Maryland Motorcycle Accident Laws and Statistics
Motorcyclists face a significant risk of catastrophic injury and even wrongful death. Consider the following motorcycle accident statistics: in Maryland in 2007, 5,514 motorcyclists were killed – a 7 percent increase over the 4,837 motorcyclist deaths in 2006*. If you have suffered personal injury or lost a loved one in a motorcycle crash, you may be able to obtain financial compensation for your injuries, pain, and suffering. Proner & Proner can help. Our motorcycle accident attorneys serve clients throughout Maryland, providing the exceptional legal counsel crash victims need and deserve. We are committed to helping our clients understand their rights and to seeking the best possible case outcome for each case, every time.
Motorcycle Accident Law and Victims' Rights
When a motorcyclist is injured in a motorcycle accident caused by another party’s actions or negligence, the motorcyclist may seek financial compensation for his or her injuries by filing a motorcycle accident claim. Such claims hinge on proving the fault of the other party or parties involved in the accident, as well as determining who may be held liable, the size of the victim’s settlement, and other matters. The handling of the claim depends largely on state law.
Types of Injuries
The severity of a motorcycle accident injury depends on a number of factors, including the circumstances of the accident, what caused the collision, and whether or not the victim was wearing a helmet. Injuries tend to be catastrophic, including back, burn, spinal cord, and brain injury, as well as motorcycle accident death.
Filing a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit
The process of filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit involves proving the fault of the responsible party – proving that that party failed to uphold a duty of care, and that that failure caused the accident that caused the victim’s injury. Filing suit is best handed by a skilled motorcycle accident attorney, since a lawyer with expertise in this type of injury law is best equipped to navigate the complex body of motorcycle accident laws.
Motorcycle Accident Compensation
The size of a victim’s motorcycle accident settlement depends on a number of factors, including the severity of his or her injuries, the circumstances of the crash, and state law. A settlement may include compensation for the victim’s medical expenses, lost wages, decreased earning potential, household costs during recovery, pain and suffering, and additional losses caused by the accident.
If you or a loved one has suffered personal injury in a motorcycle collision, contact Proner & Proner to schedule free case evaluation with one of our motorcycle accident attorneys. Our law firm serves clients throughout Maryland.
Learn more about Maryland motorcycle accident laws.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
The following motorcycle accident statistics reveal accident trends in Maryland and throughout the nation since 1999*:
- In 1999, there were 44 motorcycle accident deaths in Maryland – 8 percent of the state’s 590 total traffic fatalities that year.
- Between 2004 and 2006, the number of motorcycle accident deaths in Maryland increased (from 69 to 84). The number of total motor vehicle accident deaths also increased (from 643 to 651).
- In 2005, there were approximately 614 motorcycle accident fatalities in Maryland – 14 percent of all motor vehicle accident deaths and 3 percent of motorcycle registrations in the state that year.
- Of the 614 highway traffic fatalities in Maryland in 2005, 31 percent (191 deaths) involved drivers operating with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.08 or more. Of the total highway traffic fatalities, 85 were motorcyclists – 89 percent of whom were helmeted, 23 of whom had a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of .01 or higher, and 62 of whom had no BAC.
- In 2007, there were 88 motorcyclist fatalities in Maryland. Of these victims, 90 percent were wearing helmets, 23 percent were driving with a BAC of .08 or higher, and 30 percent of which had a BAC of 0.01 or higher.
- Maryland is one of 20 states with a universal helmet law; 9 with a program intended to help law enforcement identify non-compliant helmets; 16 requiring rider education for riders under a certain age; and 27 with anti-impaired riding education efforts for motorcyclists.
Contact Our Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Serving Maryland
If you or a loved has sustained an injury in a motorcycle accident, you need an experienced, dedicated attorney to fight for your rights. Contact Proner & Proner to schedule a free case review or learn more about motorcycle accident statistics. Our attorneys serve clients throughout Maryland. We will provide the trustworthy representation you deserve.
*Motorcycle accident statistic references: the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation Bureau of Transportation Statistics, and Governors Highway Safety Association websites.
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