland 63 just west of Hagerstown, MD. Being a Baltimore motorcycle accident lawyer for many years, this is a distressingly typical scenario experienced by many bikers at least once during their lifetime.

This traffic accident, which also involved a passenger vehicle, is only one of dozens reported every year in Maryland. In this particular case, the wreck was bad enough that it left the driver of the bike in critical condition at a local hospital.

According to police reports, two Carroll County residents were enjoying a Saturday afternoon ride outside of Hagerstown when a 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo tried to cross the roadway eastbound along Broadfording Road. In the process of crossing Md. 63 the Chevy apparently pulled right into the path of the oncoming motorcycle.

The bike carrying Michael Destefano and his girlfriend, 45-year-old Christine Biddinger, struck the left side of the Monte Carlo, throwing the motorcycle’s driver and passenger off the bike onto the roadway shortly before 3pm. Police put some of the blame on a large tree located at that intersection, which apparently obstructs the view from both roads.

Officers from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office responded along with other emergency responders. Destefano, a New Windsor resident, was reportedly flown to the University of Maryland R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center where he was listed in critical condition Sunday the next day. Biddinger was taken to Washington County Hospital with a variety of injuries including a broken arm, chest injuries and a collapsed lung. Biddinger was listed in fair condition the day following the accident.

According to the news article, the driver of the Chevy 20-year-old Morgan Fahey of Hagerstown, refused treatment. There was no information at the time of the news article whether or not charges would be pressed against the car’s driver. The area was reportedly closed to traffic for several hours as a reconstruction team attempted to piece together the crash.

Carroll County man in critical condition after motorcycle accident, Herald-Mail.com, June 12, 2010

Cycle accidents were on the rise earlier this spring as many bikers and other motorcycle enthusiasts hit the interstates and rural roads at the first sign of warm weather. Calvert County experienced the third of southern Maryland’s serious motorcycle crashes late on a Saturday evening in April when a husband and wife where injured in a single-bike wreck.

The accident took place on Bowie Shop road, near Lowery Road in Huntington, MD. According to reports, the couple had been traveling westbound through Calvert County just before midnight when for some reason their 2007 Harley Davidson entered the westbound shoulder of the roadway. According to police at the scene, 43-year-old Flint Duffey was piloting the vehicle with his wife, Tracy, seated on the back. (It was unknown at the time whether or not the accident was cuased by rider error or defective vehicle equipment.)

The husband apparently steered to the left and applied brakes in order to avoid leaving the pavement; however he lost control of the motorcycle, which apparently laid over and slid on its side across the roadway. Both riders were reportedly ejected from the motorcycle, which came to rest following a collision with the eastbound guardrail.

As we’ve said here before, regardless of whether you ride a cruiser, standard or so-called crotch-rocket, motorcycle crashes can result in serious injuries depending on the nature of the crash and whether or not another motor vehicle, such as a passenger car or commercial truck, is involved in the traffic accident. Head trauma is always a possibility, though helmet use can improve a rider’s chances of severe injury or possible death.

In this instance, no other vehicles were involved and the Duffeys survived the crash with non-life-threatening injuries. Emergency responders arriving at the scene treated the couple, who were then transported to the Prince George's Shock Trauma by Maryland State Police helicopters. They were both listed in stable condition at the time of the news report, and police were still investigating whether alcohol or prescription drugs use was a factor.

Two Injured in Calvert Motorcycle Crash, SoMD.com, April 5, 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

Where there’s one there is usually another, or so the saying goes. As more than one motorcycle rider has commented, seeing one deer or other large animal by the side of the road means at least another may be close by. This kind of thinking has saved many a biker from a serious motorcycle crash due to wildlife in the roadway. Of course, safety should always be the primary concern of any rider who takes his riding seriously.

Even so, traffic accidents like car-bike crashes can and do happen. For owners of Yamahas, Ducatis, Harley-Davidsons and Buells, avoiding a traffic accident is a full-time job when operating a motorcycle on public roads. Heavy traffic and rush hour congestion only increases the risk to bikers of every kind.

Not too long ago, a couple unrelated traffic accidents sent two riders to the hospital on the same day. Based on news reports at the time, one of the motorcyclists was involved in a single-vehicle crash in Pasadena, while the other hit a large sport utility vehicle in Glen Burnie.

According to police reports, emergency responders were called to the scene of the first accident at Mountain and Hickory Point roads in Pasadena just before 2pm on a Sunday afternoon. The police call indicated that a 72-year-old rider had hit a pothole and apparently lost control of his bike. Paramedics arriving at the accident scene treated the man and then transported him to the Maryland Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore. Based on news reports, the motorcycle rider had serious but not life-threatening injuries.

Later that evening, emergency personnel were alerted to a two-vehicle traffic accident in Glen Burnie around 8:40pm. The bike-SUV crash happened at Point Pleasant Road and Bell Avenue in Marley. The collision involved a Chevrolet Suburban and a Harley-Davidson, according to police reports.

The 48-year-old Harley rider was treated at the scene by Paramedics and then transported to the shock trauma center with serious injuries, according to a Glenn Burnie County Fire Department spokesperson.

Motorcycle crashes send 2 to hospital, HometownGlenBurnie.com, April 7, 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" »

If you know anyone who has been hurt in a motorcycle crash, you can understand how serious a rider’s injuries can be especially when compared to a similar car or truck accident. The laws of physics apply equally to bikes and passenger cars, however when it comes to bodily injury size does matter -- in the motorcycle versus car arena, the motorcycle usually loses out, and so does the rider.

As Baltimore personal injury lawyers and motorcycle accident attorneys, our office is well-equipped to represent victims of traffic collisions involving motorcycles, scooters, bicycles and other two-wheeled vehicles. Motorcycle injury accidents can take a devastating toll on riders and their passengers. Hospital bills can cause problems for families just getting by, and any lost wages due to extended rehabilitation, temporary or permanent disability can make it particularly hard.

The state of Maryland has laws on the books that are designed to help protect riders and in doing so provide safer and less dangerous traffic conditions for riders and drivers alike.

Motorcycle-specific traffic laws, such as helmet regulations and lane-sharing laws, vary from state to state. Still, it is crucial that all drivers on public roads understand and abide by these rules. Knowing and following helmet and riding laws will help prevent motorcycle accidents across Maryland. The flowing is a listing of some of the key laws in place that can help save your life, or the life of someone you know.

1) Every rider is required to wear a helmet while operating a motorcycle on Maryland's city streets, county roads, highways, and interstates -- all public roads. Operators of off-road vehicles such as dirt bikes and trials bikes are not required to wear helmets – although helmet use has distinct safety benefits in this area as well.

2) Eye protection is required on all on-road bikes, unless that vehicle is equipped with a windscreen. Similarly, dirt bike riders and operators of other off-road vehicles are not required to wear eye protection.

3) Headlamp use is also an important safety point. And while Maryland law does not require motorcycle riders to operate their headlamp(s) during the daytime, it is highly advisable to always run with your headlamps on. In fact, it is more or less universally agreed that using your headlight during the day reduces your chances of being hit by another vehicle, such as a truck or passenger car.

Continue reading "Baltimore Motorcycle Accident and Injury Update: Maryland’s Motorcycle Law Specifics Aim at Rider Safety " »

Regardless of your level of experience in riding motorcycles, accidents can and do happen. Whatever you ride, be it a cruiser, chopper or crotch-rocket, the dangers on Maryland’s urban and rural roads are many and varied. As a personal injury and motorcycle accident lawyer serving residents of Baltimore, Annapolis, the District and the rest of the state, I have seen the results of bike crashes and the bodily injuries that can be sustained.

Traffic accidents are inevitable with so many cars and trucks on the road. But even when multi-vehicle accidents -- that is a truck- or car-motorcycle collision -- there are always the single-bike accidents to consider. Whether a wreck is caused by defective equipment such as a poorly maintained fork assembly, worn-out wheel bearing or bad brakes, or by an external cause, the outcome can be serious.

Motorcycles provide much fun and excitement, but they also must be respected. High speeds and rider inattention are a recipe for disaster. Whatever the cause, a motorcycle crash can cause severe injuries including broken bones, scrapes, gashes and road rash, traumatic brain injuries and spinal damage. Maryland’s helmet law is something that has saved many lives, but a helmet can’t keep a rider from making a fatal mistake or underestimating local conditions.

It wasn’t long ago that a couple, likely out for a pleasure ride was in northeast Maryland when one of the worst possible events occurred. According to police records, a deer darted out in front of the motorcycle on which the man and woman were riding. In an effort to avoid the animal, the driver attempted to steer the bike to one side. Based on the news reports, the bike may have been traveling to fast to recover from the maneuver and still stay on the roadway.

According to the news coverage, the motorcycle crash occurred near Fair Hill in Cecil County, MD. The couple’s motorcycle reportedly left the road and struck a fence throwing the riders off the bike. The driver, 27-year-old Kevin Kitts and his 28-year-old passenger, Astra Agularia, were injured in the accident. Emergency responders arriving on the scene treated the two and then transported for further treatment.

It would appear that the Ms. Agularia received the most severe injuries, due to the fact that she was taken to University of Maryland’s Shock Trauma Unit in Baltimore following the crash. The driver was taken to Christiana Hospital, but was released the same day according to the news.

People injured in Sunday motorcycle accident identified, CecilWhig.com, November 11, 2009

Even the most simple of traffic incidents can turn a pleasant motorcycle ride into a fight for life. That was the case in mid September when a 36-year-old man crashed on his cycle after a run-in with a small deer not far from his home. The partners at Lebowitz & Mzhen, LLC have the background to help persons who have been injured on a motorcycle. In cases such as this one, a relatively small animal caused the rider to be thrown from his bike nearly 50 feet, which resulted in very severe injuries.

According to a news report, Charlie Buckheit was riding his motorcycle along Bodkin Avenue when a small doe leapt in front of his bike. Although it was a small deer, about 100 pounds or so according to his wife, the collision was sufficient to knock Buckheit off his bike.

At 265 pounds, the rider was large enough to weather the hit with the deer, however a lighter person may have been killed by the crash. According to his wife, the man landed in a pile of grass and leaves, which may have softened his landing. He was also wearing a helmet, which was probably an important factor in his survival -- it’s not uncommon for motorcyclists to suffer fatal traumatic brain injuries in accidents such as this one.

In regard to this crash, the man's injuries were extensive. According to reports, Buckheit broke nine ribs, his collar bone and his shoulder blade. The impact also punctured both of his lungs and caused bleeding in his brain -- the crash also resulted in injury to the right frontal lobe of Buckheit's brain; he floated in and out of consciousness for several weeks at the hospital.

The news article reminded of the danger of brain injuries, and as the man’s wife suggested there will be a long road to recovery. “We still don't know what's going to happen," Buckheit’s wife Tammy said. “We won't know the full effects of the brain injury for a full year."

The man returned home after spending a full month in the hospital. The costs of that stay will likely cause a burden on the family, even though he reportedly will receive disability checks equal about 60 percent of his income as a driver for Annapolis beer distributor, Katcef Bros. His wife plans to work from home as long as she can, but she may have to take an unpaid leave of absence to continue to care for her husband and keep costs low.

Community rallies around injured baseball coach, HomeTownGlenBurnie.com, October 14, 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

Emergency responders from Howard County recently responded to a serious motorcycle injury accident on the southbound lanes of Maryland's Route 29 near Seneca Drive. Reportedly, a husband and wife riding two-up on a BMW R75/6 contacted a guardrail during the afternoon of June 8 near Columbia, MD. Both riders were transported to the R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore for treatment of their injuries.

According to Howard County police, 55-year-old Timothy Danaher was operating the couple’s motorcycle with his wife, Diana Danaher, also 55 years old, riding on the back of the same bike. News articles state that the motorcyle somehow veered to the left causing the vehicle to strike a roadside guardrail -- the reason for accident was as yet unknown. Both riders were thrown off the bike. After being admitted to the hospital, Mrs. Danaher's condition was listed as fair, however her husband was in critical condition.

Without a doubt, motorcycle accidents can inflict some of the worst injuries for the operator and any other person riding along as well. As Maryland motorcycle accident lawyers, we have a great deal of experience in injury accident cases just like this one. Although the Howard County police department’s traffic enforcement section was still investigating the crash, from the sound of it, this accident may have happened due to a defective part or perhaps improper maintenance. Regardless of the cause, the husband’s injuries could be severe, and may include traumatic brain injury or damage to the spinal cord.

Continue reading "Married Couple Severely Hurt after Their Motorcycle Crashes on Route 29 in Columbia, Maryland" »

An off-duty Annapolis police officer was seriously hurt when he rode his motorcycle into the rearend of a construction vehicle on Interstate 95, near Route 216 in Scaggsville, Maryland. The two-vehicle crash happened close to midnight on May 31 -- the incident caused law enforcement personnel to close down the highway for about 60 minutes.

The 28-year-old rider, Edwin Caraballo of Pikesville, MD, has been working about 12 months for the Annapolis Police Department. According to Maryland State Police, Caraballo sustained multiple injuries as well as being knocked unconscious when he apparently rode his 2004 Suzuki motorcycle at a rather high rate of speed directly into the back of the truck.

Police investigators report that Caraballo was travelling on I-95 when suddenly changed lanes apparently not knowing that his newly chosen lane was being shut down for construction. The man slammed into the rear of a Chevy work truck.

When police arrived, they found Caraballo unconscious in the roadway. Howard County Fire and Rescue personnel attempted to revive him and he was subsequently flown to the Maryland Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore, where he was listed in serious but stable condition. Reports indicate that the man only had knee and arm injuries, which makes him lucky because incidents like this can easily result in traumatic brain injuries or worse.

According to reports, the off-duty officer was not riding with the proper documentation for his bike or himself. State police charged him with negligent driving, driving an uninsured vehicle, and driving without current registration and a proper driver's license for a motorcycle.

Continue reading "Off-duty Annapolis Police Officer Hurt on I-95 After Crashing Motorcycle into Construction Vehicle" »