Fort Meade Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle accidents are often extremely dangerous for the rider of the motorcycle. As the motorcycle rider’s body is exposed, they can suffer permanent or fatal injuries after a car crash. However, pursuing compensation for your injuries may be one of the first steps to putting your life back together. If you or a family member was injured in a motorcycle accident, consult with an experienced Fort Meade motorcycle accident lawyer today.

Rice, Murtha & Psoras believe that victims of a severe motorcycle crash deserve aggressive legal representation to pursue compensation from the driver that caused their injuries. Personal injury attorney Randolph Rice possesses over 10 years of legal experience, and he would be honored to fight for you. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your claim, contact Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291. You may also contact the firm online.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Fort Meade, MD

Motorcycle accidents can happen for a variety of reasons. Many times, these accidents occur because a negligent motorist failed to take notice of a motorcycle in their vicinity. Understanding the cause of the accident can help a person when they are pursuing compensation for their injuries. the following is a list of common causes of motorcycle accidents.

Open Car Doors

When exiting a vehicle on a tight road, it is imperative that a motorist checks their mirrors to ensure they do not open their door into oncoming traffic. Unfortunately, some motorists may negligently open their doors without first checking their blind spots for an incoming motorcycle. As a result, the rider of a motorcycle could collide with the door and sustain a number of severe injuries.

Unsafe Lane Changes and Turns

When making a lane change or a turn, a driver should consistently check their surroundings. Motorcycles are vehicles that could easily slip within a driver’s blind spot. As a result, if a driver does not pay attention to their actions, they could easily collide with a motorcyclist while making a turn or changing lanes.

Intoxicated Driving

Driving while drunk or drugged is dangerous for any motorcyclist sharing the road with the drunk driver. Drivers that are intoxicated are prone to act erratically and veer from their lane at unexpected moments. When this happens, a motorcycle rider could be thrown from their vehicle and suffer a wide range of injuries.

There are many other causes of motorcycle accidents that are not discussed above. If you were injured in another type of motorcycle accident, you should continue reading and speak with an experienced Fort Meade personal injury lawyer.

Fort Meade, MD Statute of Limitations for a Personal Injury Lawsuit

The victim of a serious motorcycle accident should consider filing a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent driver that caused the crash. However, it is important to note that a personal injury lawsuit is subject to the statute of limitations. the statute of limitations determines the amount of time that a person has to file a particular type of lawsuit with the court. the length of time provided can vary depending on the type of case that a plaintiff wishes to file.

In Maryland, the statute of limitations for a personal injury lawsuit is three years from the date of the accident. When a plaintiff does not file their claim within three years of the accident, the court will have the authority to bar their claim upon a motion from the defendant. As a result, a victim of a serious crash may be left with no other options to pursue compensation.

When to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit

A wrongful death lawsuit can be filed by the surviving members of a decedent’s family. However, there are only certain members of a family that are permitted to file a wrongful death lawsuit:

  • Parents of the decedent
  • Children of the decedent
  • Surviving spouse of the decedent

If you wish to file a wrongful death lawsuit after the death of your loved one, you must file your case within three years of the date of their death.

Proving a Negligence in a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Fort Meade, MD

Many personal injury lawsuits are based on a theory of negligence. To prove that a defendant acted negligently, a plaintiff must prove the following four elements:

  • The defendant owed the plaintiff a duty of care (e.g., to operate their vehicle responsibly)
  • The defendant breached their duty of care to the plaintiff (e.g., driving drunk)
  • The plaintiff sustained an injury due to the defendant’s breach
  • The plaintiff suffered an injury that can be compensated by the court

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

  • Medical bills and costs of rehabilitation
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of wages or future loss of wages
  • Loss of consortium
  • Pain and suffering

Contact Our Experienced Fort Meade Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today

If your loved one was killed in a catastrophic motorcycle crash, you should contact an experienced Fort Meade motorcycle accident attorney today. Rice, Murtha & Psoras have offered legal services for over a decade, and we would be honored to represent you in your potential motorcycle accident claim. We recognize how the death of a loved one can affect a family, and we are here for you in your time of need. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your claim, contact Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291. You may also contact the firm online.