Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog

What Maryland Motorcycle Riders Should Know After a Serious Crash Involving Another Vehicle

June 17, 2025 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

A recent fatal motorcycle crash involving a passenger vehicle highlights the serious risks riders face and the legal challenges that often follow. While this incident occurred out of state, the circumstances mirror many of the collisions seen here in Maryland—an impact between a motorcycle and a car, a severely injured rider, and questions about what went wrong. These tragedies happen in moments but leave long-lasting consequences for victims and their families.

If you or someone close to you was involved in a motorcycle crash caused by another driver, the legal and financial aftermath can be overwhelming. Understanding how Maryland law treats these situations can help you protect your rights and begin the recovery process.

Motorcycle Riders Are Often Left with the Worst Injuries

When a car and motorcycle collide, the rider almost always faces the greater risk of harm. There is little physical protection beyond a helmet and jacket. Riders in these crashes may suffer traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, broken limbs, road rash, or internal bleeding. Even when the at-fault driver walks away unharmed, the rider often requires emergency treatment, extended hospitalization, and months of follow-up care.

Maryland law allows you to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering when another driver is responsible. However, the strength of your case depends on what steps you take immediately after the collision.

Injured Riders Should Preserve Evidence Quickly

After a crash, it is critical to document everything. Medical records, police reports, photographs of the scene, and contact information for witnesses all help support your claim. If possible, secure a copy of the crash report and make note of any inconsistencies in the other driver’s account. In some cases, law enforcement may not issue citations or charges, especially if liability appears unclear at the scene. That does not prevent you from pursuing a civil claim for damages.

You should also contact your insurance provider to notify them of the crash, but avoid giving a recorded statement before speaking with a lawyer. Insurers may attempt to use your words to minimize their financial exposure, even when you are not at fault.

Maryland’s Insurance Rules Can Impact Compensation

In Maryland, drivers are required to carry minimum liability coverage. Unfortunately, these limits may not cover the full extent of a rider’s injuries. That is why uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage becomes important. If the driver who caused the crash lacks sufficient insurance, you may still be able to recover through your own policy.

Wrongful death claims may also be available to surviving family members if a loved one is killed in a motorcycle crash. These claims can include funeral costs, loss of companionship, and loss of future income. Maryland has strict time limits for filing these claims, so it is important to act quickly.

Interstate Travel Can Complicate Legal Issues

Many riders cross state lines without a second thought, but crashes that happen outside Maryland can bring extra legal complications. Jurisdiction, insurance coverage, and evidence collection may span multiple states. In those cases, you need a legal team that can coordinate investigations and claims across state boundaries. If you reside in Maryland but were injured while riding elsewhere, you still have the right to pursue a claim. Do not assume that an out-of-state crash puts you beyond help.

How Lebowitz & Mzhen Can Support Maryland Riders

At Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers, we represent Maryland residents who have suffered serious injuries in motorcycle collisions involving careless drivers. Our team works quickly to gather medical records, consult with crash experts, and secure the evidence needed to build your case. Whether the crash occurred in Maryland or while traveling, we will help you seek the full compensation you deserve.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle crash caused by another driver, contact Lebowitz & Mzhen at (800) 654-1949 for a free consultation. We are here to help you understand your options and take the next step forward.

What You Should Know After a Maryland Left-Turn Crash

May 15, 2025 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Motorcycle crashes often happen in an instant, and left-turn accidents are some of the most common and most dangerous. In Maryland, drivers turning left across traffic frequently claim they “didn’t see” an oncoming motorcycle—until it’s too late. For riders, the result can be devastating: catastrophic injuries, long recovery periods, and a frustrating battle with insurance companies.

If you were hit in this type of collision, you may be entitled to compensation. Under Maryland law, the driver making the left turn is typically responsible—unless they can prove you were speeding or otherwise at fault. But don’t assume that means a quick settlement. These cases often require investigation, medical records, and legal advocacy to move forward successfully.

Why Do Left-Turn Motorcycle Accidents Happen So Often?

Most of these crashes occur when a driver at an intersection tries to make a left-hand turn and cuts directly into a motorcyclist’s path. Sometimes the sun creates glare. Sometimes the driver is distracted. Often, though, the driver simply fails to register the smaller profile of a motorcycle—especially if traffic is heavy or the rider is approaching quickly.

Helmet Use Reduces Severe Injuries in Motorcycle Crashes but Does Not Affect Legal Claims in Maryland

March 31, 2025 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Motorcycle accidents lead to severe injuries at a disproportionately high rate compared to other traffic collisions. Research consistently shows that wearing a helmet significantly lowers the risk of fatal head injuries and reduces the likelihood of intensive medical intervention. A recent study, Injury Patterns and Outcomes in Motorcycle Driver Crash in the United States: The Effect of Helmet Use, reinforces the importance of protective gear.

Despite the undeniable benefits of helmet use, Maryland law does not consider failure to wear a helmet to be contributory negligence in motorcycle accident claims. This distinction is critical because Maryland follows a strict contributory negligence rule that prevents injured riders from recovering compensation if they are found even slightly at fault for a crash.

Helmet Use and Injury Severity in Motorcycle Accidents

Failure to Yield Leads to Fatal Motorcycle Crash in Howard County

March 11, 2025 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

A two-vehicle crash in Howard County claimed the life of a 76-year-old motorcyclist when a truck driver failed to yield while making a left turn. The incident occurred at U.S. Highway 87 and Driver Road intersection, where a Harley-Davidson rider traveling northeast collided with a Ram 2500 attempting to turn left. The motorcyclist was transported to a local hospital but later succumbed to injuries.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. Initial reports indicate that the truck driver failed to yield the right of way before completing the turn, leading to the deadly collision. No injuries were reported for the individual operating the pickup.

Why Are Left-Turn Accidents So Common?

Motorcycles offer little protection in the event of a collision, making left-turn crashes particularly dangerous. When a vehicle turns left at an intersection, it must yield to oncoming traffic unless a traffic signal indicates otherwise. In this case, the truck entered the motorcycle’s path, leaving the rider with little time to react.

Legal Options After a Deadly Motorcycle Crash Near Maryland

February 28, 2025 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

A tragic motorcycle accident in Manassas, Virginia, claimed the life of a 25-year-old motorcyclist from neighboring Fairfax after a collision with a Jeep Cherokee. The crash occurred when the Jeep driver attempted a left turn across the motorcyclist’s path, resulting in a fatal impact near Breeden Avenue. While the Jeep driver sustained minor injuries, the motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene. Law enforcement is asking for witnesses to come forward, which is a critical step in determining exactly what happened.

This accident raises important legal questions for motorcyclists in Maryland, especially since many Maryland riders frequently travel into Virginia and neighboring states. When crashes happen across state lines, legal claims may be more complicated. Evidence plays a significant role in proving liability, particularly in motorcycle accidents where insurance companies often try to blame riders for their injuries. Understanding what evidence is available and how it is used in a claim can significantly affect the outcome.

Why Are Witnesses Critical in Maryland Motorcycle Accident Cases?

Motorcycle accidents occur at intersections, often when another driver misjudges a motorcyclist’s speed or fails to yield the right-of-way. In these situations, witness statements can be invaluable. Unlike multi-vehicle crashes involving cars and trucks, motorcycle accidents often have fewer points of impact, making it more challenging to reconstruct the sequence of events without independent testimony.

Maryland Motorcycle Accidents and DUI Drivers

January 31, 2025 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Motorcycle accidents involving impaired drivers can leave victims and families grappling with devastating consequences. In Maryland, these crashes often result in serious injuries or fatalities, making it essential to seek accountability through the legal system. Driving under the influence is both a criminal act and a form of negligence, and it places all road users, particularly motorcyclists, at heightened risk.

If you or someone you care about has been harmed in a motorcycle accident caused by a DUI driver, pursuing compensation may help you recover from the financial and emotional toll. Maryland personal injury attorneys can help you understand how the state’s laws, including negligence per se, apply to your case and how to establish fault to hold the responsible driver accountable.

DUI and Maryland’s Negligence Per Se Laws

What Maryland Riders Should Know About Out-of-State Motorcycle Accidents

January 24, 2025 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

When an accident happens outside Maryland, it raises specific legal and logistical challenges. Jurisdictional laws, unfamiliar roads, and dealing with insurance claims in another state can quickly overwhelm even the most prepared rider. In this recent accident, the 37-year-old Maryland motorcyclist tragically collided with a vehicle that failed to yield and was subsequently struck by three other vehicles, one of which fled the scene. For Maryland motorcyclists, such incidents emphasize the importance of understanding your rights and the legal process in another state.

Each state has its own traffic laws, insurance requirements, and liability rules. For example, Florida follows a “pure comparative negligence” system, which means each party involved in an accident can share a percentage of the blame. Maryland, on the other hand, follows a stricter contributory negligence rule, where even minimal fault on your part can bar recovery. If you’re injured or lose a loved one in an out-of-state motorcycle crash, the laws of the state where the accident occurred typically apply, further complicating your case.

How Insurance Works When Accidents Happen Outside Maryland

The Devastation of Hit-and-Run Accidents Involving Motorcyclists

December 27, 2024 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Hit-and-run accidents involving motorcyclists are among the most devastating types of crashes on the road. These incidents often result in severe injuries or fatalities due to the lack of protection motorcyclists have compared to passengers in other vehicles. When a driver evades the scene after causing harm, it leaves victims and their families with not only the physical and emotional burden of the accident but also the legal challenges of holding the at-fault party accountable.

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a motorcycle accident involving a hit-and-run, immediate legal action is essential to identify the driver, secure compensation, and protect your rights.

Why Are Motorcycle Accidents Often Fatal?

Motorcyclists face a significantly higher risk of fatal injuries in accidents due to their exposure and vulnerability. Unlike occupants of cars, motorcyclists are not surrounded by a protective structure, airbags, or seatbelts. Even with helmets and protective gear, the forces involved in a crash can be catastrophic.

Motorcycle Accidents Are a Very Real Threat – Be Sure to Take Every Precaution

November 28, 2024 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

A recent fatal motorcycle accident reported by MySunCoast News underscores the devastating consequences of traffic collisions involving motorcyclists. The accident highlights the vulnerability of motorcyclists on the road and the tragic outcomes that can result from a moment’s lapse in caution. While the investigation into this particular crash continues, the broader implications resonate nationwide, including here in Maryland.

For families dealing with the aftermath of a fatal motorcycle accident, the emotional toll is compounded by questions about what went wrong and whether someone else’s negligence played a role. The law offers avenues for pursuing accountability and compensation, but navigating the complexities of motorcycle accident claims requires experienced legal representation.

Maryland’s Roads and Motorcycle Accident Risks

Biker Dies at Scene of Prince George’s County SUV-Motorcycle Crash

October 30, 2024 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

There is little doubt among most ER doctors and other emergency room personnel that, all things being equal, motorcycling is a much higher-risk activity than operating a passenger car or riding on public transportation. The same goes for those riders in Maryland, many of whom are at a greater risk of being hurt or killed than other drivers on the road. According to some studies, the difference in risk between driving an SUV, minivan or sedan and riding a sport bike is staggeringly greater than one might assume. In fact, it has been estimated that for every mile traveled by a motorcycle rider, that individual’s chances of being involved in a fatal roadway or beltway accident is more than 30 times that of a passenger car driver.

While both car and motorbike riders should be equally careful when operating on Maryland’s public roads, the extremely high risk to a motorcycle rider and/or his passenger should make any biker exercise maximum caution to avoid situations that might result in a fatality. Sadly, despite the disparity between the number of motorcyclists versus automobiles traveling on rural routes and interstates, the chances of serious or fatal injuries sustained by a motorcycle rider far outstrips the odds of injury (or death) faced by car and truck drivers under similar circumstances.

Not long ago, a young man traveling on a motorcycle in Prince George’s County lost his life in a traffic accident involving an SUV. According to police, the 23-year-old male was pronounced dead at the scene of a fatal motorcycle-automobile crash in Hyattsville, MD, over the Memorial Day weekend. The victim, a resident of University Park, was identified by authorities as Angel Aguilar. Mr. Aguilar was killed around 3pm on a Saturday after apparently being thrown from his bike, his body landing on a nearby sidewalk.

Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog

<strong> Why </strong><strong>Do Left-Turn Motorcycle Accidents Happen So Often</strong><strong>?</strong>

Helmet Use and Injury Severity in Motorcycle Accidents

Why Are Left-Turn Accidents So Common?

Why Are Witnesses Critical in Maryland Motorcycle Accident Cases?

Why Are Motorcycle Accidents Often Fatal?