Ellicott City Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Motorcycle accidents can be life-changing for victims in Ellicott City, entitling them to file lawsuits for compensation against negligent drivers.
Following a motorcycle crash in Ellicott City, you should immediately file a police report and seek medical attention at the nearest hospital. Once you do this, our attorneys can begin investigating the cause of the accident and uncover evidence of negligence. We can then help you file your claim within the statute of limitations, which is three years in Maryland. If we successfully meet the burden of proof against the defendant, you can recover compensation for all losses stemming from your accident, such as medical bills and lost wages, among other damages. Following these steps closely will be important to the success of your motorcycle accident case in Ellicott City.
For help with your case from the Ellicott City motorcycle accident lawyers of Rice, Murtha & Psoras, call us now at (410) 694-7291.
What to Do After Your Motorcycle Accident in Ellicott City
Because motorcycle crashes can often be so devastating for victims in Ellicott City, taking the right steps following these accidents is crucial so that they can have the best chances of claiming the compensation they deserve. Start by filing a police report and seeking medical attention. Our motorcycle accident lawyers will then investigate the cause of your crash, gather evidence in the process, and help you to file your claim on time.
File a Police Report
Any motor vehicle accident that results in injury or death must be reported to law enforcement in Ellicott City. You can do this by calling 911 immediately after your crash takes place. Alternatively, you could self-report in the following days, though taking this route might not be as helpful to your case. When officers arrive at your accident scene, provide them with as much information as you can about the crash. Give them your information, like your name, driver’s license number, and insurance details. Regardless of the admissibility of police reports in civil claims in Maryland, this document can give our attorneys a clearer idea regarding the circumstances of your crash and lead to a more well-rounded case.
Seek Medical Attention
The next immediate step to take is to seek medical attention. You should go directly from the accident location to the hospital, regardless of how serious your injuries might appear. The shock from such a traumatic accident might cause you to ignore certain injuries, only for them to worsen over time. While going to the hospital will be important for your overall health and wellness, it will also be necessary for the success of your case. Without medical evidence to confirm your injuries and their cause, it can be nearly impossible to recover compensation in a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Ellicott City. So, in addition to going to the emergency room, you should seek care from the necessary doctors and specialists throughout the course of your physical recovery to ensure you have sufficient medical evidence of your injuries.
Investigate the Cause of the Accident
While you are focusing on getting well, our lawyers will turn their attention to an investigation. In some cases, victims do not know exactly what happened, requiring our attorneys to look deeper into cause. Even if you remember how the other driver acted negligently, that will not be enough to recover compensation. You will have to prove negligence with evidence. During the course of our investigation, we will review the police report for your motorcycle accident, speak with eyewitnesses who saw your crash take place, and analyze surveillance footage from nearby security cameras. We might also enlist assistance from experts, such as medical experts, who can testify to certain matters in your case, providing additional context and insight for a jury. The goal of our investigation will be to uncover sufficient evidence of fault that allows you to meet the burden of proof against the defendant in your motorcycle injury case in Ellicott City.
File Your Claim
The next step will be to officially file your claim in court. Including the necessary information in this complaint will be crucial, lest you risk a judge throwing it out of court. All motorcycle injury cases must be brought within three years of a crash in Ellicott City, according to Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. Art., § 5-101. While you technically have three years to sue, it is always better to do so sooner rather than later. When claims are delayed, proving certain elements, such as causation, can be more challenging. Furthermore, evidence might be lost or compromised as time goes on. Waiting until the last possible moment to bring your case also means you will be without compensation for all that time. And, if you attempt to file past the deadline, your path to recovery will be obstructed. While there are some exceptions to the statute of limitations, do not assume they apply to your case as doing so could cause you to miss the deadline.
Recover Compensation
The final stage is recovering compensation. Your damages will be given to you at the end of your case, whether through a settlement agreement or jury award. Motorcycle accident victims in Ellicott City deserve compensation for all losses related to another driver’s negligence, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Proving your damages will require documentation of your losses, which our attorneys can help you keep track of during your case. While you can recover damages through a settlement, you might be able to claim greater compensation by going to court. We can explain the pros and cons of going to trial so that you feel comfortable proceeding.
Contact Our Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Ellicott City Today
Call the motorcycle accident lawyers of Rice, Murtha & Psoras (410) 694-7291 for a free case assessment.