When operating a motorcycle on a major highway, it is essential to exercise caution. With the amount of traffic occupying a highway, a motorcycle accident can result in long-term or permanent injuries for a motorcycle rider. If you or a family member was injured in a motorcycle crash on US-1, you should consult with an experienced US-1 motorcycle accident attorney today.
At Rice, Murtha & Psoras, we are dedicated to providing our clients with the aggressive and unique legal representation needed to pursue compensation for their injuries. Personal injury attorney Randolph Rice has extensive experience litigating car accident claims, and he is here to fight for you. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your legal claim, contact Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291. You can also contact the firm online.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident on US 1
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident on US-1, there are steps you can take to help you protect yourself and to help you seek compensation from the driver that caused the accident. the following are steps you should consider after a serious crash on US-1.
Seek Medical Attention and Summon Law Enforcement
Your first step should be to get yourself and any other passengers to a safe area. If your motorcycle is still operational, you should attempt to move it away from the path of traffic. As US-1 is a major highway, this can be dangerous, and you should ensure you act cautiously.
If you suffered an injury during the accident, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. When receiving medical care, you should ensure that you explain how your injuries were sustained. Understanding the full extent of your injuries will be necessary when pursuing compensation for your injuries.
You should also remember to summon law enforcement to the scene of the accident. Under certain circumstances, your insurance company may need a police report in order to compensate you for the accident. Additionally, Maryland requires accidents to be reported when extensive property damage occurs or when a person is seriously injured or killed.
Exchange Information with the Driver
Next, you should seek to exchange information with the driver that caused the accident. When exchanging information with the negligent driver that caused your injuries, you should ensure that you recover the following:
- Name and contact information of the negligent driver
- Type of vehicle operated by the other driver and the license plate of the vehicle
- The insurance company that insures the negligent driver’s vehicle
Other important information may include whether the negligent driver was operating as a rideshare driver or was operating a commercial vehicle. Under these circumstances, the driver’s employer could be held liable for the accident.
Document Evidence of the Accident
After exchanging information about the accident, you should document evidence of the accident. This will help when reporting the accident to your insurance as Maryland is an “at-fault” state for car insurance liability. This means that the negligent driver’s insurance must compensate the victim of the accident.
When gathering evidence of the accident, you should ensure that you document the following:
- The intersection where the accident occurred
- Adverse weather that contributed to the accident
- Pictures of injuries you sustained in the crash
- Photos of the damage to your motorcycle and the damage to the other vehicle
- Details of the accident (e.g., other driver ran a yield sign)
Additionally, if you can speak with witnesses that observed the accident, you should ask if they would provide you with a statement.
Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company and Contact an Experienced Attorney
When you are able, you should contact your insurance company to report the accident. Once you report the accident to your insurance company, you will likely have to discuss the accident with a representative from the other driver’s insurance company. it is important to remember that they do not have your best interest in mind. Instead, they are looking for a way to avoid liability for the accident.
You should also speak with an experienced attorney to discuss your options for a potential lawsuit. If the insurance policy chosen by the other driver is not enough to cover the expenses of the accident, you may need to file a lawsuit to manage your expenses.
Damages Available for Personal Injury Lawsuit for a US 1 Motorcycle Accident
If you were injured after a motorcycle accident, you should consider filing a lawsuit to recover damages for your injuries. Compensatory damages can be divided into two categories: economic losses and noneconomic losses. Economic losses are easy to calculate because they are based on the expenses incurred by a victim due to an accident. Noneconomic losses are more challenging to quantify because they can be based on subjective factors.
A plaintiff can recover compensatory damages for the following:
- Medical bills, costs of medication, rehabilitation expenses
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of wages
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
Our firm is here for you if you wish to file a claim against a negligent motorist.
Work with Our Experienced US 1 Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
If your family member was killed in a motorcycle crash on US-1, you should consult with an experienced US-1 motorcycle accident attorney. Rice, Murtha & Psoras recognize how a severe motorcycle accident can impact a victim and their family, and we are here for you in your time of need. To schedule a free legal consultation, contact Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291.