Odenton, MD Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle accidents in Odenton are some of the most devastating seen in the city. Many injured riders need significant financial compensation in order to treat their injuries properly.

While motorcycle accidents can be caused by negligent drivers in numerous ways, our motorcycle accident lawyers can help you file a lawsuit to cover your expenses. Motorcycle accident cases can be challenging since there is an undeserved reputation among riders for causing their accident. This can significantly affect your case considering the state’s comparative negligence rules. However, our firm knows that most riders did nothing to bring about their injuries and deserve to be compensated.

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

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Odenton, MD

Motorcycle accidents can be caused by careless drivers in a multitude of ways. Unfortunately, some drivers do not realize they are sharing the road with motorcyclists until they cause a severe accident. Fortunately, our motorcycle accident attorneys have extensive experience advocating for riders to receive the compensation they deserve for their injuries. No matter how your injuries come about while riding, you have the right to be compensated.

Traffic Violations

Every day, drivers break traffic regulations, putting motorcyclists in danger. Even if the motorcyclist adheres to the rules of the road and follows all traffic signals, these violations can result in a collision when a driver fails to follow those same rules. Some drivers completely disregard motorcycles, while others attempt to maneuver through narrow spaces despite the limited room on the road.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving has become a significant issue in Odenton due to the widespread use of technology. Sadly, it is one of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents, resulting in severe injuries. While cell phones are the primary source of distraction, eating, drinking, and checking the GPS can also contribute to causing an accident. Additionally, passengers and loud music from vehicles can distract drivers, causing the driver to overlook motorcyclists until it is too late.

Speeding

In Odenton, motorcycle accidents are often caused by speeding, which can result in severe injuries or fatalities. Unfortunately, speeding is a prevalent issue on Maryland’s roads, making it essential for riders to remain vigilant and cautious of speeding drivers.

Failure to Yield the Right of Way

Unfortunately, some drivers may not expect or look out for motorcycles when making turns or changing lanes, which can result in devastating T-bone accidents that can be fatal for riders. Since motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles, it can be difficult for drivers to accurately judge their distance and speed, even if they do see them. To avoid accidents, it is crucial for drivers to yield to motorcycles until they have safely passed.

Drunk Driving

Many motorcycle accidents in Odenton can be attributed to drunk driving. It poses a significant danger to motorcyclists as they lack the protection of an enclosed vehicle. Drunk drivers often have slower reaction times and impaired judgment, leading to severe damages and even fatalities. In these situations, it is possible to recover damages in addition to your medical expenses and lost income in the form of punitive damages, which are intended to punish the drunk driver.

How Inattentional Blindness Can Cause a Motorcycle Accident in Odenton, MD

Scientific studies have revealed that seeing a motorcyclist might be challenging due to a phenomenon known as inattentional blindness. This means that drivers may overlook a clearly visible motorcycle unexpectedly. For example, a study by the National Library of Medicine indicates that drivers are twice as likely to miss a motorcycle on the road compared to a taxi. It is important to note that this is not the same as blind spots but rather a function of the brain and not the physical obstruction of the motorcyclist.

People process an overwhelming amount of information every day, causing some details to be given less importance. When driving, our brain prioritizes certain tasks while filtering out others. Sadly, this filtering often results in motorcyclists being overlooked, leading to catastrophic accidents. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as “looked but failed to see” (LBFTS) and is a major factor in motorcycle accidents.

Even cautious drivers can sometimes overlook nearby motorcycles, despite clear weather and light traffic. Motorcyclists can suddenly find themselves facing a vehicle that never noticed them. Drivers often prioritize cars and trucks and may not notice smaller vehicles like motorcycles. To enhance your safety while riding, it is crucial to take measures to improve visibility. This includes wearing reflective clothing and equipping your bike with additional lights. You can also play your radio through the bike’s speakers to increase your chances of being noticed. For drivers, claiming that they did not see a motorcycle at all is unlikely to be a successful defense in a motorcycle accident lawsuit.

How Comparative Negligence Works in Odenton, MD Motorcycle Accident Cases

Your financial award can be significantly affected by whether or not you were responsible for your injuries. Unfortunately, Maryland has strict pure comparative negligence rules in place, which means that plaintiffs in a lawsuit cannot receive any compensation if they are found to have contributed to their accident by just 1%. This system is considered the harshest in the country, as most states allow victims to recover some damages even if they were partially at fault, although at a reduced amount. Despite this, Maryland still chooses to implement this system.

In the event that there is evidence indicating that you partially caused the accident you were injured in, this strict rule will likely impact your choice to settle the case instead of going to trial. Nevertheless, settling might result in considerably lower compensation depending on your level of blame. However, we can assist in disproving any accusations of your contribution to the accident and ensuring fair treatment from the opposing party and their insurance provider.

Time Limit to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Odenton, MD

If you have sustained injuries from a motorcycle accident, it is important to understand the timeframe for filing a lawsuit in Odenton. The statute of limitations in Maryland, as stated in Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. Art, § 5-101, allows for a three-year window from the date of the accident for filing your lawsuit. However, this timeline can be shorter than it appears because motorcycle accident cases are usually complicated and often demand more investigation than regular car accident cases. You should act quickly so that evidence can be obtained and witnesses can be tracked down to get them to testify on your behalf.