Maryland Motorcycle Accidents Resulting from Another Driver’s Sudden and Unpredictable Maneuvers

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), accidents are among the leading causes of death in the United States. The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) reports that their most recent data indicates that the state experienced an average of over 500 car accident-related deaths and 48,000 injuries over the most recent five-year period. Although some accidents are avoidable, the vast majority of accidents occur because of one or more parties’ negligence. Statistics indicate that these accidents are especially deadly when a motorcycle is involved.

Most Maryland motorcycle accidents involve a read-end or head-on collision, left-turn collision, low-speed crash, or hit-and-run accidents. The majority of these accidents involve a negligent motorist. The most common reasons for these accidents are speeding, driving while impaired, distracted driving, driver fatigue, weather conditions, and sudden, unsafe traffic movements, such as hasty lane changes.

Motorists who change lanes endanger motorcyclists or pedestrians, and everyone else on the road. These reckless drivers may be liable for their unsafe driving. Sudden, unsafe lane change accidents typically occur when drivers fail to pay attention to their surroundings or other vehicles. Similarly, these accidents also occur when a motorist is speeding or cutting through traffic. Further, inclement weather and unsafe road conditions may cause drivers to quickly change lanes, resulting in an accident. Finally, in some cases, sudden traffic changes may occur when a motorist is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In any event, these accidents frequently involve motorcyclists, which are more difficult to see due to their slim profile.

For example, recently, a Baltimore news report described an accident involving an unsafe lane change that resulted in life-threatening injuries. Officials reported that an initial investigation revealed that a motorcyclist was traveling east, passing stopped traffic. The motorcyclist collided with a sedan making a right turn. Both parties suffered serious injuries and were transported to local hospitals.

In many cases, determining liability in accidents stemming from sudden traffic movements can be challenging. Injury victims can file a lawsuit against the culpable party, but they must be prepared to refute any contributory negligence assertions. This is especially important in Maryland, because the state follows the pure contributory negligence theory. Under this rule, injury victims who are found at all responsible for their injuries will be barred from collecting any compensation. An attorney is a crucial resource in ensuring that a plaintiff’s injury lawsuit is appropriately and effectively prepared and presented.

Have You Suffered Injuries in a Maryland Motorcycle Accident?

If you or someone you know has suffered injuries in a Maryland motorcycle accident, contact the attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen, Personal Injury Lawyers. The skilled attorneys, paralegals, legal assistants, and investigators on our team have the knowledge, experience, and resources to successfully represent injury victims. We have recovered over $60 million over the years for the injuries our clients have suffered in car accidents, slip and falls, incidents of medical malpractice, and more. Compensation in these cases often includes payments for medical bills, ongoing medical treatment, as well as pain and suffering. Contact our office at 800-654-1949, or through our online form, to schedule a free initial consultation with an attorney at our law firm.

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