Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog
Motorcycle accidents that involve cars or trucks can be devastating for the parties involved, especially to motorcyclists who have less protection than other motorists. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 42 percent of fatal motorcycle crashes that involved another motor vehicle involved a vehicle turning left while the motorcycle was going straight, passing, or overtaking a vehicle. NHSTA also reports that 41 percent of all motorcycle crashes are due to drivers failing to see motorcycles. This can be due to the smaller size of the vehicles and a driver’s blind spots.
According to a recent news report from Maryland, a Chevrolet was traveling northbound attempting to make a left turn, and at the same time, a 1997 Harley-Davidson motorcycle was traveling southbound entering the intersection in Seaford. The Chevrolet turned left directly in front of the motorcycle, and as a result, the front left of the Chevrolet struck the left front of the motorcycle. This resulted in the ejection of the motorcyclist from his bike. The 59-year-old male motorcyclist was transported to a local hospital and pronounced deceased. The driver of the Chevrolet was not injured. The intersection was closed for approximately 3 hours after the crash, and the accident is still under investigation.
What Should Drivers Do to Keep Motorcyclists Safe?
Drivers must be mindful of the wide range of vehicles that they share the road with, including motorcycles. Because of the high number of fatal motorcycle crashes that occur at intersections, it is important for drivers to be mindful of the dangers at intersections and for drivers to take extra precaution and time to check rear and side view mirrors. Checking one’s blind spots helps ensure that smaller vehicles like motorcycles do not get overlooked. Additionally, depending on weather conditions, it can make it harder for vehicles to see one another, including in foggy conditions that can limit visibility, and conditions such as rain or snow may decrease traction and cause skidding. Being mindful of the weather before proceeding can be an important factor in deciding whether to get on the road, and can also be important in deciding the speed at which one drives. While these are just a few tips to stay mindful of when driving a motor vehicle, there are additional tips and resources for drivers of cars or motorcycles that can be found online. If you find yourself injured in a motorcycle accident, it can be especially important to connect with an experienced personal injury attorney to help you navigate your claims.
Have You Suffered Injuries Due to a Maryland Motorcycle Accident?
If you or someone you love has suffered injuries or even death after a motorcycle accident, contact Lebowitz & Mzhen today. Our attorneys have years of experience representing Maryland personal injury victims in a wide range of Maryland auto accidents, including motorcycle crashes. We possess the skills, resources, and dedication to fight for the compensation you reserve. Our personal injury attorneys have recovered significant amounts in damages for our clients. To schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced accident attorney, contact our office at 800-654-1949.