Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog

Maryland Traffic Accident and Bicycle Safety Update: Three-foot Bike Law Now in Effect

October 7, 2010 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Cyclists in Annapolis, Baltimore, Columbia and everywhere else across our state can possibly breath a little easier now that the state’s three-foot rule is law. As a Maryland personal injury lawyer representing victims of bicycle-related traffic accidents, I know that several feet may not seem like a lot to some people, but ask most any cyclist and you’ll find they appreciate the extra margin of safety that this new law hopes to provide.

That’s not to say that we have now eliminated any chance of bicycle-related injuries as a result of a car, SUV, pickup or commercial delivery truck accident. Let there be no mistake, cycling enthusiasts and bicycles in general have not become invincible, but they have gained a little more respect on the road, at least in the eyes of the law. Head and spinal injuries, not to mention broken bones, cuts and bruises are all potential injuries when a bike is struck by a car or truck.

According to news articles, it’s been decades since the original “share the road” signs began to appear across the state, reminding Maryland motorists to be mindful of pedal-powered commuters on our public roadways. With the latest law taking effect, that reminder now has some teeth — driver that ignore the three-foot rule could face a fine of up to $500 if they are caught. But will this help reduce fatal car-bike accidents?

Maryland Personal Injury News: Looking at Bicycle Safety in the Washington, D.C., Area

October 1, 2010 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

If anyone thinks that bicycle riders are completely safe as they travel the city streets of Baltimore, Annapolis, the District, or any other large urban area across Maryland, think again. While much has been done to improve riders’ safety, the fact remains: When motorists and cyclists are constantly sharing the same public roadways, the potential for bike-car accidents exists as does the possibility of injuries and even fatalities.

As a Maryland injury lawyer, I and my colleagues understand the dangers that cycling enthusiasts face every day across our state and even in the nation’s capital. Washington, D.C., has its share of bicycle riders and, hence, it’s share of bicycle accidents. A discussion on the pluses and minuses of bicycle and rider safety caught our eye not long ago, which addresses some of the concerns out there.

According to the article, the Washington Area Bicyclist Association’s Shane Farthing answered a barrage of questions from concerned riders and other citizens. In particular a question came regarding whether or not the police would be doing anything more to prosecute motorists who hit bike riders, much less commercial trucks that occasionally kill cyclists.

Maryland Motorcycle Rider Hospitalized After Kawasaki Crashes into Utility Pole in Frederick County

September 26, 2010 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

How many times do we read news reports of single-vehicle accidents that either severely injure or kill the operator of that motor vehicle? In many instances, police investigations turn up evidence of driver error or fatigue, which more than likely had a major effect on the outcome of such events. Occasionally, however, investigators determine other possible causes.

One possible cause of a single-vehicle crash can be defective vehicle equipment. While this generally points to a manufacturing problem, such as faulty production methods or incorrect materials, there also exists potential third-party liability through a service facility such as a tire store or local repair garage.

Whatever the cause, the result of a motorcycle crash can be devastating, not only in terms of physical injury but in the monetary and financial cast to an individual or family.

Baltimore Personal Injury News: Driver Impatience, Motorist Road Rage Potential Causes of Maryland Auto-Bicycle Accidents

September 19, 2010 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

It will come as no surprise to bicyclists and cycling enthusiasts that collisions with motor vehicles are the most deadly kind of accident that a bike rider can have. While many bicycle crashes are completely accidental, there has always been an undercurrent of animosity between motorists and cyclists. Whether perceived or real, there can be potential for tragic consequences when the two groups literally butt heads on public roads.

As a Maryland personal injury lawyer, my firm understands the seriousness of a bicycle-car accident. Just as is the case with motorcycle crashes, the pedal-powered rider is virtually unprotected from a motor vehicle’s hard steel body. The roadway itself can itself become an enemy when a biker is thrown off his ride and onto the tarmac.

Whether a bicycle collides with an economy car, a sedan, an SUV, or a commercial delivery truck, the results can be serious, if not fatal to the cyclist involved. Injuries from motor vehicle crashes can range from bruises, abrasions and broken bones, to neck and back injuries. Life-threatening traumatic brain injuries are not uncommon.

Baltimore Biker Accident News: Maryland Teenager Killed, Father Injured in Harford County Motorcycle Crash

September 9, 2010 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

The loss of any life to a senseless traffic accident is tragic to say the least, but the death of a young person is doubly so. Motor vehicle collisions happen quite frequently, but motorcyclists especially know that danger lurks around every corner. What can start out as a pleasant afternoon ride can end in pain and costly medical care, and that’s if one is lucky.

As a Baltimore motorcycle accident lawyer and personal injury attorney, my sympathies go out to anyone who loses a loved one as a result of a bike accident. Regardless of whether you ride a chopper, cruiser, standard or so-called “crotch rocket,” every rider faces the same set of risks on Maryland’s roadways.

Any kind of accident is hard for the survivors to deal with, but a single-bike crash can leave them wondering what went wrong. Although driver error is always at the top of the lit, other factors can conspire to cause an accident. Defective brakes, wheel bearings, faulty tires and poor motorcycle maintenance are just a few of the potential causes of a serious wreck.

Baltimore Motorcycling Accident News: Hyattsville Man Dies, Passenger Injured in Prince George’s County Motorcycle Crash

August 31, 2010 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Products liability covers a range of topics one of which is defective vehicle equipment that may be responsible for motorcycle, trucking and passenger car accidents. Faulty, poorly designed, or incorrectly maintained vehicle components, systems and safety equipment has been known to be the main cause a many vehicle crashes and resulting traffic accidents.

As a Maryland personal injury attorney who represents bikers injured as a result of a crash on a highway, rural road or city street, my main objective to help that victim and his or her family recover various medical cost and lost wages suffered as a result of the accident. For families who have lost a loved one as a result of a bike crash, the burden can be especially hard when the deceased was the primary breadwinner for the family.

If defective equipment is to blame, there may be a third party to consider in a suit. It’s not uncommon for defective equipment and components to be a source of both minor and serious motorcycle accidents. Depending on the particular system that failed on the bike, the resulting wreck can cause injuries from cuts and bruises to internal bleeding, permanent spinal cord damage and even fatal brain trauma.

Baltimore Biker Injury News: Maryland Woman Dies When Husband Loses Control of Couple’s Harley Motorcycle

August 23, 2010 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Without a doubt, motorcycle riding gives its fans a wonderful experience of freedom and adventure. There is little in the way of affordable fun that provides that same level of joy and excitement on the open road. But as a Maryland motorcycle accident attorney, I know the downside to all that fun and adventure. Sadly, when a rider is involved in a highway accident, especially at cruising speeds or involving a large commercial truck, the result can be nothing less than tragic.

While riding provides an unparalleled traveling experience, the pleasure of a two-wheel excursion must always be balanced against the dangers inherent with the sport. Not long ago a news article point out that fact in no uncertain terms.

According to the article, a woman was killed when the bike she and her husband were traveling on went out of control and crashed in Baltimore County. Based on police reports, the accident occurred on Putty Hill Avenue just after 12:30am in mid-July.

Maryland Motorcycle Injury News: Biker “Airbag” May Provide Added Crash Protection for Cycle Riders

August 16, 2010 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

If there is but one constant it’s that motorcycle riding can be a risky pastime. Whether you ride a Honda or Harley, Ducati or Yamaha, if you get into a crash situation with a four-wheeler or semi tractor-trailer you’ll need a lot of luck to avoid an injury. And, the faster you are going at the time will also determine your odds of receiving serious injuries such as broken bones, road rash or a skull fracture.

As a Baltimore motorcycle accident lawyer, I represent riders who have been injured as a result of another person’s negligence. I know from experience that bikers involved in bad highway collisions can have a long road to recovery — not just physically, but financially. Unfortunately, many riders are killed outright when hit by a larger passenger car or sport utility vehicle.

Well, there may be hope for better protection for riders in the future. According to a recent article, there is a new product that might reduce motorcycle crash injuries and even fatalities. The makers call it the Armored Air Jacket and it is supposed to improve bikers’ chances of surviving a bad crash.

Maryland Bike Accident News: Baltimore Cop Suspended following Fatal Police Chase with Motorcycle Rider

August 8, 2010 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

As a Maryland personal injury attorney and motorcycle accident lawyer, my job is to help victims and their families recover from the aftermath of sometimes life-altering traffic collisions. Regardless of whether the individual is a driver or passenger, injuries sustained in a crash on city streets, open highways or rural country roads the results can be horribly expensive in both human and financial terms.

A recent article points out the dangers of police pursuit, especially in cases where life is lost. According to news reports, a Baltimore patrolman was suspended after he allegedly ignored orders to break off a chase with a biker allegedly riding a stolen Suzuki GSX 600. Police officials said that the 10-year department veteran had received orders to stop chasing a motorcyclist who was eventually killed in Cockeysville, MD, he apparently crashed as a result of the police pursuit.

Baltimore police are reportedly barred from chasing vehicles unless provided with specific orders to do so. The chase in question began on Northern Parkway after the officer, Timothy Beall, apparently saw the motorcyclist racing with another vehicle. According to the article, Officer Beall fatally shot a man in January 2009 when the suspect pointed an assault rifle at the officer during a foot chase in Better Waverly. The Baltimore Police Department ruled that the shooting was justified.

Maryland Motorcycle Accident News: Carroll County Rider in Critical Condition following Washington County Traffic Accident

July 31, 2010 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

A 47-year-old motorcyclist and his passenger were injured on a Saturday afternoon when the bike they were riding on collided with a passenger car along a section of Maryland 63 just west of Hagerstown, MD. Being a Baltimore motorcycle accident lawyer for many years, this is a distressingly typical scenario experienced by many bikers at least once during their lifetime.

This traffic accident, which also involved a passenger vehicle, is only one of dozens reported every year in Maryland. In this particular case, the wreck was bad enough that it left the driver of the bike in critical condition at a local hospital.

According to police reports, two Carroll County residents were enjoying a Saturday afternoon ride outside of Hagerstown when a 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo tried to cross the roadway eastbound along Broadfording Road. In the process of crossing Md. 63 the Chevy apparently pulled right into the path of the oncoming motorcycle.