Annapolis, MD Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

All across Maryland highways and Annapolis roads, all types of vehicles share the road, including cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Motorcycles riders are substantially more at risk for accidents and severe injuries due to the nature of their vehicles.

If you or a loved one was injured in a motorcycle accident, contact our Annapolis, MD motorcycle accident lawyer. At Rice, Murtha & Psoras, our attorneys offer free legal consultations to help accident victims understand their rights. Call (410) 694-7291 today to schedule your free case consultation.

Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Annapolis

Generally, motorcycle accidents occur because another driver was unaware of the motorcycle. In other cases, the motorcycle rider violates a traffic regulation placing themselves in a dangerous situation. Some other factors that contribute to motorcycle accidents include:

Distracted Driving:

• When a driver takes their eyes or their focus off the road, it creates a dangerous situation. Activities such as texting, talking on the phone, or eating put other drivers, especially motorcycle riders, at substantial risk of not being seen.

Intoxicated Driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol is extremely dangerous; so is driving while taking prescription medications or illegal substances. A driver’s decision making and reaction times are compromised, resulting in a greater risk of hitting a hard to see motorcyclist.

Unsafe or Erratic Lane Changes

When a driver changes lanes without taking precautionary actions such as checking their rearview mirror, they are liable not to see another vehicle that was lost in their blind spot. If a driver fails to see an approaching motorcycle, they could collide with the bike when changing lanes.

Not Yielding the Right of Way or Ignoring other Traffic Signs

When a driver fails to obey basic traffic signs and regulations, the risk of accidents increases. If the collision is with a motorcycle, the result could be catastrophic for the rider.

Speeding or Aggressive Driving

Driving faster than the indicated speed limit is not only a traffic violation; it means a driver requires more time to stop their vehicle. When this is coupled with aggressive driving, weaving in and out of lanes or tailgating, the driver is putting themselves and other drivers in an unreasonably dangerous situation. Additionally, it is difficult for a motorcycle rider to predict what an aggressive driver is going to do. Motorcycle riders are especially vulnerable to severe or fatal injuries if struck by a speeding car.

Road Defects

Often, motorcycle accidents are not caused by other drivers but by the condition of the road or highway. Potholes, poor signage, unclear lanes, and more could result in single or multi-vehicle accidents.

Vehicle Defects or Malfunctions

If someone’s car, or your motorcycle, malfunctions or fails to respond as anticipated, the driver can lose control resulting in an accident. In these situations, the driver may have done nothing wrong.

Injuries Caused by Motorcycle Accidents in Annapolis

Motorcycles lack the exterior structure of other vehicles and have few safety features such as airbags. Therefore, motorcyclists involved in collisions or single-vehicle accidents are more likely to suffer serious or fatal injuries. These include head injuries, spinal cord damage, neck injuries, fractures, or paralysis.

The most common injury riders suffer in motorcycle accidents is road rash. More than cuts and bruises, road rash could permanently damage and disfigure the rider’s skin. If not properly treated, road rash could lead to skin irritation, infections, or nerve damage.

Injuries caused by motorcycle accidents could result in permeant nerve damage or disability requiring long-term physical therapy and medical care.

Liable Parties for Motorcycle Accidents in Annapolis

If you have sustained an injury in a motorcycle accident, our Annapolis lawyers will work to determine who is responsible for any damages incurred.

Often, there is another driver whose negligent driving caused your accident. If they can be held accountable, their insurance companies will likely be involved. Despite the insurance coverage, depending on the driver’s conduct, they may also be personally liable for any injuries. If you were a pedestrian hit by a motorcycle, the motorcyclist could be responsible for any injuries you sustained.

If you were hit by a commercial vehicle operated by an employee while performing their job, you might be able to file a lawsuit against the company for compensation. Besides negligent driving, the company could be held accountable for failing to properly train its driver or for failing to properly maintain their vehicle.

Under certain circumstances, you could be eligible to recover compensation for your injuries from a government or municipality. If the condition of the road or poor traffic signs caused your accident, you should speak with our Annapolis motorcycle accident lawyer. it is also important to note that there are special rules and deadlines when suing a government entity.

Additionally, if your motorcycle or another vehicle involved in the accident malfunctioned, the manufacturer or designer could be held accountable for any injuries or damage.

Annapolis, MD Personal Injury Protection for Motorcyclists

Motorists in Annapolis, MD must be offered Personal Injury Protection (“PIP”) through their automobile insurance policy. the purpose of PIP is to cover lost wages or medical bills, even if the accident is your fault. However, Maryland allows insurance companies to withhold PIP coverage to motorcyclists. If a motorcyclist is involved in an accident and has PIP, our Annapolis motorcycle accident lawyer can assist in navigating the insurance process. If not, then our experienced attorney could help you receive compensation from the party responsible for the accident.

Call Our Annapolis, MD Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one was injured in a motorcycle accident, contact our Annapolis, MD motorcycle accident lawyer. At Rice, Murtha & Psoras, our attorneys offer free legal consultations to help accident victims understand their rights. Call (410) 694-7291 today to schedule your free case consultation.