Ilchester, MD Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Riding in Ilchester can be a joy, but it also comes with serious risks. Unfortunately, some drivers fail to give motorcyclists the care they deserve, leading to severe injuries.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, we can help you get the compensation you are rightfully owed. We know that these cases are inherently challenging as motorcyclists are often unfairly accused of stereotypes that simply do not apply to the case. However, because of the contributory negligence rule, these false claims about your riding practices can severely impact your claim. Nevertheless, we will fight this negative perception by providing evidence and testimony that clearly shows the other driver’s liability. We will also review your case thoroughly so that all of your damages are calculated accurately.

For a free case review with our motorcycle accident attorneys, call Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291.

How Victim-Blaming Hurts Motorcycle Claims in Ilchester, MD

Victim-blaming in Ilchester, MD motorcycle accidents often manifests through stereotypes about motorcyclists being reckless or inherently more dangerous. This negative perception of riders can seriously impact the course of an accident claim.

From the start of your case, insurance adjusters, jurors, and even the police may harbor biases that skew their interpretation of the accident. This way of seeing motorcyclists as the cause of their misfortune can cloud these parties’ judgment, affecting everything from the police report to the final verdict in court.

When attempting to recover compensation, defense attorneys often try to leverage these stereotypes to shift blame, thereby painting the rider as a thrill-seeker with no regard for other’s safety. This can not only impact the settlement you receive but could also be used as an excuse to deny your claim altogether.

Fortunately, our motorcycle accident attorneys know how to fight these stereotypes to help you get the compensation you deserve. We can present clear and compelling evidence that shows how the other driver negligently caused your injuries. We will gather witness statements, secure footage from any nearby surveillance cameras, and reconstruct the accident scene so that there is no question as to who is to blame.

Common Legal Issues in Ilchester, MD Motorcycle Accident Cases

Motorcycle accident cases tend to be more complex than a typical car accident claim. As such, the concerns that can impact your claim in Ilchester become even more difficult to argue. We can review your case with you to determine if any of the following legal issues will present a challenge to getting the compensation you deserve.

Contributory Negligence

Maryland is one of the few states that still follows the rule of “pure” contributory negligence. Under this strict rule, if a motorcyclist is found to be even slightly at fault for the accident, they will be barred from recovering any compensation at all. This means any fault found on your part, even 1%, will mean losing your case.

As such, this antiquated rule presents a problem for motorcyclists since they often face the stereotypes mentioned above. With the chaos typically involved in motorcycle accidents, defense attorneys and insurance companies have a great deal of room to argue your liability.

However, evidence proves cases, not opinions. We will help you gather the evidence you need to fight any accusation that you helped cause the accident.

Negligence Against Multiple Parties

It is not uncommon for motorcycle accidents in Ilchester to involve multiple vehicles. These additional parties can make determining fault more difficult.

For instance, you could be injured in an initial crash and then further injured in a multi-car pileup. To determine liability in your case, we will conduct a detailed investigation into every aspect of the accident. After determining every potentially liable party, we will draft and file a complaint naming each of them as defendants.

By filing a lawsuit, we can show the extent of each driver’s contribution. Once liability has been assessed, the court will determine the share of damages each party will be ordered to pay.

Accidents Involving Commercial Vehicles

Accidents involving commercial vehicles, such as trucks or company cars, add additional layers of complexity. In Ilchester, these incidents are not uncommon, given the mix of residential areas and major roads leading to Baltimore.

When a commercial vehicle is involved, the question of liability extends beyond the driver to include their employer. This principle is known legally as “respondeat superior.” Under this rule, employers can be held responsible for their employees’ actions if they are done within the scope of their employment.

Furthermore, commercial drivers and vehicles are subject to specific regulations. Violating these standards can be used as a basis to show how the company is liable.

Accidents Involving Defective Motorcycle Parts

Not all motorcycle accidents are caused by negligent drivers. In rarer cases, a defective motorcycle part could be the cause of your suffering. If this is the case, we can help you file a product liability claim against any party in the chain of commerce that had a hand in causing your injuries. Potential defendants in your case could include the parts manufacturer, distributor, and retailers of the part.

These cases can be extremely difficult since we must prove that the defect existed and directly contributed to the accident. However, we can arrange to have an expert testify as to the nature of the defect and its role in your accident. With our support, you can take on large corporations despite their legal resources.

What is My Ilchester, MD Motorcycle Accident Case Worth?

Knowing the value of your case requires assessing several aspects. One of the main factors is the severity of your injuries. Motorcycle accidents often result in more severe injuries than car accidents, often involving serious injuries like head trauma, spinal cord injuries, and road rash.

Another significant factor is your lost income and future earning capacity. If your injuries prevent you from returning to work, you can claim your current lost income, as well as any income you would have made in the future had you not been injured. This usually requires showing that you would be making a certain amount at this stage of your career if the accident had not stymied your career growth.

Lastly, we will need to assess the non-economic damages you suffered. These are commonly referred to as “pain and suffering” damages and can include compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and other difficult-to-quantify psychological injuries.

To determine the worth of your pain and suffering, we will gauge the duration and intensity of your physical pain, as well as any psychological impacts you have sustained, such as anxiety, depression, or loss of enjoyment of life.

Our Ilchester, MD Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Can Help

Call Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291 for a free assessment of your case with our motorcycle accident lawyers.