Motorcycle accidents are common and can leave riders with serious injuries that lead to medical expenses and recovery time. Motorcyclists have less protection than drivers in standard vehicles, which can increase the severity of injuries. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Maryland, a motorcycle accident attorney can help you understand your legal options, work with insurance companies, and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Maryland’s Deadline for Filing a Motorcycle Accident Claim
In Maryland, individuals have three years to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit. However, there may be notice requirements and/or shorter deadlines depending on whether the claim involves a government entity. Seeking medical treatment as soon as possible after an accident can help protect both your health and any future motorcycle accident claim. It is also important not to wait too long before speaking with an attorney, as investigating the accident, gathering records, and dealing with insurance companies is a timely process.
What Are the Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?
Most motorcycle accidents are a result of a driver failing to notice the motorcycle on the road. Distracted driving, failure to yield, speeding, and unsafe lane changes contribute to a large number of motorcycle crashes. Left-turn collisions are especially common.
Road conditions such as construction, debris, loose gravel, potholes, and uneven pavement pose additional dangers to motorcyclists. While this may seem minor to a standard vehicle, these issues can cause a motorcycle to lose control. In addition, heavy traffic around the Baltimore and Washington metropolitan areas, poor visibility, and weather conditions can increase the risk of an accident. In some cases, multiple factors contribute to how the accident occurred, making a detailed investigation important in any motorcycle accident case.
What Are the Most Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries?
Motorcycle accident injuries are often severe because of the lack of protection drivers have during impact. Although Maryland has a universal mandatory helmet law, injuries may still require extensive treatment or long-term care.
Common motorcycle accident injuries include:
- Amputations
- Broken bones and fractures
- Burns and lacerations
- Concussions and head trauma
- Emotional trauma and PTSD
- Facial fractures
- Foot, knee, and leg injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Neck and back injuries
- Organ damage
- Permanent nerve damage
- Road rash and severe skin abrasions
- Shoulder injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
Seeking medical treatment as soon as possible after all accidents will help protect your health and any future motorcycle accident claims.
What Are Your Compensation Options After a Motorcycle Accident?
Motorcycle accident victims may receive compensation for medical expenses, lost income, rehabilitation costs, future medical treatment, and property damage. In more serious cases, compensation may address long-term disability or reduced earning capacity if the injuries affect the person’s ability to work in the future
In Maryland, injured riders may seek additional compensation for pain and suffering. This may include emotional distress and disruptions caused by the accident. The claim depends on several factors, such as the severity of the injuries, the insurance coverage, and how the injuries affect daily life over time. It is important to keep documentation of all medical records and accident reports, as insurance companies try to minimize their payouts.
Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident in Maryland
It is important to take all the necessary steps after an accident to protect your health and potential compensation later.
After a motorcycle accident, you should:
- Call 911 and report the accident
- Request medical attention, even if injuries seem minor
- Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver
- Take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, and traffic signs
- Speak with witnesses and obtain contact information if available
- Cooperate with law enforcement when accident reports are prepared
- Avoid discussing who is at fault at the scene
- Keep copies of medical records, receipts, and repair estimates
- Notify your insurance company that the accident occurred
- Do not give recorded statements to insurance companies without legal advice
Medical attention after an accident is important, especially since motorcycle injuries worsen over time or may not be diagnosed right away. Following treatment protocols and attending all appointments helps create a clear record of injuries and the recovery process.
Speaking with a motorcycle accident attorney early in the process can help with communicating with the insurance company, gathering and organizing evidence, and ensuring deadlines are not missed.
How JGL Helps Maryland Motorcycle Accident Victims
Motorcycle accident claims are often more complex and require more investigation than a standard auto accident. Questions about driver negligence, road conditions, speeding, and visibility may arise and can affect liability. At Joseph Greenwald & Laake, we work to gather the evidence needed to build a strong claim, including accident reports, medical records, witness statements, and documentation related to lost income and treatment costs.
Our attorneys also handle communication with insurance companies. This allows injured riders to focus on recovering while we handle liability disputes, settlement negotiations, and other legal issues related to the claim.
Contact a Maryland Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
We understand the challenges riders often face after a crash. Motorcycle accident injuries can require ongoing treatment, time away from work, and long-term recovery. Insurance companies may also attempt to minimize injuries or place blame on the rider in an effort to reduce payouts. Our team works closely with clients throughout the process and focuses on protecting their interests at every stage of the claim.
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Maryland, you can learn more about our personal injury services here or contact our team directly here to discuss your case further.
