Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Baltimore, Maryland
The Joy
The freedom of the open road. The exhilaration of your exposed body against the forces of nature. But sadly, that same independence can be deadly. Motorcycle accidents usually result in serious and permanent injuries to the rider. An accident like this can be one of the most devastating events of your life.
The Danger
Statistics reveal that two-thirds of motorcycle accidents are caused by the driver of another motor vehicle violating the motorcyclist's right of way. Statistics reveal that motorcyclists are about 26 times more likely to die in a crash than someone riding in a car. In addition, studies have shown that motorcyclists are about 16 times more likely than others to die, and about three times as likely to be injured as those involved in a motor vehicle crash.
Maryland Law
Maryland is considered a "contributing negligence" state. Therefore you can only recover damages if another negligent party (such as another driver) contributed to the accident and you did not contribute in any way. Also, if a negligent person caused a motorcycle accident while working for someone else, that person's employer may also be held liable for the accident.
Adverse Weather Conditions
Operating a motorcycle takes a higher level of physical coordination than driving a car. Consequently, many motorcycle accidents are caused by the driver's lack of basic riding skills. A motorcyclist can also be adversely affected by weather conditions such as:
- Potholes
- Oil slicks
- Uneven pavement
- Puddles
- Debris
- Ruts and railroad tracks
- Excessive gravel
While cars, trucks and SUVs handle these hazards with ease, motorcycles are a different story. Loose or slick pavement can cause a driver to lose control and result in a deadly collision. Besides these dangerous factors, there are also speed "wobble" accidents that are risks for motorcycle drivers. When the front end of a motorcycle begins to shake or wobble at high speeds, the motorcyclist can lose control. This wobble can be the result of poor manufacturing or a misalignment problem in which the manufacturer should be held responsible.
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident you should:
- Obtain information including names and phone numbers from other drivers and witnesses. When possible, take pictures with a digital camera.
- Don't leave the scene of an accident, otherwise you face criminal penalties. You'll need to provide your name and address to a police officer or the other driver.
- Don't make any definitive statements. Feel free to tell the police officer at the scene any relevant facts about the accident, but don't make any statements that put you in a position of being responsible for the accident.
- Get medical attention soon after the accident and be sure to keep those records.
If you have been in a motorcycle accident, you are dealing with staggering medical expenses, lost wages and serious pain and suffering.
Our experienced lawyers at Cohen & Dwin can answer your questions and help your claim the compensation you deserve. Please contact us today schedule your free initial consultation. "Let Our Family Help Your Family"
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