Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog
While motorcyclists should take every precaution while on the road, it is not a motorcyclist’s duty to prevent accidents that may be caused by other negligent drivers. While there are a number of common causes of motorcycle accidents, drunk driving in particular presents an especially serious risk to motorcyclists, who have less protection than other motorists and often have less time to react to hazards.
Motorcyclists are already at an increased risk of being involved in a serious or fatal accident. Indeed, a recent study conducted by the Insurance Information Institute suggests that motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to be killed in a traffic accident than those who drive cars or trucks. It is estimated that approximately 21% of all at-fault motorists involved in traffic accidents have a blood alcohol content at or above the legal limit.
Drunk drivers who cause a serious or fatal motorcycle accident may be held liable through a Maryland personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. If successful, an injured motorcycle accident victim can recover compensation to reimburse them for their medical bills and lost wages. In addition, compensation packages may include amounts to cover future medical treatment, if necessary, as well as any pain and suffering caused by the accident.
Motorcyclist Killed in Drunk Driving Accident
Last month, a motorcyclist was killed when he was struck by an SUV on an Oklahoma highway. According to a local news report covering the tragic accident, the accident occurred just after 10 in the evening. Evidently, the motorcyclist had just pulled onto the highway when the SUV approached at a high rate of speed from behind. The SUV, apparently not seeing the motorcyclist, ran into the rear of the motorcycle, sending the motorcyclist off the bike and onto the pavement. It was not mentioned whether the motorcyclist was wearing a helmet.
Emergency responders arrived on the scene of the accident shortly afterward and pronounced the motorcyclist dead due to the trauma he sustained in the accident. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol arrived on the scene and began an immediate investigation. Authorities believe that the driver of the SUV was intoxicated, and he will face upcoming criminal charges. It remains to be seen if the family of the motorcyclist will be pursuing any civil action against the driver of the SUV.
Have You Been Injured in a Maryland Motorcycle Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been injured in a Maryland motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. The skilled personal injury and wrongful death attorneys at the law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers have decades of combined experience assisting injured motorcycle victims in seeking the compensation they deserve. With a true client-centered approach to our representation, we can handle your case from beginning to end, while keeping you fully informed throughout the process. To learn more, and to speak with a dedicated personal injury attorney about your case, call 410-654-3600 to schedule your free consultation today.
More Blog Posts:
Federal Appellate Court Discusses Sovereign Immunity in Recent Bicycle Accident Case, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published April 13, 2017.
Police Liability in High-Speed Chases, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published April 27, 2017.