Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
A trusted authority in motorcycle accidents since 1985
There are few experiences more exhilarating than riding a motorcycle. When you are involved in an accident, however, the results are always serious – and sometimes even deadly. At Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A. our Maryland personal injury attorneys understand exactly how severe the results of a motorcycle accident can be. That is why we fight hard on behalf of clients throughout Maryland for the compensation they deserve. We put our more than 60+ years of combined experience to work for every client we have, to ensure that we protect their rights and their futures to the fullest extent.
The repercussions of a motorcycle accident can be catastrophic
Motorcycle riders face a number of dangers that motor vehicle drivers do not have to contend with. The smaller size of the bike and lack of metal carriage around you puts riders at additional risk. Being hit from the side, the back, or head-on could cause you to literally fly off of your bike and hit the road or another object. If you're not wearing a helmet, the injuries could be even worse. Plaxen Adler Muncy handles motorcycle accident cases where the rider has sustained:
- Broken or dislocated bones
- Severe road rash, leading to permanent scarring
- Loss of sight or hearing
- Damage to the vertebra, leading to partial, full, temporary and/or permanent paralysis
- Concussions and head trauma leading to traumatic brain injuries and/or coma
- Ruptured organs and internal bleeding
- Soft tissue and nerve damage
- Facial disfigurement
We also handle cases where there were no other vehicles involved, such as accidents involving automotive defects, inadequate visibility, lack of signs or warning indicating dangerous roads, and faulty or defective safety equipment. We work with medical professionals, accident reconstruction experts, and field experts to build a case of negligence on behalf of other drivers, state and local governments and product manufacturers who may have contributed to your injuries.
When another vehicle violates the motorcycle’s right-of-way
Of the many types of motorcycle accidents in Maryland, the most common occur when a motorcycle is heading straight down the road and another driver attempts a left turn in front of the path of the motorcyclist. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 40 percent of all motorcycle crashes involve the scenario just mentioned – another driver making a left-hand turn across the motorcyclist’s path.
Serious left-turn accidents involving motorcycles
Motorcycle accidents due to the negligent left turning actions of other vehicles can occur in various different ways. These include:
- A driver fails to stop at a stop sign, and initiates a left turn and crashes into the side of the passing motorcycle.
- A driver proceeds to make a left turn at an intersection and crashes into a stationary motorcyclist sitting at a red light.
- A driver executes a left turn at a traffic light, cutting off another driver in an oncoming lane of traffic resulting in an accident.
- A driver enters an intersection on a yellow light and commences a left turn while there is also another vehicle (a motorcycle) still in the intersection. Failure on the part of the driver to allow the intersection to clear before making the turn causes an accident.
The left turn motorcycle collisions mentioned above are common for several reasons. Many times the other driver simply fails to see the approaching motorcycle – the reason can sometimes be due to distracted driving. As well, many drivers are not properly experienced in sharing the roadway with motorcycles. With a smaller profile than cars, motorcycles can be difficult to gauge in terms of their speed and how much time is available to successfully execute a left-hand turn as a motorcycle approaches.
A civil lawsuit focuses on financial compensation
When the driver of a passenger car or truck causes a motorcycle crash in the state of Maryland, they may face one or two types of liability – civil and/or criminal. A local prosecutor will bring a criminal case intended to bring justice to the victim and punish the at fault motorist for the actions that led to the crash. Drivers found guilty of a criminal offense in a motor vehicle accident may be subject to a range of penalties, including a term of incarceration, probation, or fines. Although criminal cases involving motorcycle collisions may be necessary in some cases, the goal of a criminal case is not to help the victim obtain the financial compensation they need to cover their medical expenses and lost wages, etc.
As the victim of a motorcycle accident in Maryland, in order to obtain compensation for your injuries, it is necessary to file a civil injury lawsuit. A civil lawsuit can help you recover from all the financial losses – your medical bills, your lost wages from being off from work, the cost of a rental car or motorcycle repairs – as well as pain and suffering you have endured.
The at fault driver need not receive a ticket in order to make a civil claim. Even if the driver is not found criminally liable for a crash, the victim still has the right to file a civil case for damages. The standard of proof in civil cases is much lower than the proof of “beyond a reasonable doubt” required in criminal cases, but Maryland courts are tough, and our laws are strict. It is why you may need the help of a skilled personal injury lawyer with the experience to get you the best settlement or represent you in Court if necessary.
Additional services
Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A. goes beyond what is “expected” from lawyers. We help our clients understand insurance plans, advise you about the value of your property damage and even help with the rental car process from the insurance end. We do not stop fighting until we know that we have helped you get the right amount of compensation to help you care for yourself and your family, and we do not settle for less than you deserve.
Caring representation from a Maryland motorcycle accident lawyer
Adapting to life after a motorcycle accident can be hard; choosing the right lawyer should not be. At Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A., we put the needs of our Maryland clients above all else. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, please call 410-730-7737 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation. We have offices in Columbia, Baltimore, Towson, Silver Spring and throughout Maryland. Our Columbia office is conveniently located just steps away from both The Mall in Columbia and Merriweather Post Pavilion.