Nothing beats the thrill and excitement of riding a motorcycle for many people. However, motorcycles are not all fun and games. They come with many risks and dangers.
Motorcycles offer no protection in an accident, making them more dangerous than passenger vehicles. Even a seemingly minor crash can result in serious injuries.
Even when they are wearing a helmet and protective gear, motorcycle riders could end up seriously injured or even killed in a crash. In many cases, these accidents are caused by other motorists who are distracted, drunk, or not paying attention to the roadway.
When someone else’s negligence causes your injuries, know you have options. You may be able to recover compensation with help from the Baltimore motorcycle accident lawyer at Furman | Honick Law. Learn more by scheduling a free consultation.
Our Baltimore office is available by appointment only.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Some behaviors and actions cause motorcycle crashes.
- Alcohol and drug use is a serious matter, and it’s a common problem for motorcycle riders. Close to 45% of fatal motorcycle accidents involve a rider with some alcohol in their system. What you do in your time is your own business — until it affects others. Even one drink causes most people to feel “buzzed,” affecting judgment and coordination.
- One of the most common reasons why people enjoy riding motorcycles is because they’re fast. Some go hundreds of miles per hour. While speeding is a thrill, it’s also dangerous. A rider might easily lose control and get into a catastrophic or even deadly crash.
- A person cannot simply hop on a motorcycle and take off. Learning to ride properly takes a lot of time. Nearly 30% of fatal motorcycle accidents involve riders without a license. Sharpening your skills is essential before heading out on the main roads.
- Weather conditions. Motorcycles cannot handle ice, rain, and snow well. Their tires do not have adequate traction, making it easy to slide and spin out. Wind and fog cause visibility issues, and accidents are more likely to occur when a rider cannot see well.
- Road conditions. Roads are another factor. Rain puddles and debris on roads, such as oil slicks and leaves, cause slippery conditions. Potholes and uneven roads are also dangerous for motorcycles and cause loss of control.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries: More Than Just a List
When Baltimore motorcycle accident lawyers represent injured riders, it isn’t about listing injuries but about understanding their profound effects on every corner of a rider’s life.
A motorcycle crash alters a person’s reality in an instant, leading to a complex journey of recovery, financial strain, and legal hurdles.
Below are some frequent injuries in motorcycle accident cases and insights into why they matter in a personal injury claim.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
For motorcycle riders, TBIs represent one of the most severe types of injuries sustained in accidents. Despite wearing helmets, motorcycle riders remain vulnerable to life-altering brain injuries that impact memory, motor skills, and personality.
In Maryland, contributory negligence laws mean proving the other driver’s responsibility is critical.
This challenge is where the skill of an experienced Baltimore motorcycle accident lawyer comes in when calculating future medical costs for ongoing cognitive therapy, rehabilitation, and non-economic damages.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
The force of a motorcycle crash often results in spinal injuries that lead to partial or complete paralysis. These injuries require extensive medical expenses, from initial surgeries to lifelong care, not to mention future lost wages.
Severe Fractures and Crush Injuries
The openness of a motorcycle leaves riders particularly exposed, leading to complex fractures in the arms, legs, pelvis, and ribs.
Crush injuries, often caused by the weight of the motorcycle itself or impact with other vehicles, may require multiple surgeries and prolonged physical therapy.
Internal Injuries
Internal injuries like damage to the liver, lungs, spleen, or kidneys often go unnoticed at the accident scene, only to reveal their severity later.
These injuries complicate a motorcycle accident claim because they may involve prolonged hospitalization and unexpected medical bills.
Road Rash and Burn Injuries
Many motorcycle accidents in Baltimore involve road rash and burns, often requiring skin grafts and leaving permanent scarring.
Although these injuries might appear less serious, they frequently have a lasting psychological impact and are a central part of a personal injury case.
Emotional and Psychological Trauma
Beyond the physical, the emotional toll of motorcycle crashes should not be overlooked. Motorcycle accident victims often face PTSD, anxiety, and depression that demand professional mental health care.
Types of Damages Baltimore Motorcycle Accident Victims May Claim in Maryland
Maryland motorcycle accident cases involve several types of damage to address financial and personal losses.
Baltimore motorcycle accident lawyers recover damages by highlighting the impact of injuries and associated expenses in their personal injury claims.
Economic Damages
Economic damages compensate for the quantifiable financial losses a motorcycle rider experiences after a motorcycle crash.
- Medical Expenses: Medical bills quickly accumulate following a serious motorcycle accident. This category includes costs for emergency room visits, surgeries, ongoing physical therapy, and future medical costs tied to motorcycle accident injuries.
- Lost Wages and Future Earnings: If injuries prevent accident victims from working, they may claim lost wages to cover income missed during recovery.
- Property Damage: Baltimore motorcycle accident lawyers also address property damage, which covers repairing or replacing the damaged motorcycle and any personal belongings affected during the accident.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages account for the intangible impacts of motorcycle accidents, addressing personal and emotional tolls that go beyond financial losses.
- Pain and Suffering: Motorcycle accident injuries often cause significant physical and emotional pain. Damages for pain and suffering reflect the lasting discomfort and distress accident victims endure due to their injuries.
- Emotional Distress: Emotional distress damages address the psychological effects of motorcycle accidents, including anxiety, PTSD, or depression.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Severe motorcycle accident injuries may prevent victims from enjoying life as they did before. Compensation for loss of enjoyment accounts for the disruption to daily life, hobbies, and overall well-being.
- Loss of Consortium: When a motorcycle accident severely impacts personal relationships, spouses and family members may claim loss of consortium to cover lost companionship, affection, and support.
Punitive Damages
In Maryland, punitive damages punish particularly reckless or dangerous behavior by the at-fault party, such as aggressive driving or distracted driving.
Navigating the Maryland Motorcycle Accident Claims Process
Maryland's motorcycle accident claims process involves several key steps to pursue fair compensation for injuries and losses.
With the guidance of an experienced Baltimore motorcycle accident lawyer, each stage is strategic and aimed at maximizing recovery without unnecessary complications.
- Initial Consultation and Case Review
After a motorcycle crash, meeting with a Baltimore motorcycle accident attorney helps outline the case details and determine potential claims.
- Investigation and Evidence Collection
Your lawyer gathers essential evidence, from accident scene photos and witness statements to medical records and traffic camera footage. This investigation supports your motorcycle accident claim, strengthening your position against the insurance company.
- Filing the Claim
The next step involves filing a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company.
A Baltimore motorcycle accident attorney will submit all documentation detailing medical expenses, lost earnings, property damage, and other losses, building a case that reflects the accident's full impact.
- Negotiations with the Insurance Company
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, but an experienced attorney negotiates to seek maximum compensation.
This phase may involve several rounds of negotiation, where your lawyer counters low settlement offers with clear evidence of damages and a compelling case for fair compensation.
- Settlement or Trial Decision
Many motorcycle accident cases are settled through negotiation. However, if the insurance company refuses a fair offer, your lawyer may recommend proceeding to trial.
Here, your legal team presents the case before a judge or jury to pursue the best possible outcome.
- Resolution and Compensation
Once a settlement or verdict is reached, you’ll receive compensation covering medical bills, lost wages, future expenses, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
Maryland’s contributory negligence laws mean proving fault is essential, making a skilled lawyer invaluable.
The claims process may seem complex, but with an experienced legal team, each step is clear, purposeful, and designed to recover the support needed to move forward confidently.
Contact Furman | Honick Law Today
As a motorcyclist, you must always be prepared for the possibility of an accident and ride defensively.
But even if you are being safe, others may not act safely, so crashes still happen. When they do, Furman | Honick Law will be there to help.
We’ll focus on financial recovery while you focus on physical recovery. Contact our Baltimore personal injury lawyers for a free consultation. Complete the online form or call (410) 844-6000.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accident Claims in Maryland
What should I do immediately after a motorcycle accident in Maryland?
After a motorcycle crash, prioritize safety and seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor. Report the accident to law enforcement and gather essential details, including contact information for other drivers, witnesses, and any available photos or videos from the accident scene.
How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim in Maryland?
Maryland law provides a three-year statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit following a motorcycle accident. Acting quickly helps preserve evidence and witness accounts, which are crucial for a strong case.
Will insurance cover all my damages from the accident?
Insurance coverage depends on the at-fault party’s policy and the extent of your injuries. While insurance adjusters assess claims, they often attempt to reduce payouts.
Working with an experienced Baltimore motorcycle accident attorney increases the likelihood of obtaining compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
What types of compensation are available for motorcycle accident victims?
Motorcycle accident victims in Maryland may recover economic damages for tangible expenses (medical expenses, property damage, lost wages) and non-economic damages for pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. In rare cases involving reckless behavior, punitive damages may also apply.
How does contributory negligence affect my claim in Maryland?
Maryland follows a contributory negligence rule, meaning if a motorcycle rider is even slightly at fault for the accident, they may be barred from recovering damages.
How long does it take to resolve a motorcycle accident claim?
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the case and the insurance company's willingness to negotiate.
Some cases settle in a few months, while others, especially those involving significant injuries, may take over a year if they proceed to trial.
What if the insurance company denies my motorcycle accident claim?
If an insurance company denies your claim or offers an inadequate settlement, a Baltimore motorcycle accident lawyer will investigate, gather additional evidence, and negotiate aggressively. If needed, they’ll take the case to trial to pursue the compensation you deserve.
Do I need a lawyer for a Maryland motorcycle accident case?
While not legally required, an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer brings essential legal knowledge, negotiates with insurance adjusters, and fights for full compensation.
Without legal support, accident victims often face challenges securing fair settlements.
Can I recover compensation if a loved one died in a motorcycle accident?
Yes, in Maryland, surviving family members may file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek damages for the loss of a loved one. Compensation may cover funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and financial support.
A Baltimore motorcycle accident lawyer helps families navigate these sensitive claims.
What are some common causes of motorcycle accidents in Maryland?
Many motorcycle accidents result from distracted driving, speeding, aggressive driving, or failure to yield. Poor road conditions and defective motorcycle parts also contribute to crashes. Determining the exact cause is crucial to building a strong claim against the at-fault party.