Maryland’s roads can be dangerous for motorcyclists. In 2018, 1,268 crashes in the state involved motorcycles and they resulted in 1,067 injuries and 58 deaths. Though concerning, this was an improvement over 2017 when 1,451 motorcycle crashes and 85 fatalities were recorded.

Motorcyclists in Baltimore and throughout Maryland often get a bad rap. Whenever they get involved in an accident, people assume it’s their fault. If the motorcycle is the only vehicle involved, it’s even more likely that the motorcyclist will be blamed.

It’s true that many single-vehicle motorcycle accidents are due to reckless driving, speeding, impairment or distraction. However, many are also due to the actions of third parties. Bikers are, therefore, not always responsible when they become involved in an accident. This means they are often eligible for compensation even if their vehicle was the only one involved. Contact our Baltimore motorcycle accident attorneys today.

Causes of Single-Vehicle Motorcycle Crashes

There are several reasons for these types of accidents. Sometimes, the motorcyclist crashes after swerving to get out of another vehicle’s way. They may avoid colliding with the vehicle only to hit a median, guardrail, tree or building. Another possibility is that the motorcycle rider suddenly drops into a pothole, sinkhole or crack in the pavement. Mechanical failure can also lead to a single-vehicle accident such as when the steering or brakes stop working.

Some of the other causes of single-vehicle motorcycle accidents are:

• Being cut off by another vehicle
• Swerving to avoid a pedestrian or animal
• Encountering poorly marked work zones or road hazards
• Hitting debris such as branches, rocks, or wreckage from a previous accident

If you become involved in a single-vehicle crash caused by someone else’s negligence, you should seek advice from a Baltimore motorcycle accident attorney. Even though the other party’s insurance company should compensate you, it’s unlikely to be easy. You’ll need someone to investigate the accident, gather evidence, negotiate on your behalf, and get you the damages you deserve.

Holding Someone Else Responsible for Your Crash

Despite what people may believe, you can hold someone else liable for a single-vehicle crash. Don’t assume that you have no recourse and give up on the idea of getting compensation. Some of the third parties who can be held responsible for an accident are:

• Other road users
• Construction companies
• Entities responsible for road maintenance
• Construction companies
• Motorcycle manufacturers or retailers
• Motorcycle parts manufacturers

You may be able to claim compensation for medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other accident-related losses. However, you’ll have to build a strong case. It can be difficult to prove liability in accidents involving two vehicles. It can be even harder to prove that someone who wasn’t at the scene caused the crash. That’s why you need legal representation from a skilled, competent car accident lawyer in Baltimore.

Your attorney will do everything possible to ensure that they identify the correct at-fault person or entity and then hold them accountable for their actions. In some cases, more than one entity is responsible. For example, multiple public and private entities may be involved in building and maintaining a road. If necessary, your attorney will bring in an accident reconstruction expert to help prove your case. Eyewitnesses can also play a major role in some single-vehicle accidents.

Contact the Motorcycle Accident Attorneys at Pinder Plotkin LLC Today

Even if you were in a single-vehicle crash, it’s possible that you suffered serious injuries. Motorcyclists rarely escape from accidents without injuries since they have so little to protect them against an impact. If you want to claim fair compensation for your losses, you need to contact a motorcycle accident attorney in Baltimore.

At Pinder Plotkin LLC, we’ll fight on your behalf whether it’s at the negotiation table or in the courtroom. If the accident was not your fault, you should have to bear the fallout on your own. Very often, motorcyclists suffer injuries that prevent them from working for some time. Others are never able to resume their previous duties. This means their medical bills pile up at the same time that they can’t earn an income. Not only does this impact their quality of life, but their families often suffer as well.

Instead of trying to get compensation on your own, call our team and schedule a consultation. Your first case review is free, and we work on a contingency basis. This means you don’t have to pay us any fees upfront. We only get paid if we get compensation on your behalf either through settlement or a verdict. Contact us today!