Let Our Baltimore Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Help You Seek Full And Fair Compensation
If you were seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, you likely know that your case is a high-stakes legal battle that could greatly impact your financial and physical recovery. Therefore, the attorney you hire matters. Thankfully, your choice is an easy one.
Peter Angelos Law is one of the most trusted names in personal injury representation in Baltimore and surrounding areas. Our founding attorney earned the trust of Marylanders by fearlessly taking on Big Tobacco and companies that had harmed their own workers by exposing them to deadly asbestos. Since the early 1960s, our firm has fought for the injured statewide. Although Mr. Angelos has since passed away, our 19 dedicated attorneys continue the important advocacy that he championed.
Common Motorcycle Accident Causes And Scenarios
There is a pervasive stereotype that bikers are reckless, but in many cases, motorcycle accidents are caused by the negligence of other drivers. One of the most common causes is the failure of car drivers to notice motorcyclists in traffic and give them an appropriate safety buffer. Given the smaller size of motorcycles compared to cars or trucks, they can easily be obscured by other vehicles or overlooked in blind spots.
Another frequent scenario is when a car makes a left-hand turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle. This can occur if the car driver misjudges the motorcycle’s speed or simply fails to see the motorcycle approaching. Such accidents are particularly dangerous and can result in serious injuries to the motorcyclist.
Additionally, road hazards that might be minor annoyances to someone in a car can pose serious dangers to riders. Potholes, uneven road surfaces, slippery substances or debris can cause a motorcyclist to lose control. Since motorcycles have less contact with the pavement than cars, they are more susceptible to variations in road conditions.
It’s important to note that failing to notice a motorcyclist is typically not an honest mistake. Most drivers fail to notice bikers because they don’t bother to look for them. They may also be unconcerned with debris or leaks from their vehicles because they don’t appreciate how dangerous such foreign material can be to a rider. Each vehicle owner owes a duty of care to others on the road.
What Makes Motorcycle Accidents Different From Other Auto Accident Claims
Motorcycle accidents are more likely than other types of crashes to result in catastrophic injuries, disabilities and death. As a motorcyclist, you are more exposed and vulnerable to the elements and to the force of an impact. This exposure can lead to significant medical bills, longer recovery periods and potentially life-altering conditions.
As noted above, motorcyclists also tend to face bias from the general public and insurance companies. This is problematic when assigning fault. Maryland is among very few states that recognize a legal principle known as contributory negligence. Under this doctrine, a victim can be barred from compensation if they share any fault whatsoever for the accident or their own injuries. To avoid paying a claim, at-fault drivers and insurers will often try to allege that motorcyclists were behaving in a way that contributed to the crash.
In light of these obstacles, it is critical to work with an experienced attorney – like those at our firm – who understands how to prove fault, establish negligence and accurately calculate the full costs of your injuries and losses.
How Our Attorneys Establish Fault In Your Motorcycle Accident Claim
In Maryland, proving fault typically involves showing that the other party was negligent. This means demonstrating that the other driver breached their duty of care and directly caused your injuries.
Our attorneys will typically start by gathering all available evidence, including police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage and more. They may also consult with accident reconstruction analysts to illustrate how the accident occurred and why the other driver was at fault. Through careful and thorough investigation, our attorneys will build a strong case against the at-fault driver and will be prepared to show that you were blameless for what happened (in anticipation of this common defense tactic).
Discuss Your Options During A Free Initial Consultation
From our office in Baltimore, Peter Angelos Law serves accident victims throughout Maryland. To schedule your free initial consultation with one of our experienced and caring motorcycle accident lawyers, call 410-216-0009 or reach out online.