Bethesda, MD Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Motorcyclists across the Bethesda area share the road with other drivers and vehicles. Because of their size, motorcycles are substantially more at risk of being involved in an accident. Collisions involving motorcycles and other vehicles usually result in traumatic injuries to the motorcyclist.
If you or a loved one suffered an injury in a motorcycle accident, contact our Bethesda 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 Bethesda, Maryland
Sometimes, accidents involving motorcycles occur because another driver is unaware of the bike. In other cases, the motorcyclist contributes to or causes the accident by riding recklessly or ignoring traffic signs and regulations. Other situations that contribute to motorcycle accidents in Bethesda include:
Distracted Driving
Drivers of any type of vehicle need to focus on the road and its surroundings. When that focus becomes diverted due to texting, eating, or another form of distraction, it creates a dangerous situation. A distracted driver is unaware of the present condition on the road, putting other motorists at risk.
Intoxicated Driving
Motorists driving drunk or under the influence of drugs endanger all others on the road. This includes some prescription medications that comprise a driver’s physical or mental reaction times. An impaired driver poses an especially dangerous risk to motorcyclists.
Improper Lane Changes
Often, motorists will quickly change lanes without properly checking their mirrors. Motorcycles can easily get lost in a driver’s blind spot. When this occurs, a vehicle moving at a high rate of speed could sideswipe a motorcycle, leading to catastrophic injuries to the rider.
Ignoring other Traffic Signs
When a motorist fails to adhere to traffic regulations, rules, or signs, the risk of accidents increases. If a car or truck collides with a motorcycle, the motorcyclist is liable to suffer severe injuries.
Speeding or Aggressive Driving
When a motorist operates their vehicle at an excessive rate of speed, they are not only violating the law; they are placing themselves in a situation that limits their ability to stop or safely control their car. Motorcycles offer no protection for their riders. When struck by a vehicle moving at an unreasonable speed, the injuries sustained could be devastating or fatal.
Poor Road Conditions or Defects
Motorcyclists are also more susceptible to dangerous road conditions as compared with other vehicles. While a pothole or an uneven road surface might present no risk to a car or truck, it could prove dangerous or even fatal to a motorcyclist.
Malfunctions or Defects in the Vehicle
Sometimes, a motorist is not at fault for an accident; they could have done everything correctly, but their car or motorcycle malfunctioned, causing a crash.
The underlying cause of the accident could be a manufacturer’s defect or an improperly repaired vehicle. Our Bethesda motorcycle accident attorney will thoroughly review all the factors leading up to your accident to determine the exact cause and who should be held liable for your injuries.
Injuries Caused by Motorcycle Accidents in Bethesda
When a motorcyclist is involved in collisions or single-vehicle accidents, they are more likely to suffer severe or fatal injuries, including:
- Head injuries or brain damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Fractures
- Lacerations
- Paralysis
- Dismemberment
Road rash is the most common injury suffered by motorcyclists. The damage to the skin is much more severe than minor cuts and bruises. If not appropriately treated, road rash could permanently disfigure and damage the skin and result in nerve damage or serious infections.
Because motorcycles lack the structural exterior and safety features commonly found in other vehicles, accidents could have more devastating consequences for riders.
Motorcyclists are likely to face long-term and expensive medical care and physical therapy after a collision. Our experienced Bethesda motorcycle accident lawyers will assist you in obtaining the appropriate compensation based on the severity of your injuries and expenses incurred.
Liable Parties for Motorcycle Accidents in Bethesda
To hold another driver liable for injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident, you must show that the other driver owed you a duty of care, that they breached the duty, that the breach directly caused your injuries, and that your injuries resulted in actual damages.
If another motorist is liable, their insurance company will likely be involved. Insurance companies tend to paint motorcyclists as reckless and unsafe riders.
This is important because Maryland follows the contributory negligence doctrine. Under this doctrine, if a motorcyclist is found to have contributed to the accident in even the smallest way, they are prohibited from collecting compensation from another driver or their insurance company.
Defendants will attempt to show that the motorcyclist acted recklessly, such as speeding or dangerously weaving between lanes. Our seasoned Bethesda motorcycle accident attorneys are familiar with this tactic and will gather evidence to counter any argument that you contributed to the accident.
If the accident was caused by a commercial vehicle, you might be able to hold the company liable for your injuries. A company is responsible for the conduct of an employee while performing their job.
In addition to the driver’s negligent conduct, the company could be held accountable for failing to properly train their drivers or for failing to adequately maintain their vehicles. Be sure to contact our Bethesda attorney to help determine what parties should be held liable.
Call Our Bethesda Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one was injured in a motorcycle accident, contact our Bethesda motorcycle accident lawyer. At Rice, Murtha & Psoras, our attorneys have years of experience assisting injured Bethesda motorcyclists. Call (410) 694-7291 today to schedule your free case consultation.
