MD Motorcycle Accident Lawyer 

Seeking Recovery After a Motorcycle Accident

If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident, you may want to consult with our MD motorcycle accident lawyer. Our lawyers have more than 75 years of experience and we are ready to continue helping injured clients. With an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Maryland by your side, you may focus on your recovery while your attorney handles your claim. Contact The  Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. today to schedule your consultation.

Understanding Motorcycle Accident Cases

A motorcycle accident lawyer knows that 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.

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 critical 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.

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. Whether they were serious or not, it is important to go see your primary care physician to get documentation of your injuries. This will help later if you go to court and need evidence that you were injured because of the accident.

How Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help You

Negotiating With Insurance Companies

Motorcycle accident victims might not realize it until it is too late, but insurance companies are often not on their 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 a motorcycle accident lawyer in MD as soon as you are in your accident. They will be able to advise you on your case and help you understand your legal options and how they relate to your insurance claim.

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 to represent you. Scheduling a free consultation with a motorcycle accident lawyer can help you understand whether you should accept the offer or press for more money.

If Your Case Goes to Court

If after consulting with a lawyer you determine that your case justifies higher compensation, you have several options. Your lawyer 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. A lawyer will help you and develop legal strategies to strengthen your case in court.

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.

Pursuing a Motorcycle Accident Claim

A motorcycle accident victim who is injured by a negligent driver in Maryland has the same legal rights to financial compensation as a car accident victim, however, the process for obtaining that compensation can be more complex. This is one of the reasons why motorcycle crash victims should have a skilled motorcycle accident lawyer in MD advocating for them in any legal claim or lawsuit they have.

Maryland Motorcycle Accident Laws

With its sprawling roads and picturesque landscapes, Maryland offers a captivating environment for motorcycle enthusiasts. However, the very essence of navigating through its byways and highways can become intricately tangled with the unforeseen circumstances of an accident. It is in this multifaceted complexity of legal pursuits that the discerning expertise of a Maryland motorcycle accident lawyer becomes profoundly essential, guiding you meticulously through the nuanced laws and towards the haven of justice and rightful compensation.

• Liability and Negligence Laws

In the weave of Maryland’s motorcycle accident laws, establishing liability and navigating through the doctrine of contributory negligence becomes a pivotal element. Remarkably, even a minute degree of fault attributed to the injured motorcyclist can potentially negate their ability to secure compensation. Hence, our lawyer becomes a pivotal ally, meticulously dissecting the circumstances, evidence, and potential fault lines to carve out a robust path towards justice, even amidst the stringency of Maryland’s negligence laws.

• Laws Governing Compensation

Securing compensation following a motorcycle accident is ensnared with multiple layers of legalities, where aspects such as medical expenses, pain and suffering, and property damage interweave. 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. A lawyer adept in Maryland’s motorcycle accident laws becomes instrumental, in ensuring every entitled avenue of compensation is pursued with vigor and precision.

• Helmet Laws

Maryland’s helmet laws, which mandate all motorcyclists to wear a helmet, inject another layer of complexity 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 a Maryland motorcycle accident lawyer mitigates the potential ramifications, safeguarding the claimant’s rights and ensuring the pursuit of compensation remains unscathed.

• The Statute of Limitations

Maryland mandates that personal injury claims, including those stemming from motorcycle accidents, be filed within a specific timeframe from the date of the accident. The nuanced exceptions and specificities within this statutory period necessitate a comprehensive understanding and timely action to preserve the sanctity and viability of the claim. An attorney, with a keen eye on these legal timelines, ensures that your journey towards justice and compensation remains steadfastly on course, navigating through every legal milestone with acute precision.

Maryland Motorcycle Accident Infographic

Maryland Motorcycle Accident Law 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.

Maryland Motorcycle Accident FAQs

Are there differences between motorcycle accident claims and car accident claims?

It is well documented how much more dangerous riding motorcycles are compared to driving other types of vehicles. In fact, statistics show that a motorcycle rider is almost 30 times more likely to die in a crash than a car accident victim. This also means that the injuries suffered by survivors are usually more severe, requiring extensive medical treatments. Victims are also more often left with long-term or permanent disabilities. All of these factors make the awards and settlement amounts for motorcycle accidents higher than for car accidents. Whenever a claim is high, it is almost guaranteed that the insurance company will do all it can to fight the claim in an attempt to reduce the amount of compensation the victim receives or even try to deny the claim completely.

Why are motorcycle accident injuries more severe than car accident 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.

What should I do immediately after a motorcycle 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 crucial to consult a motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. They will guide you through the legal process, help gather evidence, deal with insurance companies, and ensure your rights are protected.

How can a motorcycle accident lawyer help me with my case?

A motorcycle accident lawyer specializes in handling cases related to motorcycle accidents and has the expertise to navigate the complexities 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 receive for my motorcycle accident injuries?

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 a motorcycle accident lawyer is essential, as they can assess the unique aspects of your case and help determine the appropriate compensation you should seek.

What if I was partially at fault for the motorcycle accident?

Motorcycle accident cases involving shared fault can be complex, but it doesn’t necessarily prevent you from seeking compensation. Different jurisdictions have different laws regarding shared fault, such as comparative negligence or contributory negligence. In some cases, you may still be eligible for compensation based on the percentage of fault assigned to each party. By consulting with a trusted motorcycle accident lawyer who can give you more specific legal counsel for these situations, you can minimize any consequences that you may suffer. They will analyze the evidence, assess liability, and determine the best legal strategy to minimize any impact your partial fault may have on your claim.

How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit?

The time limit, known as the statute of limitations, for filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. It’s essential to consult with a motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible to understand the specific deadlines applicable to your case. Waiting too long to take legal action may result in the loss of your right to seek compensation. Early involvement of a lawyer allows for a prompt investigation, preservation of evidence, and strategic planning, increasing the chances of a favorable outcome.

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

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

Contact Our Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today

In the intimate and often tumultuous journey through the legal aftermath of a motorcycle accident, the unwavering support, and expertise of a lawyer from The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C., can help you move forward.Let us traverse through the complexities together, unearthing every legal avenue towards your rightful compensation and healing. Your journey toward justice, embedded with our seasoned expertise, paves the way for a future where your rights are upheld, your pains are acknowledged, and your restoration is fervently pursued. For help, reach out to a trusted MD motorcycle accident lawyer from our team today.

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