Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog

Driving motorcycles is significantly more dangerous than driving cars. The smaller profile of motorcycles leaves them vulnerable to car blind spots, and the open nature of motorcycles can throw drivers from the vehicle upon impact during a crash. Because motorcycle riders are not protected by their vehicle like the occupants of a car, approximately 72 percent of motorcyclists are injured when they crash. Unfortunately, Maryland drivers are all too familiar with the dangers of motorcycle driving. Maryland averages 73 motorcycle rider and passenger deaths per year, and on average, an additional 1,046 riders or drivers are injured each year. Additionally, this issue is not getting better in Maryland, with the state seeing an increase in motorcycle crashes from 2019 to 2020. A recent news article discussed a fatal motorcycle crash.

According to the news article about a recent fatal motorcycle crash, the accident occurred in the evening around 5:30 p.m. on Monday, December 14, when a motorcycle going at the intersection of Six Forks Road and Mt. Vernon Church Road was struck by a Nissan minivan. The driver of the minivan tried to make a left turn and hit the motorcycle. Unfortunately, the motorcyclists died at the scene. The motorcycle driver was wearing a helmet and reflective clothing. The driver of the minivan was taken into custody by law enforcement and charged with misdemeanor death by motor vehicle and failure to yield the right of way.

Most motorcycles can both accelerate and brake faster than other vehicles on the road. This responsiveness to user control is what attracts many bikers to motorcycles as a means of transportation and recreation. Although most bikes are mechanically capable of impressive stopping distances, the attention, and ability of the motorcycle driver limit the mechanical advantages of a motorcycle. A motorcyclist and his passenger were both killed late last month after the motorcyclist was unable to stop in time and rear-ended another driver.

According to a local news report discussing the tragic crash, a Florida motorcyclist was approaching another vehicle from behind and lost control of the bike while attempting to brake. The motorcycle flipped on its side and crashed into the leading vehicle. Both the driver and passenger of the motorcycle were killed in the crash. The article does not mention whether the rider and passenger were wearing helmets at the time of the crash.

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.

It is common knowledge that motorcycle riders are at greater risk of injury and or death than car riders, but the actual disparity in risk is rather stunning. In fact, some sources claim that for every mile traveled, motorcyclists are 35 times more likely than car riders to have a fatal accident. Given the tremendous risk of motorcycle accidents and the potentially fatal results of such crashes, both motorcyclists and drivers of cars should take extreme precautions when it comes to navigating traffic situations involving motorcycles and sharing the road. A recent news article discussed a local fatal motorcycle crash.

According to the local news article about a motorcycle accident in Maryland, the accident occurred late in the evening on Wednesday, August 31, after the motorcyclist lost control and was thrown from the vehicle. The preliminary investigation by law enforcement revealed that the rider was driving a Harley-Davidson motorcycle on the outer loop approaching MD-214 when he lost control. The motorcycle rolled on its side before the rider was thrown from the motorcycle and hit by several vehicles that did not remain at the scene, the police said. The rider was pronounced dead at the scene.

This tragic and horrifying accident is unfortunately all too common in Maryland and shows the need for car drivers and motorcyclists to engage in exceedingly careful when driving at high speeds near or around motorcycles. The smaller profile of motorcycles creates a greater likelihood of motorcycles occupying blind spots of larger vehicles and the open nature of motorcycle riding creates unique harm for riders involved in any crashes. When operators of larger vehicles only look out for other large vehicles and cars and fail to pay special attention to motorcycles and smaller vehicles, it places the smaller vehicles at great risk. In the event that a driver fails to see another vehicle, resulting in a crash, they could face both civil and criminal legal liability.

High profile motorcycle accident cases can be a long and arduous process, compounded by delays related to the COVID-19 pandemic. In one instance, a 2019 case that killed seven motorcycle drivers only recently saw resolution—a resolution that likely brought little peace for the families and loved ones of those who died.

According to the prosecution in the case, a truck driver used heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine before beginning work. In addition to a history of drug use and a reckless driving record, the driver reportedly took his eyes off the road and reached for a drink, causing him to swerve into or past the center line of the road and strike the motorcyclists, killing seven members. The motorcyclists were part of a veteran motorcycle club out on a ride. Mixed reports state that the motorcyclists were driving under the influence of alcohol, and that the leader of the club was driving recklessly.

A recent article reports that jurors found the truck driver innocent when evidence contradicted whether or not he actually drove over the center line. In addition, conflicting evidence showed that the motorcycle club members called as witnesses were potentially lying about the sobriety level of the other members as part of an oath to protect and not disparage other members. The prosecution and defense presented very disparate theories of fault in this case, leading to the not guilty verdict.