Motorcyclists on Maryland roads are more exposed than other motor vehicle drivers. They lack the protection of airbags, seatbelts, security features, and tough vehicle exteriors during accidents. Motorcycle accident victims tend to sustain more severe injuries and debilitating consequences.
If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle accident and you believe it was due to another party’s negligence, contact an experienced Parkville motorcycle accident lawyer immediately. Pinder Plotkin Legal Team is ready to help you with your motorcycle accident claim. We can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Pinder Plotkin Legal Team handles personal injury cases in Parkville and throughout Maryland. We have relevant experience in motorcycle accident claims. Our legal team won’t let an insurance company bully you into accepting a lowball offer. Contact us now at (410) 525-5337 to speak to a seasoned motorcycle accident lawyer in Parkville. We prioritize the rights of riders in Parkville, Maryland.
How Can a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help With My Compensation Claim?
A motorcycle accident can have far-reaching consequences. You can suffer severe physical injuries that require extensive surgery and treatment after a motorcycle crash. A motorcycle accident may also result in permanent disability.
If you or someone you care about has been injured in a motorcycle accident, reach out to a Parkville motorcycle accident attorney immediately. With the help of the Pinder Plotkin Legal Team, you may be able to secure maximum compensation for your injuries.
At Pinder Plotkin Legal Team, our attorneys will offer you sound legal advice and guidance. We will conduct preliminary investigations into your case and advise you if you have a case. Maryland’s justice system and laws can be confusing. Our lawyers will walk you through your legal options.
Our skilled lawyers are also ready to handle your settlement talks on your behalf. We will conduct thorough investigations and analyze evidence including, medical records, police reports, dashcam footage, and eyewitness statements, to build a strong claim. Our lawyers will aggressively negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you get the best settlement. We will employ the best techniques and tactics during settlement negotiations.
If your case isn’t resolved out of court, Pinder Plotkin Legal Team will go to court to fight for the compensation you deserve. Our trial lawyers have represented countless personal injury clients in Maryland. We will extensively prepare your case, provide relevant evidence, and call experts and witnesses to the stand to help you secure maximum compensation for your injuries.
What are the Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcycle accidents are some of the worst motor vehicle accidents. Riders are usually exposed while on their motorcycles. A motorcycle accident can happen due to another driver’s fault. Still, an accident can occur if you disregard traffic rules. Here are some of the common causes of motorcycle accidents in Maryland:
Distracted Driving
All drivers should always pay attention while on Parkville roads. Taking your eyes away from the road is dangerous. Actions such as texting, changing the radio, using GPS, talking on the phone, and eating can result in motorcycle accidents.
Failure to pay attention to motorcycles
Motorcyclists on Parkville roads have the same rights as any other road user. Regrettably, many vehicle drivers disregard motorcycle riders. They may not pay attention to these riders, especially at road junctions and intersections.
Drunk driving or drugged driving
Driving any motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs is extremely dangerous. Some prescription drugs can also lead to motorcycle accidents. Drugs can impair judgment, affect reaction times, and cause drowsiness.
Faulty mirrors, brakes, or lighting
If your motorcycle or the other driver’s vehicle malfunctions, you may end up in a motorcycle accident. Faulty auto parts can lead to a driver losing control.
Unexpected pedestrians in the road
The unstable state of motorcycles puts riders at a higher risk of collisions due to road hazards. Pedestrians who don’t follow traffic rules may end up causing motorcycle accidents. Due to the size of motorbikes, pedestrians may fail to yield the right of way. This may result in severe collisions.
Maryland Motorcycle Accident Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 4,985 motorcyclists passed on in 2018. 26% of these motorcyclists were drunk. In Maryland, total motorcyclist fatalities were 76 in 2016, 87 in 2017, 62 in 2018, and 75 in 2019. Most of these fatalities were aged between 20-29 years.
What Are the Motorcycle-Specific Laws in Maryland?
Maryland has strict motorcycle-specific laws. All riders are required to wear helmets with a shock-absorbing liner. Helmets must be approved by the Department of Transportation. They are required to conform to the standards of the Motor Vehicle Administration.
Motorcyclists on Maryland roads are required to wear eye protection. Motorcyclists with windscreens are exempt from this law. They are also required to have mufflers.
All motorcycles in Maryland should have two mirrors and turn signals. Riders are required to have class E licenses and appropriate insurance coverage. Still, if you are carrying a passenger, you should have a passenger seat and footrest.
What are the Most Common Injuries Seen in Motorcycle Accidents?
Riders are often ejected off their motorcycles during accidents. High-impact collisions can have catastrophic consequences. Our experienced Parkville motorcycle accident lawyers can help you recover compensation if you’ve sustained injuries after a crash. Some of the most common injuries include:
Broken Bones
In a high-speed collision, a motorcycle rider can sustain serious injuries, including fractured bones. The force of a crash or the impact of being thrown from a bike can result in broken bones.
Road Rash
This type of injury happens during friction between the surface of the road and your skin. Gravel, dirt, and pavements can tear your skin, resulting in severe burn injuries.
Head and Brain Injuries
A motorcycle accident can cause the brain to bleed or swell. You may also suffer a concussion after an accident. If you disregard seeking medical care, you may suffer permanent brain damage.
Spinal Cord Injuries
You may end up fracturing your spine after a motorcycle accident. These types of injuries may affect your mobility and even cause paralysis.
How is Fault Determined in a Parkville Motorcycle Accident?
Maryland is a pure contributory negligence state. Here, Maryland courts bar a plaintiff from receiving compensation even if their fault for a crash is 1%. If you are in any way responsible for your crash, the courts may prevent you from securing any compensation in your claim.
At Pinder Plotkin Legal Team, our Parkville motorcycle accident attorneys will look into all pieces of evidence, including photographs, eyewitness statements, and the incident report to determine fault. We will also speak to medical experts and accident reconstruction professionals to build a watertight case.
What Type of Compensation Can I Receive for My Motorcycle Accident?
Victims of motorcycle accidents deserve compensation. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. You may receive these types of compensation after your accident:
Economic Damages
These damages are meant to cover financial losses. They can pay for medical expenses such as rehab expenses, hospital stays, and surgery costs. They also cover property damage and lost income.
Non-Economic Damages
These damages aren’t easy to quantify. They don’t have receipts or bills. They include pain and suffering, mental anguish, emotional trauma, and disfigurement.
Punitive Action
If the defendant’s actions were grossly negligent, you may be entitled to seek punitive damages. Also known as exemplary damages, these damages aim to punish the defendant for their reckless actions.
Why Was My Motorcycle Accident Claim Denied?
Insurance companies are only interested in making profits. They’ll use all kinds of tactics to limit or deny your compensation. Never admit fault when speaking to an insurance adjuster. Don’t be fooled by their friendliness. An experienced Parkville motorcycle accident attorney can help you deal with insurance companies. Here are some reasons why an insurance provider may deny your motorcycle claim:
- The policy was canceled or lapsed
- The claim was filed after the insurer’s deadline
- The driver was not insured under the policy
- They believe you were responsible for the crash
- They believe you have a pre-existing condition
- They don’t believe you were injured
- There was missing information in your application
If an insurance company has denied your claim, reach out to Pinder Plotkin Legal Team. We will go through your case and file an appeal once we have a watertight case.
Are There Time Limits to Filing a Claim in Maryland?
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is three years in Maryland. This time limit also applies to property damage claims. If you don’t file your claim within this time frame, you risk losing your compensation.
Contact An Experienced Parkville Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
If you or your loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be eligible for compensation. Motorcyclists on Parkville roads have the same rights as all other road users. Still, riders are more exposed and vulnerable in the event of accidents.
All road users must follow traffic rules. Pinder Plotkin Legal Team can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries. We will conduct thorough investigations to find out who is responsible for your crash.
Call us today at (410) 525-5337 for a free case review. We are available 24/7 to help you out with your personal injury case. Start now before it’s too late!