Dundalk Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycles are often a great way to travel when the weather permits. However, the rider of a motorcycle must always be alert when they are operating the vehicle as a serious accident for a motorcyclist could result in fatal injuries. This can be difficult if negligent drivers fail to act responsibly when sharing the road with a motorcyclist. If you or a family member was injured in a severe motorcycle accident in Dundalk, Maryland, contact an experienced Dundalk motorcycle accident lawyer today.

Personal injury attorney Randolph Rice believes that victims of a severe motorcycle accident should not have to bear the burden of expensive medical bills and other financial issues due to the actions of a negligent driver. You do not have to fight your case alone, contact Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291 to schedule your free legal consultation. You can also contact the firm online.

Common Injuries Sustained in Motorcycle Accidents in Dundalk, MD

If you were involved in a motorcycle accident, your priority should be to get medical attention as soon as possible. When receiving medical care, you should be sure to inform the medical staff about how your injuries occurred. Informing the medical staff of how the accident occurred will help you document your injuries if you decide to pursue a lawsuit against the driver that injured you.

You should seek medical attention even if you believe that you only suffered mild injuries. In some cases, a victim of an accident may not exhibit the signs and symptoms of an injury immediately after the accident. Instead, the victim may go days or even weeks before they realize they were injured.

There are a number of injuries that could be sustained in a motorcycle accident. As the rider of a motorcycle is often thrown from their bike, they can sustain a number of severe or possibly fatal injuries. For example, a motorcyclist could be thrown from their motorcycle and suffer severe road rash on various parts of their body. Other common injuries that may occur after a motorcycle accident include:

  • Broken bones
  • Disfigurement
  • Lacerations
  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Nerve damage

This is not an exhaustive list. While it is true that motorcycle riders can protect themselves by wearing helmets and other protective gear, this will not prevent all possibilities of an injury.

To learn more about pursuing a personal injury lawsuit against the motorist that caused your injury, you should continue reading and speak with an experienced Dundalk motorcycle accident attorney today.

When to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit for a Motorcycle Accident in Dundalk, MD

If you are considering a personal injury lawsuit for a motorcycle accident in Dundalk after suffering a severe injury in a motorcycle accident, you should be aware that your case is subject to the statute of limitations. the statute of limitations dictates the length of time that a plaintiff has to file a particular type of lawsuit. For example, certain types of claims like a fraud lawsuit may have a different filing deadline than a lawsuit for wrongful death.

In Maryland, the statute of limitations for a personal injury lawsuit is three years from the date of the accident. Failure to file a personal injury lawsuit within three years means that there is a possibility that the court could bar your claim once it is filed. This means that the plaintiff would be unable to seek compensation for their injuries.

Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Lawsuits

A wrongful death lawsuit can be filed by a survivor of a decedent to seek compensation for the death of their loved one. Similar to a personal injury lawsuit, the statute of limitations for a wrongful death lawsuit is three years from the date of the decedent’s death.

It is important to note that there are certain requirements that must be met before a wrongful death lawsuit can be filed. Specifically, there are only certain family members that can file a wrongful death lawsuit. In Maryland, only a surviving spouse, children of the decedent, and parents of the decedent can file a wrongful death lawsuit. the reason for this regulation is to ensure that estranged family members are unable to claim compensation for the death of a family member they did not share a relationship with.

Proving Negligence in an Injury Claim

Personal injury lawsuits are often based on a theory of negligence. To prove negligence in a personal injury lawsuit, the plaintiff must show the following four elements:

  • The defendant owed the plaintiff a duty of care (e.g., to avoid acting irresponsibly behind the wheel of a vehicle)
  • The defendant breached their duty of care to a plaintiff
  • The plaintiff sustained an injury due to the defendant’s breach
  • The plaintiff suffered an injury that is compensable by the court

Once a plaintiff has proven these elements, they can be awarded damages for their injuries. Compensatory damages can be awarded for the following:

  • Medical bills
  • Costs of medication or rehabilitation
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of consortium

Contact Our Experienced Dundalk Motorcycle Accident Attorney

If your family member was killed in a motorcycle accident, you should consult with an experienced Dundalk motorcycle accident attorney. Rice, Murtha & Psoras has served the community of Dundalk for over 10 years, and we would be honored to offer you our legal services. To schedule a free legal consultation, contact Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291.