Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog
Maryland motorcycle accidents are incredibly dangerous. Unlike cars, which provide a significant barrier between other vehicles and the bodies of the drivers and passengers and have safety features such as automatic braking and airbags, motorcycles provide very little protection to riders. Motorcycle accidents also tend to occur at higher speeds, and almost always result in the motorcyclist being thrown off the bike. These are a few of the reasons that motorcycle accidents so often result in serious injuries and fatalities.
Recently, a tragic motorcycle accident resulted in the death of a 31-year-old woman. Not much is known about why the accident occurred, but according to a local news report the motorcycle was being driven by a 35-year-old man when it crashed around 2 a.m. The passenger on the motorcycle was killed as a result, and the driver also suffered injuries. The driver walked away from the scene of the accident, however, leaving his deceased passenger and wrecked motorcycle behind. State troopers and county sheriff’s deputies searched all night for the driver, finally locating him around 8:30 a.m. in a convenience store. The crash is currently under investigation, and it is not clear whether or not charges will be filed against the driver.
This accident is a tragic illustration of how fatal motorcycle accidents can be. Every year, many Maryland residents lose loved ones in accidents like this, causing pain and heartbreak. While nothing can undo the damage that is done in these crashes, or bring the deceased back to life, Maryland state law has developed a doctrine to allow grieving family members to hold whoever caused their loved one’s death responsible in court. By filing a wrongful death lawsuit, the family can recover financially to cover things such as funeral and burial expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and medical bills.
In the case above, the victim’s family may be able to file suit against the motorcycle driver if they could prove that he was driving negligently. For these claims to be successful, the plaintiff typically must prove that the defendant owed a duty of care to the deceased, that they breached that duty in some way (driving under the influence, for example, or failing to follow traffic laws), that their breach was the actual and proximate cause of the accident, and that the victim died as a result. Failure to prove even one element may result in a case being dismissed, so family members working through this difficult process are encouraged to speak with a personal injury attorney who is familiar with these types of cases.
Contact a Maryland Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you’ve recently lost a loved one in a Maryland motorcycle accident, our hearts go out to you and your family. At Lebowitz & Mzhen, LLC, we understand how difficult this time is, and how heartbreaking the aftermath of these accidents can be. That’s why we want to help you recover financially through a wrongful death suit, so you can focus on healing and grieving your loved one. Call our compassionate and dedicated attorneys today to learn how we can help you through every step of the process and help you pursue the compensation you deserve. We can be reached at 800-654-1949, or through our online form.