There’s nothing like the feeling of the open road ahead of you and the thrill of zipping down a winding road. Thousands of bikers take to the road every year, with the expectation of enjoying a nice ride, and end up facing dire consequences.
Motorcycle crashes are some of the most dangerous accidents on the road, because of how exposed riders are. From road rash to more serious injuries, these accidents are not something to take lightly. Motorcycle accident victims in Maryland deserve dedicated support and experienced legal guidance as they navigate the aftermath of a crash.
Our team at Schlachman, Belsky, Weiner & Davey, P.A. provides personalized representation for individuals injured in motorcycle accidents, working to secure compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. If you've been injured in a motorcycle accident, don’t face the legal system alone.
Call us at (410) 685-2022 to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can assist you.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can happen for numerous reasons, many of which are due to the actions or negligence of other drivers on the road. Because motorcycles are smaller and less protected than other vehicles, riders are especially vulnerable to factors that may be less consequential for cars. Identifying the specific causes of an accident is critical, as it not only helps determine liability but also sheds light on who may be responsible for the damages you have suffered. At SBWD Law, our attorneys conduct comprehensive investigations to pinpoint the cause of your accident, enabling us to build a strong case on your behalf.
Here are some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents:
- Distracted Driving: Distracted drivers often fail to notice motorcycles, as they’re more focused on their phones, in-car entertainment systems, or even conversations with passengers. Even a few seconds of distraction can be deadly when a motorcycle is involved, as riders have less time to react to sudden movements.
- Speeding: Excessive speed is one of the leading factors in fatal accidents. When a driver speeds, it shortens their reaction time, making it more difficult to avoid collisions with motorcycles. In high-speed crashes, motorcyclists are especially susceptible to severe or life-threatening injuries.
- Bad Weather: Rain, fog, ice, and other adverse weather conditions make roads slippery and visibility poor. Motorcycles, with their limited contact area with the road, are particularly affected by wet or icy conditions, often resulting in skidding or loss of control.
- Road Hazards: Road surfaces that seem insignificant to cars, such as potholes, loose gravel, uneven pavement, or construction debris, can be treacherous for motorcyclists. Small irregularities on the road can cause motorcycles to swerve or even crash, leading to severe injuries.
- Left-Turn Accidents: One of the most common types of motorcycle accidents occurs when a car makes a left turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle. Drivers often misjudge the speed and distance of an approaching motorcycle or simply fail to see it altogether, leading to dangerous collisions.
- Blind Spot Accidents: Motorcycles can be harder to spot in a car’s blind spot, especially on busy highways. When drivers fail to check their blind spots before changing lanes or merging, they can collide with motorcycles traveling beside them, often with devastating consequences.
- Lane Splitting: Although not always illegal, lane splitting (when a motorcyclist rides between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic) is dangerous because drivers may not anticipate it. This practice can lead to collisions, particularly if drivers suddenly switch lanes without signaling.
Our attorneys investigate all contributing factors in your accident to build a compelling case that supports your right to compensation. We gather evidence, witness testimony, and accident reports to identify the primary causes, allowing us to hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions and to help you move forward.
Injuries Resulting from Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents often result in severe, life-changing injuries due to the lack of protective barriers. Common injuries include:
- Fractures: Broken bones are prevalent in motorcycle crashes, especially in vulnerable areas like the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbone. Severe fractures may require surgeries, lengthy recovery periods, and physical therapy.
- Road Rash: Skin abrasions caused by skidding on pavement can be more than just surface wounds; they may lead to deep tissue damage, infections, and permanent scarring, often necessitating skin grafts or other medical interventions.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Even with a helmet, motorcyclists remain susceptible to head trauma. TBIs can result in memory loss, cognitive impairments, behavioral changes, and require long-term medical care and rehabilitation.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal injuries can range from herniated discs to complete spinal cord damage, leading to partial or full paralysis. These injuries often require lifelong care and can drastically impact mobility and independence.
- Internal Organ Damage: The force of a collision can lead to damage to internal organs, such as the lungs, liver, or spleen. Internal bleeding is also a risk and often requires emergency surgery to prevent life-threatening complications.
- Facial Injuries: The face is highly vulnerable in motorcycle accidents, and injuries can include broken noses, fractured eye sockets, dental injuries, and jaw fractures. Such injuries may lead to disfigurement and require reconstructive surgery.
- Amputations: In high-impact crashes, limbs or digits may suffer irreversible damage, sometimes resulting in amputations. Losing a limb or digit is a traumatic experience that requires significant adjustment and long-term rehabilitation.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Ligament tears, muscle damage, and tendon injuries can lead to chronic pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. Soft tissue injuries often necessitate physical therapy and, in severe cases, surgical intervention.
Our experienced team understands the complexities of severe injury cases and can help you pursue the full compensation needed to cover medical expenses, rehabilitation, and more.
Motorcycle Accident Fatalities
Motorcycle accidents can be fatal, leaving families with overwhelming emotional and financial burdens. These tragic incidents require compassionate, professional legal representation to seek justice on behalf of loved ones. We assist families in filing wrongful death claims to cover funeral expenses, lost future income, and other financial losses. Our firm is here to support you through this difficult time and fight for the justice your loved one deserves.
Proving Fault in Motorcycle Accident Cases
Establishing liability in motorcycle accident cases can be complex, especially when insurance companies attempt to place undue blame on the motorcyclist. Our attorneys thoroughly investigate every detail of your case, including:
- Accident Reconstruction: By recreating the events of the crash, we can present compelling evidence of fault.
- Eyewitness Testimony: Statements from witnesses can help corroborate your account of the accident.
- Police Reports and Video Evidence: Police documentation and any available surveillance footage provide objective accounts of what happened.
We work diligently to gather the necessary evidence, holding negligent parties accountable and advocating for your rights throughout the legal process.
Compensation for Motorcycle Crash Victims
After a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to various types of compensation. We help clients pursue:
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for the income you have lost and may lose in the future due to your injuries.
- Pain and Suffering: Monetary compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress endured due to the accident.
- Property Damage: Reimbursement for repairs or replacement of your damaged motorcycle and gear.
Our goal is to help you achieve a comprehensive settlement that addresses both current and future needs. We negotiate assertively with insurers, and if necessary, we are prepared to take your case to court.
How a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
Having a skilled motorcycle accident lawyer by your side can make all the difference in securing fair compensation. At SBWD Law, we provide:
- Experienced Guidance: With a deep knowledge of Maryland traffic and personal injury laws, we know how to navigate the legal system to your advantage.
- Aggressive Negotiation: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. We stand firm, negotiating assertively to secure what you deserve.
- Personalized Support: We handle each case with compassion, dedicating time to understand your specific needs and concerns.
Let our team advocate for you and help ease the burden of handling your case. We’ll fight to ensure that you’re fairly compensated so you can focus on recovery.
Contact our Personal Injury Attorneys Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, reach out to the experienced personal injury attorneys at SBWD Law. Our compassionate team is here to help you understand your rights, explore your options, and seek the compensation you deserve.
Contact us online or call (410) 685-2022 to schedule your free consultation today.
