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If you or a loved one suffered as the victim in a motorcycle accident, it’s important to seek the advice of an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Maryland as soon as possible. Motorcyclists are often viewed as dangerous, aggressive, and reckless. These stereotypes can create bias, making people assume riders are likelier to break traffic laws. As a result, motorcyclists may have a harder time being recognized as victims after an accident.
If you’re a motorcyclist and you were the victim of an accident, a Maryland personal injury lawyer at Regan Zambri Long can help protect your rights, ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries, and help you navigate the legal process with confidence.
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A motorcycle accident lawyer is a type of personal injury lawyer. Motorcycle lawyers differ from other types of personal injury lawyers in that they specialize in motorcycle accidents and have a deep understanding of the unique issues and challenges involved in these types of cases.
Put simply, the role of a motorcycle accident lawyer is to provide legal representation and advice to individuals who have been involved in a motorcycle accident. This includes negotiating with insurance companies, investigating the accident, gathering evidence, and representing clients in court if necessary.
The specialized experience of a motorcycle accident attorney can benefit a motorcycle accident victim in the following ways:
Specialized knowledge: Our motorcycle lawyers have in-depth knowledge of motorcycle laws and regulations, the mechanics of motorcycles, and the common causes of motorcycle accidents.
Experience: Our motorcycle lawyers have experience handling motorcycle accident cases and are familiar with the strategies that insurance companies use to reduce or reject compensation claims.
Understanding of motorcycle culture: With their specialized experience, our motorcycle lawyers have a deeper and more practical understanding of motorcycle culture and lifestyle, which helps them understand our clients’ perspectives.
Network of experts: At Regan Zambri Long, our motorcycle attorneys have access to excellent resources and a network of experts, such as accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, and vocational experts, who can provide valuable insights and testimony to support our clients’ claims. In fact, their testimony and evidence can be critical in proving fault and damages in a motorcycle accident case.
Focus on maximizing compensation: Our motorcycle lawyers understand the unique challenges motorcycle accident victims face, such as long-term injuries and disability, and will work tirelessly to maximize our clients’ compensation. Compensation in a motorcycle accident case may cover various damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and in some cases, punitive damages. The compensation amount will depend on the specific circumstances of the accident, such as the extent of the injuries and the degree of fault assigned to each party involved. Our motorcycle lawyers work to maximize compensation for our clients by negotiating with insurance companies or pursuing legal action through the court system, if necessary.
In a motorcycle accident, damages refer to the monetary compensation owed to the victim for the harm caused by the other driver’s breach of duty. All drivers have a responsibility to drive safely and obey traffic laws to protect themselves and others on the road. If a driver fails to fulfill this duty due to negligence, such as by driving under the influence or being distracted by a phone, and this leads to a motorcycle accident, the negligent driver can be held liable for damages.
The purpose of seeking damages is to compensate the victim for their losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. As in many other states, three types of damages are available in Maryland personal injury cases.
Contact our skilled team at Regan Zambri Long for a free consultation today.
Motorcycle accidents can often result in serious injuries or death, as motorcyclists are more vulnerable to injury than other vehicle occupants due to the lack of protection provided by a vehicle’s frame, roof, and airbags. Some of the most common injuries from motorcycle accidents include:
Economic damages are the financial losses you suffer from a motorcycle accident, meant to reimburse you for out-of-pocket expenses and other monetary costs. These damages are quantifiable and based on the actual costs incurred due to the accident.
The main categories of economic damages that can be obtained through a motorcycle accident claim include:
Non-economic damages are awarded to compensate for the intangible losses or harm that resulted from a motorcycle accident, which cannot be easily measured by monetary means, and are not covered by economic damages. Unlike economic damages, non-economic damages are not based on objective monetary value as they involve hardships that cannot be easily quantified. To help your case, the evidence used to prove non-economic damages can include medical records, letters from medical professionals, and testimony from family, friends, and the victim.
Even though no receipt or bill can fully capture the emotional, physical, and mental pain and suffering caused by a motorcycle accident, it does not diminish the significance of the victim’s suffering. Some non-economic injuries include:
According to Md. Code, Transp. § 21-1302:
The operator of a motorcycle may ride the motorcycle only on the permanent and regular seat attached to it.
The operator of a motorcycle may not carry any other person unless the motorcycle is designed to carry more than one person, in which event a passenger may ride on the permanent and regular seat, if designed for two persons, or on another seat firmly attached to the motorcycle at the rear or side of the operator.
A person other than the operator of a motorcycle may not ride on a motorcycle unless the motorcycle is designed to carry more than one person, in which event a passenger may ride on the permanent and regular seat, if designed for 2 persons, or on another seat firmly attached to the motorcycle at the rear or side of the operator.
A person may ride on a motorcycle operated under a Class M driver’s license only while sitting astride the seat, facing forward, with one leg on each side of the motorcycle.
A person may not operate a motorcycle while carrying any package, bundle, or other article that prevents the person from keeping both hands on the steering mechanism.
The operator of a motorcycle may not carry any person in a position that interferes with the operation or control of the motorcycle or the view of the operator.
A person other than the operator of a motorcycle may not ride in a position that interferes with the operation or control of the motorcycle or the view of the operator.
Road rash: Road rash is arguably the most common motorcycle accident injury. It’s a type of abrasion that occurs when a rider’s skin scrapes along the pavement. Road rash can range from minor scrapes to deep wounds that require surgery. The severity of road rash can be influenced by factors such as the speed at which the motorcycle was traveling prior to the accident and the duration of the skid along the pavement before coming to a stop.
Head injuries: Head injuries are one of the most common and most serious injuries in motorcycle accidents, as riders are often thrown from their bikes or hit their heads on the pavement. These head injuries can include concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
Broken bones: Broken bones are common in motorcycle accidents, particularly in the hands, arms, legs, and feet. The extent of these injuries can vary from minor fractures to more severe breaks, which may necessitate surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation period.
Spinal injuries: Spinal injuries can occur when a rider is thrown from their bike and lands on their back or when their spine is twisted or compressed during the accident. These injuries can result in paralysis, chronic pain, or other long-term disabilities.
Internal injuries: Internal injuries, such as organ damage, internal bleeding, or a collapsed lung, can occur when a rider is hit by a vehicle or thrown from their bike. If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries are not immediately apparent.
Psychological trauma: In addition to physical injuries, motorcycle accidents can cause psychological trauma, including conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.
According to data evaluated by the United States Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): “Motorcycle riders continue to be overrepresented in fatal traffic crashes. In 2023, there were 6,335 motorcyclists killed — 15% of all traffic fatalities.”
Motorcycle accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, including:
Speeding: Speeding is a common factor in motorcycle accidents. Riders may lose control of their motorcycle at high speeds, and other drivers may not be able to react in time to avoid a collision.
Distracted driving: The primary role and responsibility of the operator of a vehicle is to maintain focus and navigate the roads according to traffic laws safely. Distracted driving, such as using a cell phone, eating, or grooming, is a behavior that takes a driver’s attention away from the road. Lack of necessary attention potentially impairs a driver’s ability to respond to changes in road conditions. The bottom line is that distracted drivers are dangerously unaware of their surroundings, putting motorcyclists at significant risk for disastrous accidents.
Impaired driving: Alcohol or drug impairment weakens a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and motor skills, increasing the risk of a motorcycle accident.
Poor road conditions: Poor road conditions, such as potholes, loose gravel, or slick surfaces, can cause a motorcycle to lose traction and result in an accident.
Weather conditions: Rain, snow, and other adverse weather conditions can make it more difficult for riders to control their motorcycle and for other drivers to see them on the road.
Equipment failure: Mechanical problems with the motorcycle, such as faulty brakes or a tire blowout, can cause an accident.
In the event of a motorcycle accident, it is crucial to take immediate action. It’s best to start by calling 911 so everyone involved in the accident can get the proper attention needed and so that the accident can be assessed. The police can come to the scene and create an incident report that can be used for insurance purposes. Seeking medical attention is critical, as injuries must be evaluated and treated promptly to prevent further harm.
You should also exchange contact information with everyone involved in the accident, including drivers, passengers, and witnesses, and, if possible, take photos of any damage or injuries sustained. It’s in your best interest to avoid speaking with insurance adjusters, as they may attempt to gather information to reduce their liability and payout.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, please contact Regan Zambri Long to speak with an attorney experienced in motorcycle accidents to protect your legal rights and ensure you receive appropriate compensation.
Economic damages cover measurable financial losses like medical bills or lost income, while non-economic damages address intangible losses such as pain, suffering, or reduced quality of life.
Yes, depending on Maryland’s contributory negligence laws, your ability to recover may be affected. A Regan Zambri Long motorcycle accident lawyer can explain how fault impacts your claim.
If your injuries require long-term care, rehabilitation, or surgeries, you may recover compensation for anticipated future medical costs.
Yes, damages can also cover repairs or replacement of your motorcycle, riding gear, and other personal property damaged in the crash.
Unlike medical bills, these damages are not tied to receipts. Courts or insurers consider factors such as the severity of your injuries, recovery time, and long-term impact on your life.
At Regan Zambri Long, our motorcycle accident lawyers are here to offer you a free consultation. Contact us today to discuss your accident and to engage the help of the top motorcycle accident lawyers in the country.
Have you or your loved one sustained injuries in Washington DC, Maryland or Virginia? Regan Zambri Long PLLC has the best lawyers in the country to analyze your case and answer the questions you may have.