Upper Marlboro Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Motorcycle riders face the highest risks of suffering catastrophic injuries or death when accidents occur. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are 29 times more likely to die in accidents than occupants of passenger vehicles. Over 80,000 injuries are reported from motorcycle accidents each year in the United States, and over 5,000 deaths.
Motorcycle accidents often cause severe injuries, resulting in costly medical expenses, lost wages, permanent disabilities, or death. If a negligent driver has injured you, you need an aggressive legal team on your side, such as our Upper Marlboro motorcycle accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King.
What Are Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Upper Marlboro?
Motorcycle accidents occur for many reasons, caused by both motorcycle operators and other motorists. Speeding is a factor in most motorcycle accidents because they can speed up quickly and travel at high speeds. Other common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Drowsy driving
- Equipment Failure
- Impact with fixed objects
- Inexperienced operators
- Lane splitting
- Poor road conditions
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Tailgating
- Weather conditions
According to the NHTSA, the single most dangerous situation leading to motorcycle accidents is when motorists make left-hand turns, which accounts for 42 percent of all motorcycle accidents.
What Injuries Are Common in Motorcycle Accidents?
More often than not, motorcycle accidents result in catastrophic, life-altering injuries. In Maryland, there are an average of 1,200 motorcycle accidents each year, with more than 75 percent resulting in injury or death. Some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries include:
- Amputations
- Back, neck, and spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Burns
- Concussion and head injuries
- Crushed or severed limbs
- Cuts and lacerations
- Death
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Facial and jaw injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Nerve damage
- Organ damage
- Partial or complete paralysis
- Psychological trauma
- Road rash
- Whiplash
- Traumatic brain injuries
Are You Required to Wear a Motorcycle Helmet in Maryland?
The best defense against injuries is to wear protective gear when operating a motorcycle. In Maryland, all motorcyclists are required to wear helmets that meet the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration standard and eye protection when operating motorcycles that are not outfitted with a windshield.
What Compensation Can You Recover for Motorcycle Accident Injuries?
Compensation for injuries suffered in motorcycle accidents is based on a combination of economic damages and non-economic damages, such as:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and future earning ability
- Disability
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Emotional trauma
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of life enjoyment
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Wrongful death
You may be entitled to compensation for property damage to your motorcycle as well as for your personal injuries and other losses.
What if You Are Partially At Fault for a Motorcycle Accident?
In Maryland, if you are partially at fault for a motorcycle accident, the state follows a contributory negligence rule. This means that if you are found to have contributed in any way to the accident, even if only slightly, you may be barred from recovering any damages from the other party.
For example, if you were involved in an accident where the other driver ran a red light, but you were also speeding at the time, your speeding could be considered contributory negligence. In such a case, if the court determines that your contribution to the accident was significant enough, you might not be able to recover damages from the other driver, even though they were primarily at fault.
Because of this strict rule, if you are involved in a motorcycle accident in Maryland and believe you may be partially at fault, it is crucial to seek legal advice from an attorney. They can help assess your situation, determine your level of fault, and advise you on the best course of action to protect your rights and potential recovery.
What Should You Do After a Motorcycle Accident?
Evidence gathered following a motorcycle accident can benefit your claim significantly. If you are unhurt, you should take the following steps after an accident:
- Call the police and report the accident and any injuries.
- Photograph the scene, including bike damage, injuries, signage, road and weather conditions, and other contributing factors.
- Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver but limit further conversation. What you say can be used against you later.
- Gather contact information and statements from any witnesses
- Seek medical attention even if you believe your injuries are minor. Some internal injuries have delayed symptoms that can be life-threatening if left untreated. A physician’s report documenting your injuries is also crucial to your claim.
- Maintain all medical records, invoices, estimates, and communications related to the accident and your injuries.
- Consult an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer skilled at negotiating with insurance companies and securing maximum compensation for injured clients.
How Long Do You Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim?
In Maryland, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including a claim related to a motorcycle accident, is generally three years from the date of the accident. This means that you have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit in civil court seeking damages for injuries or property damage resulting from the accident.
It is crucial to be aware of and adhere to this deadline. Failure to file within the statute of limitations could result in the court dismissing your case, and you may lose the opportunity to seek compensation for your losses.
How Can You Avoid a Motorcycle Accident?
There are ways you can avoid a motorcycle accident and injuries in Upper Marlboro:
- Wear proper safety gear, including a helmet, gloves, and protective clothing.
- Follow traffic laws and avoid aggressive or reckless riding.
- Stay alert and avoid distractions while riding.
- Attend motorcycle safety courses to improve your skills and knowledge of safe riding practices.
Why Choose the Law Offices of Duane O. King
Hiring an experienced Upper Marlboro motorcycle accident lawyer can be invaluable if you have been involved in a motorcycle accident. When you hire the Law Offices of Duane O. King, our team will:
- Investigate the accident scene, collect evidence, and review the police report.
- Determine liability.
- Calculate damages.
- Enlist experts and accident reconstruction specialists, if necessary.
- Interview witnesses.
- Coordinate with your medical team regarding your ongoing care.
- Negotiate with insurance companies.
- Represent you in court if the case goes to trial.
Do You Have to Have a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
You are not required to hire a lawyer to file an accident claim in Maryland, but choosing not to do so can be risky. Studies have shown that those who retain legal representation recover up to 45 percent more compensation than those who represent themselves. Our Upper Marlboro motorcycle accident lawyers have recovered tens of millions of dollars in compensation for our injured clients.
Our Upper Marlboro Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King Help Injured Clients Seek Justice and Compensation
If you have suffered serious injuries in a motorcycle accident caused by another motorist’s negligence, contact us today. Call our experienced Upper Marlboro motorcycle accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King at 202-931-6252 or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation. Located in Washington, D.C., National Harbor, MD, and Falls Church, Virginia, we serve clients in Prince George’s County, including Laurel, Beltsville, Adelphi, College Park, Greenbelt, Mitchellville, Woodmore, Greater Upper Marlboro, Springdale, Largo, Bowie, Capitol Heights, District Heights, Forestville, Suitland, Seat Pleasant, Clinton, Oxon Hill, Temple Hills, and Fort Washington.