Linthicum Heights Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Motorcycles are a source of joy for enthusiasts across the country and around the world. the speed and maneuverability of these vehicles – not to mention the feel of the wind on your face – can provide a rush of adrenaline like no other. Unfortunately, the thrill of a motorcycle ride comes at a price: a vulnerability to accidents and injuries, many of which can be life-threatening.
If you have been in a motorcycle accident in Linthicum Heights, the team at Rice, Murtha & Psoras may be able to help. Motorcycle crashes are often the result of recklessness or negligence on the part of other drivers; if this applies to your case, we can fight to hold the person or people who caused your accident responsible so you can get the compensation you deserve. To find out more about our services or set up a free and private consultation with a legal expert near Linthicum Heights, visit us online or call (410) 694-7291 right away.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Linthicum Heights
Motorcycles may be fun, but they can be dangerous vehicles as well, especially for the driver. That’s because motorcycles lack almost all of the safety features found in four-wheeled vehicles – the airbags, crumple zones, seat belts, etc. – and they can be tough for car or truck drivers to spot and react to. Below are some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Linthicum Heights.
Speeding
Speed limits exist for a reason, and when they’re violated, bad things can happen. For a motorcyclist, the consequences of speeding – whether they do it themselves or those around them do it – can be disastrous. Drivers who speed tend to have less control over their vehicles, which means that they can’t react as quickly if a motorcycle comes near them quickly. This can lead to serious accidents and injuries for the motorcyclist.
Poor Road Conditions
With only two wheels, motorcycles are much more vulnerable to uneven or poorly maintained roadways than cars. Plenty of things can go wrong with the surface of the road, too; potholes are common occurrences on the highway and in residential or suburban areas, and they can easily take out a motorcyclist. Rain, snow, and other forms of inclement weather can also make roads dangerous for motorcyclists, since traction may not be guaranteed.
Distracted Drivers
In the age of smartphones, distracted driving is basically a given. Drivers in cars, trucks, and other vehicles tend to take their eyes off the road fairly often, whether to answer a text, adjust the radio, input an address into their GPS, apply makeup, eat, or perform any number of other actions that put those around them in jeopardy. Even though it’s illegal, distracted driving is one of the top causes of motorcycle accidents in the country.
Liability in Linthicum Heights Motorcycle Accidents
Maryland is one of the few states in the country to apply a legal principle known as “contributory negligence” to car and motorcycle accidents. For Linthicum Heights motorcyclists, this means that if you are found to be even just the slightest bit at fault for an accident, you cannot recover any compensation from the other motorists involved – even if they were 95% at fault. This makes it crucial that you have an experienced legal representative on your side to help you prove that the fault lies entirely with the other parties.
One of the biggest ways a skilled lawyer can help your case is by talking to witnesses, collecting evidence, and generally laying the groundwork to establish the facts of the case. It’s important to show who was at fault in as strong and clear a manner as possible, or else you could risk losing any compensation you might otherwise get.
Keep in mind that accidents aren’t always the fault of another person; sometimes, they happen because of a company or organization. For example, if a Linthicum Heights roadway was in poor condition, the municipality may be at fault for the accident, since they are the ones responsible for maintaining the roads. Similarly, if a faulty part led to your accident, the manufacturer of that part may be accountable for your losses.
Establishing Negligence for a Motorcycle Accident in Linthicum Heights
If your accident was the result of another driver’s negligence, it can help to understand how that negligence is established in a personal injury lawsuit. To show negligence with the court, you must prove the existence of four specific factors:
- That the other driver was required to operate their vehicle safely
- That the motorist in question failed to drive their car in a safe way
- That the driver’s unsafe actions directly caused your accident
- That the accident caused you clear and specific damages
If you and your attorney are able to prove these four elements to the court, you may be able to receive compensation for your losses. This compensation can cover medical costs, loss of wages, pain and suffering, and more. A knowledgeable attorney can further explain how these payments are calculated and what you should do to maximize your chances of gaining the compensation you deserve after a motorcycle accident in Linthicum Heights.
Experienced Attorney Offering Free Consultations for Linthicum Heights Motorcycle Accident Victims
Dealing with the aftermath of a tragic motorcycle accident can take a serious toll and make it difficult to seek the compensation you need to cover your expenses. You don’t have to face this challenge alone, however; the skilled legal team at Rice, Murtha & Psoras will work diligently to establish the facts of your case and put you in the best possible position to win the compensation you deserve. To learn more about all our services or to discuss your case with an experienced attorney in a free consultation, visit us online or call (410) 694-7291 today.
