Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog
When someone causes a serious or fatal Maryland motorcycle accident, the accident may form the basis of a criminal charge against the at-fault driver. However, while judges in criminal cases can order restitution in some situations, the objective of a criminal case is not to compensate the victim for the damages they sustained. Instead, the criminal justice system is primarily concerned with punishing a defendant for violating the law.
A defendant in a criminal matter may also face a civil claim brought by those who were injured in the accident. These are often referred to as personal injury claims. Unlike a criminal case, the focus of a personal injury case is to compensate an accident victim for the damages they sustained as a result of the defendant’s conduct. Often, this includes damages amounts for medical expenses, lost wages, loss of companionship, as well as for any emotional pain and suffering caused by the accident.
When a negligent driver’s negligence or recklessness causes a fatal accident, the accident victim’s surviving loved ones can bring a Maryland wrongful death lawsuit. These claims are very similar to negligence claims except that wrongful death cases allow different types of damages, and the process of filing the case is slightly different. The takeaway is that accident victims are not limited by the state’s decision to pursue a criminal conviction against an at-fault driver, and can pursue their own claim against the motorist in civil court.
Update: Motorist Responsible for the Deaths of Seven Motorcyclists Indicted
Earlier this year, a Massachusetts man driving a pick-up truck collided into a pack of motorcyclists, killing seven and seriously injuring several others. According to a recent news report, the 23-year-old driver was indicted on 23 counts, including charges of reckless manslaughter, negligent homicide, and driving under the influence.
The tragic accident occurred as the young driver was traveling westbound on the highway when he inexplicably crossed the center median and crashed into the group of eastbound motorcyclists. It was later determined that the driver tested positive for an unspecified drug and was reaching for a drink at the time of the accident. Authorities then found out that the driver also had several out-of-state convictions that would have made him ineligible for a commercial driver’s license. There are also concerns that the driver’s employer failed to investigate the man’s driving history.
Have You Been Injured in a Maryland Motorcycle Accident?
If you or someone you love has recently been injured in a Maryland motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. At the Maryland personal injury law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen, Personal Injury Lawyers, we represent accident victims and their families in all types of motor vehicle collisions, including scooter accidents and motorcycle crashes. To learn more about how our team of skilled injury lawyers can help you recover for your injuries, call 800-654-1949 to schedule a free consultation today. Calling is free, and we will not collect anything for our time and effort unless we can help you recover for your injuries.