Woodlawn, MD Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Motorcycles are a fun way to travel but can be extremely dangerous due to the negligence of others on the road. When a rider is injured, they can experience significant physical and financial harm for which they should be compensated.
Fortunately, our motorcycle accident attorneys can help you get justice for your injuries. While the other driver will most likely be liable for your damages, there might be other parties that share the responsibility for causing your accident. Our team knows how to evaluate these complex cases to ensure each party is held accountable. Through a lawsuit, you could recover numerous damages that can help you on your road to recovery.
For a free case evaluation with our motorcycle accident lawyers, call Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (443) 251-3497 today.
Statute of Limitations in a Woodlawn, MD Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in Woodlawn, it’s important to know the timeline for filing a lawsuit. According to Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. Art, § 5-101, Maryland’s statute of limitations allows three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, motorcycle accident cases can be complex and can require more investigation than typical car accident cases, which means this timeline can go by quickly. To ensure that evidence can be collected and witnesses can be located to testify on your behalf, it is crucial to act quickly by contacting our motorcycle accident attorneys. We can begin working on your case immediately so that you do not miss out on the compensation you deserve. Because if your case is not filed within this timeframe, your case will not move forward.
Who a Lawsuit Can Be Filed Against for a Motorcycle Accident in Woodlawn, MD
The level of complexity in a motorcycle accident lawsuit varies depending on who caused the injury and whether they are solely responsible for it. In certain scenarios, multiple parties might have acted negligently, resulting in the accident. It is possible that you were not injured by another driver but due to the carelessness of your motorcycle manufacturer or a Woodlawn government entity. The following are the most common parties named in a motorcycle accident lawsuit:
The Other Driver
In Woodlawn, it is common for the driver of the other vehicle to be at fault in cases of motorcycle accidents, resulting in injuries to the rider. Often, drivers are not vigilant enough to notice motorcycles which can cause collisions due to a lack of focus or completely failing to see the rider. However, the fact that they did not see a motorcyclist before hitting them is not a defense in a lawsuit.
Multiple Drivers
In the event of a motorcycle accident involving multiple drivers, each driver can be held accountable for the damages they caused. For instance, if a driver is speeding and collides with another vehicle that made an illegal lane change, resulting in damage to your motorcycle, both drivers would be responsible for compensating you for the damages relating to their respective actions.
Commercial Drivers and Employers
If an employee’s negligence while performing their work duties resulted in a motorcycle accident, their employer might be held responsible along with the driver. For instance, if you were injured when a driver was delivering products for a company, an employer is usually liable for their negligence when an accident occurs while on the job. This legal principle is called respondeat superior, and both the driver and their employer can be sued.
Manufacturers and Designers of Motorcycles and Parts
If a faulty component of your motorcycle was the cause or a contributing factor to an accident, you might be eligible to file a claim against the manufacturer or designer, even if it is a foreign-made bike. For instance, the motorcycle manufacturer can be considered negligent for not ensuring the safe design of the motorcycle or neglecting to inform customers of any known risks associated with the product’s use.
Local and State Government Agencies
Sometimes, when a motorcyclist gets injured, it is due to poor road conditions or other hazards that a local or state government agency is accountable for. For example, if a rider hits a pothole that is difficult to spot, they can be thrown off their bike. If the city was aware of the pothole’s existence and did not take action to fix it, you might have grounds to file a lawsuit for their negligence. Nevertheless, suing a government entity involves additional legal regulations, so these cases often add extra hurdles to overcome.
Damages You Can Claim in a Woodlawn, MD Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in Woodlawn, you might be facing severe financial and emotional challenges due to your injuries. Depending on the severity of the accident and any long-term effects of the injuries, victims are usually entitled to a variety of damages. Injured riders can receive compensation for both tangible costs, like medical bills, and intangible losses, such as pain and suffering.
Medical Expenses
If you have been hurt in a motorcycle accident due to someone else’s negligence, they are accountable for covering all your medical expenses that are related to the accident and any future treatment you may need. These costs may include visits to doctors, physical therapists, chiropractors, and other medical providers. You can also request reimbursement for any payments you have made for prescription medications, hospital stays, and surgical procedures. Additionally, if the accident results in permanent disability, you might need compensation for ongoing medical expenses.
Lost Wages
If the injuries sustained in a collision prevent you from resuming work or pursuing your previous career path, you will be entitled to compensation for lost wages and future earning potential. In the event that a motorcycle accident injury renders you unable to work altogether, you can claim damages for permanent disability benefits, which depend on the length of time you will be unable to work as a result of the crash.
Property Damage
If your motorcycle or personal property has been damaged due to someone else’s negligence, you can claim expenses for the property damage. This includes any damage caused to your bike, as well as any other property that was damaged during the accident, such as clothing or equipment. You can provide estimates, receipts, and repair bills as evidence of the damages incurred.
Pain and Suffering
When pursuing legal action after a motorcycle accident, pain and suffering damages are frequently sought due to the emotional damage the accident causes. These damages aim to provide compensation to the injured rider for both their physical discomfort and emotional distress. In addition, loss of consortium and loss of enjoyment is often included in a claim for damages.
Our Woodlawn, MD Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Can Help
Contact our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys at Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (443) 251-3497 to schedule a free case review today.