We see motorcyclists everywhere on the roads around us, and although they are popular, they are also inherently dangerous. While most motorcyclists understand the risks and follow the rules of the road, other drivers don’t see them or make driving choices that cause accidents and often cost motorcycle drivers and their passengers their lives.
Any vehicle accident can be devastating, but those involving motorcycles are far more catastrophic and often fatal. If you or someone you know has been injured or killed in a crash on a motorcycle, it’s in your best interest to seek legal counsel from Belsky & Horowitz, LLC.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes
According to crash data from Zero Deaths Maryland, 75 motorcycle riders and passengers were killed on Maryland roadways in 2022, and 966 were injured. As with most other vehicle collisions, motorcycle crashes are usually caused by driver error on the part of other drivers.
The most cited reasons for these crashes are:
- Distracted driving
- Failing to yield right of way
- Aggressive driving
- Intoxicated driving
- Speeding
- Following too closely
- Poor visibility
- Failing to check blind spots
While most of these causes may be unintentional if another driver does intentionally drive in a way that causes harm to a motorcyclist or any other vehicle and causes an accident, that driver will face severe penalties for their actions.
Motorcycle Injuries Our Office Sees
As we’ve already seen, motorcycle accidents can be deadly, causing such injuries minor scrapes to major, permanent injuries. Anytime a motorcycle is involved in an accident, there is a great risk of severe injuries. Some of the most common injuries we’ve seen in our cases are:
- Road rash
- Bruises and cuts
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Amputations
- Paralysis
- Wrongful death
No matter the severity of your accident, if you have been injured in a crash on your bike, our team from Belsky & Horowitz, LLC has the experience to help. Our attorneys will ensure your case is handled promptly and accurately so that you get the most compensation possible while you recover.
Claimable Damages in Motorcycle Accidents
A motorcycle crash can be devastating, both physically and financially. These situations not only affect the lives of those involved in the crash but their family and friends, as well. When pursuing compensation in a personal injury claim, the plaintiff can claim both economic (financial) and noneconomic (non-financial) damages, such as the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Lost earning capacity
- Lifestyle changes (due to disability)
If another driver caused your accident, you can pursue a claim through both your and their car insurance policies to cover your damages and crash-related expenses. The state of Maryland requires every driver to maintain insurance coverage that includes:
- $30,000 or more in bodily injury liability
- $60,000 or more in total accident liability
- $15,000 or more in property damage liability
Every insurance company has a responsibility to their policyholders to properly investigate every crash, however, it’s still a good idea to maintain communication during the claims process so that you are up to date on any changes or required documentation for your case.
Your lawyer will be able to assist you with gathering and submitting all the necessary evidence for your personal injury claim and insurance claim and ensure you receive the proper amount of compensation for your damages and injuries.
Understanding Maryland Motorcycle Laws
Unfortunately, in a lot of motorcycle accident cases, the at-fault driver and insurance companies often attempt to place the blame on the motorcycle driver for driving carelessly, even when they were not at fault. When riding a motorcycle, it’s important to understand and follow state laws to ensure that you have a solid case.
For example, lane splitting, riding a motorcycle in between lanes of traffic, is illegal in Maryland, however, two motorcycles riding in the same lane is allowed.
Additionally, all motorcycle riders are required by law to wear a helmet that follows the guidelines laid out by the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT).
Why You Should Hire an Attorney
Motorcycle accidents are generally more complex than others, due to the severity of injuries and long-term medical treatment. If you’ve been in a crash on your bike and plan on pursuing legal action against the driver who caused your accident, it’s in the best interest of your case to hire an attorney who has the necessary experience.
At Belsky & Horowitz, LLC, our Baltimore motorcycle accident lawyers are uniquely qualified to take on your case. We know the complexities of the law, such as the three-year Maryland statute of limitations for personal injury cases, and we also will ensure that all the necessary documentation is gathered to hold the at-fault party responsible for your injuries.
Reach out to our office today for your free consultation and see how our expert lawyers can help you with your case and make this difficult time easier for you and your loved ones.
