Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog
Even when an accident case seems straightforward, determining liability and apportioning fault after a Maryland car accident can be challenging. This is especially true because Maryland follows strict contributory negligence laws that bar recovery if the plaintiff is at all responsible for the accident. As such, parties will go to great lengths to dispute liability and challenge claims. Although police reports and eyewitnesses may provide insight into what occurred, these cases typically require an in-depth investigation.
A critical part of any accident investigation is recreating the scene to determine the facts leading up to the collision. The inherent nature of motorcycles and motorcycle accidents makes this first step exceedingly challenging. Motorcycles tend to end up in dramatically different positions than from where they started. When this occurs, authorities, insurance companies, and fact-finders may need to engage in lengthy investigations to determine fault. Moreover, because of the state’s laws, it is more likely that at-fault parties will refute claims and assert contributory negligence theories- with the understanding that the plaintiff will not be able to recover at all.
Motorcyclists traveling in a group often further complicate things, as the accidents tend to be more severe. For instance, a recent news report described a multi-motorcycle chain reaction accident. According to reports, the bikers were riding eastbound when they approached a traffic light. The motorcyclist leading the group slowed his bike; however, the biker behind him could not stop, and a chain-reaction collision ensued. That biker was not wearing a helmet and was life-flighted to a medical center to receive treatment for his serious injuries. Three of the other bikers involved in the accident also suffered injuries.
In cases like this, the court will look at whether the individual leading the group advised the other riders of a hazard or traffic light. Further, it is crucial to establish the riders’ order and whether they were following traffic rules. In cases involving a motor vehicle and a motorcycle, some critical questions are whether the parties involved were following traffic rules or if any of them were engaging in unsafe driving.
These cases require an in-depth understanding of complex Maryland evidentiary and procedural rules. It is essential that injury victims wishing to recover for their damages contact an experienced attorney to discuss their rights and remedies after a motorcycle accident.
What Is the Maryland Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accidents?
Maryland law imposes a three year statute of limitations for motorcycle accident lawsuits. This means that accident victims have three years to bring a claim, otherwise, the court will not hear the merits of their case.
Have You Suffered Injuries in a Maryland Accident?
If you or someone you love has suffered injuries in a Maryland motorcycle accident, contact the attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen. The experienced injury attorneys at our office have years of experience handling complex claims on behalf of accident victims and their families. Our firm handles accident cases stemming from car accidents, pharmaceutical errors, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse and negligence, premises liability, and defective products. We have recovered significant amounts of compensation on behalf of our clients. Compensation in these cases typically includes payments for medical expenses, property damage, lost wages and benefits, and pain and suffering. Contact our office at 800-654-1949 to schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced Maryland accident attorney on our team.