While there are many different types of motorcycle accidents, one of the more common types is when a motorist misjudges the speed at which a motorcyclist is traveling and cuts off the motorcyclist, leaving the rider little choice but to jump off the bike or crash into the other vehicle. These accidents are often incorrectly labeled “rear-end” accidents by the media and police, since that would imply that the motorcyclist was at fault.
Whenever a driver is rear-ended, there is a presumption, rightly or wrongly, that the driver who crashed into the rear of the other vehicle was at fault for the collision. Indeed, many times this is the case. However, in motorcycle accidents, there is often more to the story.
Due to a motorcycle’s slim profile and most drivers’ lack of experience sharing the road with motorcycles, many motorists have a difficult time gauging the speed at which motorcyclists are traveling. This can cause a driver to pull out in front of a motorcycle without leaving the motorcyclist adequate time to slow down. In these cases, it is likely the motorist rather than the motorcyclist who is at fault for the accident. Of course, if the motorcyclist is speeding at the time, that can complicate matters because then the motorcyclist will have lost the right-of-way.
In Maryland, people injured in a motorcycle accident due to the careless driving of another person may be entitled to monetary damages to help them cover the costs associated with their injuries.
Motorcyclist Killed When Cut Off by Car
Earlier this month in Kansas City, Missouri, a motorcyclist was killed in a two-vehicle accident involving the motorcycle and a Dodge. According to one local news report covering the accident, the crash occurred on a Sunday afternoon with no adverse weather conditions.
Evidently, the motorcyclist was traveling down the road when the Dodge pulled out directly in front of the motorcyclist. The motorcyclist – as is too often the case – died as a result of the injuries he sustained. He was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. The driver of the Dodge was also hospitalized, although he is expected to make a full recovery. Police are still investigating the accident, and at this point the driver of the Dodge is not facing any criminal charges.
Have You Been Injured in a Maryland Motorcycle Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been involved in a serious motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. However, it is not uncommon for the other driver involved or their insurance company to attempt to shift the blame for the accident onto the motorcyclist. Don’t let a savvy defense attorney destroy your chance at recovery. Call the Maryland personal injury law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen and set up a free consultation to discuss your case. With decades of experience in Maryland personal injury law, the lawyers at Lebowitz & Mzhen have a successful track record and know what it takes to win in Maryland courts. Call 410-654-3600 today to set up your free consultation.
More Blog Posts:
Accidents Caused by a Driver’s Inability to Gauge the Speed of Motorcycles, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published March 4, 2016.
Garbage Truck Hits Bicyclist and Leaves the Scene, Driver Claims He Was Unaware of the Collision, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published March 25, 2016.