Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog
Motorcycle accidents are often traumatic and may lead to significant property damage and physical injuries. It is important that Maryland motorcycle accident victims receive immediate and continuous medical treatment for the injuries they sustain. Unfortunately, it is often impossible for an accident victim to receive the appropriate treatment when the culpable party leaves the scene of the accident. Because the injuries are often preventable, Maryland hit-and-run accidents are some of the most frustrating types of car accidents.
A hit-and-run accident occurs when one of the drivers involved in an accident intentionally leaves the scene without providing their pertinent identifying information or assisting someone else who was injured in the accident. A person might be considered a hit-and-run driver even if they were not at fault. However, most often, the person leaving the scene is the responsible party.
As noted above, in a hit-and-run accident an injured party may not receive appropriate medical treatment. This delay in treatment can lead to worsened injuries or even death. Moreover, the victim may have difficulty pursuing a claim for compensation without being able to identify the at-fault party.
Damages in Maryland Hit-and-Run Cases
Under Maryland law, there are generally two types of damages, compensatory and punitive. Compensatory damages include economic and non-economic losses. Economic damages usually, consist of quantifiable losses. Some common forms of economic damages are lost wages, medical expenses, and property damages. Non-economic damages include less measurable losses, such as pain and suffering.
Punitive damages may be awarded as a form of punishment and deterrence. Maryland punitive damages are not frequently awarded are appropriate when the defendant’s actions are especially egregious. A plaintiff must be able to show “actual malice” by the defendant to recover punitive damages in a Maryland hit-and-run accident. Actual malice means that the defendant engaged in intentional wrongdoing with “ill will, spite, or hate.” While punitive damages are rare, a Maryland hit-and-run accident is the type of case where they may be appropriate.
According to a recent news report, one woman died, and another man was injured, when a car struck the motorcycle they were traveling on. After stopping at a stop sign, the car’s driver went through the intersection in front of the bike. The crash was so severe that the motorcycle driver and passenger were thrown from the motorcycle. Both motorcyclists were wearing helmets, but sadly, the woman still succumbed to her injuries. The driver of the car fled the scene of the accident before emergency personnel arrived, and he did not provide any identifying information.
Have You Been Injured in a Maryland Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Accident?
If you or a loved one has been a victim of a Maryland hit-and-run accident, you should contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen. The attorneys at our Maryland motorcycle accident law firm have many years of experience handling complex personal injury cases. Hit-and-run cases can be particularly challenging, and the attorneys at our firm can help you successfully prepare and litigate these claims. If you are successful, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for the injuries you sustained. Contact an attorney at Lebowitz & Mzhen by calling 410-654-3600 to schedule your free consultation today. You can also contact us online.