MD Motorcycle Accident Lawyer 

Seek Justice After A Motorcycle Accident

If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident, please don’t wait to consult with our MD motorcycle accident lawyer. With over 75 years of combined litigation experience, our firm offers decades of personal injury law experience, and we are ready to advocate for you. When you choose to partner with us, you can focus on your recovery while our skilled and compassionate attorneys handle your claim. Contact The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. today to schedule your free consultation.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcycle accidents happen every day. Whether these accidents are caused by speeding or poor weather conditions, they can result in severe injuries such as road rash, head injuries, biker’s arm, and leg injuries. During a motorcycle accident, it is possible for the motorcyclist to fly over the handlebars and land on the concrete. Skin irritations and infections, otherwise known as road rash, may result in this event.

Traumatic brain injuries and other head injuries can also result from a motorcycle accident. Some head injuries can be life-altering and require several surgeries. Motorcyclists who hit their heads during an accident should seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Biker’s arm is another common motorcycle accident injury. Many motorcyclists put their arms in front of them during accidents to reduce impact. This could lead to nerve damage in the arms.

While leg injuries that result from motorcycle accidents are rarely fatal, they may lead to permanent damage. Even motorcyclists who wear knee pads, motorcycle boots, and long pants could suffer severe leg injuries. It is important to go see your primary care physician to get documentation of your injuries, even if they don’t seem serious to you. This will help later if you go to court and need evidence that you were injured because of the accident.

There are some steps that motorcyclists can take to help lower their risk of motorcycle accident injuries. The number one step is to always wear a DOT-approved helmet, even if you are driving in a state that does not require one. Riders should also wear other recommended safety gear, including jackets, pants, boots, gloves, and goggles if their helmet does not have a face shield.

It is also necessary to always practice safe driving habits, including obeying all traffic laws and speed limits. Always be aware that many times, other vehicle drivers do not see a motorcycle because the bike is in the vehicle’s blind spot. Our lawyer recommends that if you find yourself in a situation where a vehicle is driving too close behind you or otherwise erratically, pull over to a safe place and let the vehicle pass you.

How Our Personal Injury Firm Can Help You

Determining Your Settlement Amount

There are several factors that an insurance adjuster uses to determine how much compensation you should receive. They look at what types of damages resulted from the accident, medical bills, documented physical injuries and mental trauma, lost income, and whether you suffered any injuries that resulted in permanent disability. While you would hope that this number reflects an appropriate amount of compensation, this is often not the case. We will closely evaluate your case to determine the full amount of damages you deserve to recovery.

Negotiating With Insurance Companies

Motorcycle accident victims might not realize it until it is too late, but insurance companies are often not on your side. Insurance companies are mostly private entities that are beholden to shareholders who are expecting a return on their investment. So when it comes to paying for damages they will try to pay as little as possible to protect their bottom line leaving you in a bad place. That is why it is important to speak with our accident attorney as soon as you can after your accident. We will be able to advise you on your case and help you understand your legal options and how they relate to your insurance claim.

Handling The Insurance Claim Process

Following the accident, the responsible party’s insurance company will assign a claims adjuster to the case. A claims adjuster assesses the property damage. Their investigation informs if they should compensate you and if so, how much to pay. If the accident was serious, the insurance company’s lawyers may also advise them on the case. Subsequently, the adjuster will offer you a settlement, which many times doesn’t reflect what you need or deserve. If you haven’t already, this is where you may want to consider hiring a lawyer with our firm to represent you. Scheduling a free consultation with our motorcycle accident lawyers may help you understand whether you should accept the offer or press for more money.

Representing You In Court (If Necessary)

If after consulting with our legal professionals we will determine if your case justifies higher compensation, giving you several options. We can advocate on your behalf, but if those measures fail, you can also go to court. Insurance companies do not like going to court because you have the advantage. To persuade you to settle out of court or to win the case, the insurance company may try to discredit you. They may try to claim that you are inherently reckless since you drive a motorcycle, dig up background information that paints you in a bad light, or claim that your injuries aren’t as severe as they are. We will help you develop legal strategies to strengthen your case in court.

Maryland Motorcycle Laws

With its winding roads and wilderness, Maryland offers a captivating environment for motorcycle enthusiasts. However, the very essence of riding through its byways and highways can become intricately tangled with the unforeseen circumstances of an accident. Our MD motorcycle accident lawyer can guide you through the nuanced laws and how they may impact your case.

• No Comparative Negligence

Maryland is unique in that it doesn’t enforce a comparative negligence rule. In other words, if it’s proven that you share even a small degree of the blame that led to your motorcycle accident, you lose the ability to secure compensation. This is where our accident lawyer becomes a pivotal ally. We will meticulously dissect the circumstances, evidence, and potential fault lines to carve out a robust path toward justice, even amidst the stringency of Maryland’s negligence laws.

• The Statute of Limitations

Maryland mandates that personal injury claims, be filed within a specific timeframe from the date of the accident. Victims typically have three years to file a claim. However there are some nuanced exceptions and specificities within this statutory period that necessitate a comprehensive understanding and timely action to preserve the sanctity and viability of the claim. Our firm can help. Call today to address your questions during a free consultation. 

• Compensation Caps

Maryland imposes certain caps on non-economic damages, demanding an astute understanding and strategic negotiation to maximize the compensation within the perimeters of these legal thresholds. Our Maryland lawyers adept in motorcycle accident laws become instrumental in making certain every entitled avenue of compensation is pursued with vigor and precision.

• Helmet Regulations

Maryland’s helmet laws, which mandate all motorcyclists to wear a helmet, inject another layer of nuance into accident claims. Though compliance or non-compliance with helmet laws does not directly affect the claim, it can become a point of contention, especially in establishing the extent of injuries and their linkage to the accident. The strategic representation by our professionals mitigates the potential ramifications, safeguarding the claimant’s rights and assuring the pursuit of compensation remains unscathed.

 

MD Motorcycle Accident Infographic

Maryland Motorcycle Accident Statistics

According to the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration, there are 1,400 injured each year in motorcycle accidents. Motorcycles have just as much right to the road as other vehicles, yet motorcycle riders are more likely to become involved in accidents with other vehicles and up to 5 times more likely to experience serious injury in an accident. This is oftentimes due to a lack of awareness of the other motorist. 

Additionally, according to statistics from the National Safety Council, the number of motorcycle drivers and passengers that were killed in one year (2019 to 2020) increased by more than 10 percent. This number continues to increase each year, with approximately 6,000 motorcyclists killed each year. The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. often represents the families of these victims.

• One out of three fatal accidents involved driving while drunk or impaired.
• Males are more likely than females to die in motorcycle accidents.
• The average age of people killed in motorcycle accidents was 43 in 2016. More than half of motorcycle accident deaths that year happened to people over the age of 40.
• Though motorcycles make up less than 5% of registered vehicles, they account for almost 15% of traffic-related deaths.
• Even when the accident isn’t fatal, it’s still more likely to cause serious injury than a car accident.

Driving any kind of vehicle puts people at risk of being injured in a crash, but that risk spikes dramatically when the vehicle is a motorcycle. Unlike cars and trucks, which often have advanced safety features, motorcycles do not protect riders in the event of a crash. This is why the rate and costs of injuries are so high.

When a motorcycle is struck by another vehicle, there is nothing between the rider and the vehicle striking it. In addition, motorcycle accident victims are often thrown from bikes and land hard on the ground’s surface. These factors all lead to serious to severe injuries that result in long-term or permanent injuries for those riders fortunate enough to survive the accident.

This is why more than 5,000 motorcyclists are killed each year in the United States. In fact, a motorcyclist is almost 30 times more likely to die in a crash than an occupant in a passenger vehicle.

It should be no surprise that there is a large difference in the rate of injuries between motorcycle accidents and car accidents. It is estimated that for every 100,000 registered motorcycle owners, more than 2,000 owners suffer motorcycle accident injuries, while only 700 out of every 100,000 car owners sustain accident injuries.

According to motorcycle crash studies, the difference in the amount over a two-year period to treat motorcycle injuries compared to car accident injuries is more than double. This is often due to the increased severity of motorcycle injuries compared to other vehicle rates.

Those injuries are often catastrophic. Head injuries are the number one cause of death in motorcycle accidents and it is estimated that motorcycle accidents are one of the leading causes of spinal cord injuries each year.

FAQs

What Should I Do Immediately After An Accident?

It is strongly encouraged that you seek medical treatment if you have been in an accident so that you can protect your legal rights as well as increase the strength of your case.  If possible, document the accident scene by taking photographs and collecting contact information from witnesses. Report the incident to the police and your insurance company, but be cautious about providing detailed statements without legal advice. It’s imperative to consult a motorcycle accident lawyer with our firm as soon as possible. They will guide you through the legal process, help gather evidence, deal with insurance companies, and confirm your rights are protected.

Why Are Motorcycle Injuries More Severe Than Car Injuries?

Several factors cause these high numbers. For one thing, because motorcycles are so much smaller than other vehicles, it is harder for other drivers to see them. Add to that a driver who is taking on the cell phone, fiddling with the radio, or engaging in other distracting behavior, and the odds that they will not see the motorcycle driving near them are even greater.

Motorcycles also provide less protection – actually no protection – than passenger vehicles do. There is nothing to minimize the impact of a smashing vehicle. In a passenger car, although there can still be damage to the car, it does provide some buffer or protection to occupants. Even a minor collision can cause a serious injury to a motorcyclist. This is why all motorcycle riders must wear a helmet and protective gear.

What Are The Most Common Injuries Sustained By Motorcycle Accident Victims?

Tragically, the injuries suffered in motorcycle accidents are often much more severe than those sustained in a car accident. Without that protection, there is nothing to prevent a rider from being thrown from the bike upon impact of the crash. Many victims suffer catastrophic injuries, such as brain trauma, amputation, and paralysis. These injuries leave them with much longer recovery times and often permanent disabilities.

Why Do I Need A Strong Legal Counsel?

An accident lawyer with our firm specializes in handling cases related to motorcycle accidents and has the experience to manage the complications of such cases. They will thoroughly investigate the accident, gather evidence, and evaluate your claim’s worth, considering factors like medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you want to increase your chances of having a fair settlement package, you should contact a lawyer about your full legal rights. If a settlement cannot be reached, they can represent you in court and fight for your rights, seeking compensation for your injuries, damages, and other losses resulting from the accident.

What Compensation Can I Get?

The compensation you may be entitled to depends on various factors, including the severity of your injuries and the impact on your life. Generally, you can seek compensation for medical expenses, including past and future treatments, rehabilitation costs, and medication. You may also be able to recover any lost wages that you may have as a result of the accident. Pain and suffering damages can be pursued for physical and emotional distress resulting from the accident. Consulting with our motorcycle accident lawyers is paramount, as we can assess the unique aspects of your case and help determine the appropriate compensation you should seek.

The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C., MD Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

922 Pennsylvania Ave. SE #100, Washington, DC 20003

Contact Our Maryland Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today

After a motorcycle accident, the unwavering support and advocacy of our lawyers at The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C., can help you move forward. Our many satisfied clients have appreciated our firmwide dedication to in-depth investigation, thorough case preparation, responsiveness to your goals, and the proven ability to negotiate or litigate positive outcomes. Our demonstrated talents are exceeded only by our commitment to one-on-one personal service during every phase of the legal process. To enlist decades of personal injury and insurance law experience, reach out to our trusted motorcycle accident lawyers today. We look forward to speaking with you about your case and options for seeking justice. Call or message us now to request your free consultation. 

Client Review

“Mr Brynn did a good job but i was told my case would stay open because a bill was paid out of my settlement that shouldnt have been paid. But he did such a good job that once again I’m using his services”
Sharon Douglas