Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Baltimore, MD

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Baltimore, Maryland?

  The non-emergency number for the Baltimore City police department is 410-887-2222

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Baltimore, Maryland?

  You can email your request to CCU@baltimorepolice.org or use the mail-in form below to request car-related accident reports. BPD will release car-related accident reports within 30 days after receiving a request, but may require more time to find, create, and/or evaluate the requested record. Depending on the nature of the request, there may be fees, which will be notified in advance of the request's fulfillment.

• What kind of injuries occur most frequently in Baltimore motorcycle accidents?

  Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, fractured bones, and road rash are just a few life-altering injuries that can result from motorcycle crashes in Baltimore. Motorcycles are susceptible to traumatic collisions with other vehicles or the ground because they lack airbags, seat belts, and windshields. Many riders will spend the rest of their life battling infirmities or disfigurements that are irreversible.

• What contributes to motorcycle crashes in Baltimore?

  Numerous motorcycle accidents involving Baltimore residents result in injuries or fatalities every year as a result of one or more of the following: speeding, being distracted while driving, intoxication, and dangerous lane changes. While speeding is caused by drivers' inability to react in time to traffic changes, distracted driving is brought on by their ignorance of the movements of other road users nearby. Drivers who are impaired by alcohol are also responsible for risky lane changes, as are those who switch lanes without using their turn signals or checking their mirrors.

• Will the absence of a helmet or other piece of equipment that is required in Baltimore affect a motorcycle accident case?

  The Maryland Court of Appeals held that a rider's failure to wear a helmet cannot be used to disprove negligence, but the defense cannot reduce the amount of damages that can be recovered by not wearing a helmet. Motorcycle riders in Baltimore though are required to wear a helmet approved by the Department of Transportation and impact-resistant eye protection equipment that complies with Federal Food and Drug Administration rules.

• Who is liable in a motorbike accident in Baltimore?

  Accidents between two vehicles can be filed against the other driver, but if the other driver is operating a commercial vehicle, their employer may also be held accountable. Depending on the circumstances, the taxi company, trucking company, or delivery company that employed the driver may be held liable for any injuries you sustained while they were performing their job duties. Even though you typically sue the driver directly and not through their insurance company, the insurance company will frequently still cover the costs of the damages. If your insurance provider won't pay, your Baltimore car accident lawyer can sue them on your behalf to help you get the damages you require.

• How does a passenger in a motorcycle accident involving two vehicles file a claim in Baltimore?

  There are two avenues to pursue compensation after a motorbike collision with a car or truck. You can make a claim for reimbursement from the motorcyclist's and the other driver's insurance if it appears that both were at fault for the collision. But keep in mind that a two-vehicle accident can occur without the second automobile colliding with the motorcycle. It is still the driver's fault if the automobile or truck abruptly cuts off the motorcycle, causing the rider to swerve and hit another object. You may reach out to a Baltimore motorcycle accident lawyer for further legal assistance.

• What does a motorcycle accident attorney do?

  Motorcycle accident attorneys provide legal advice, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent accident victims in and out of court. They investigate the cause of collisions, establish fault, value claims, prepare legal documents, and fight to recover adequate compensation for their clients. Most lawyers in this practice area also handle car and truck accidents and other personal injury claims.

• What is my motorcycle accident injury claim worth?

  Injured motorcyclists may be eligible for several types of compensation depending on their losses, state of residence, and level of fault. Whether or not they were wearing a helmet may also come into play. A lawyer can help to evaluate claims based on medical expenses, property damage, past and future lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.

• How long after a motorcycle accident can you claim an injury?

  The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically two years from the date of the accident. However, each state has its own rules. In Tennessee and Louisiana, for example, victims of motorcycle accidents have just one year to file a lawsuit. In Maine, Minnesota, and North Dakota, individuals have up to six years to initiate a claim.

• What is the average settlement for a motorcycle accident injury?

  Based on eight years of national data, the average verdict in motorcycle accident cases ranges from $74,000 to $560,000. Also note that the majority of claims are settled out of court. Riders may receive compensatory damages for medical bills, property damage, and lost wages, as well as general damages for emotional trauma, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium. Additionally, in states that follow a comparative negligence model, the plaintiff’s claim may be reduced according to his or her level of fault.

• What is the first thing I should do after a motorcycle accident?

  The steps that you take immediately after a collision can be instrumental in proving an accident or injury claim. In general, you should follow these guidelines:

  • Gather insurance and contact information from the other driver and any witnesses.
  • Contact law enforcement to report the collision and complete an accident report.
  • Document injuries, property damage, and road conditions.
  • Visit a doctor or hospital within 24 hours.
  • Avoid discussing the accident with the other driver or their insurance company.

  
  

• How does the motorcycle injury claim process work?

  Motorcycle accident cases typically start with an insurance claim. After documenting their client’s losses and establishing fault, attorneys generally prepare a demand letter requesting compensation from the other driver’s insurance company. It can take anywhere from one to six months for insurance adjusters to make a settlement offer. If the company denies the claim or the parties can’t reach an agreement, the lawyer can prepare a notice of intent to sue and file a formal lawsuit with the appropriate court.

• How do many motorcycle crashes happen?

  The most common causes for motorcycle collisions are drunk driving, exceeding the speed limit, and left turns. In 42% of all motorcycle collision fatalities, another vehicle turned left in front of an oncoming motorcycle. Motorcycle accidents are also caused by dangerous road conditions, such as crumbling pavement, debris in the road, and potholes. Other factors that contribute to motorcycle accidents include unsafe lane changes, sudden stops, lane splitting, inexperienced drivers, motorcycle defects, and car doors opened in the path of a motorcycle.

• How many motorcyclists get into accidents?

  In 2017, of the over 8 million motorcycle riders that year, approximately 89,000 were injured in motorcycle accidents and over 5,000 motorcycle collisions resulted in fatalities. The fatality rate for 100 million miles driven is 25.67, which is largely attributed to the lack of helmet use. Most fatal crashes involving motorcycles happened during the heaviest traffic times between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.

• Are motorcycles more dangerous than cars?

  Motorcycles are more dangerous than cars because they lack any protection for the rider in the event of an accident. Motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die in a crash and more than five times more likely to be injured than those riding in enclosed vehicles. Because of their small size, motorcycles’ lack of visibility is a major contributing factor in collisions with other vehicles. Motorcycles are also more vulnerable to weather conditions and road hazards than other automobiles.

• How do you check a motorcycle after a crash?

  For a minor crash with no injuries, the immediate danger is being struck again by oncoming traffic, so moving your bike off of the road as soon as possible is imperative. Check your mirrors, brake lights, headlight, and controls. You should also check to make sure there is no leaking fluid, such as fuel or oil.