Riding a motorcycle can be exhilarating, but motorcyclists face a higher risk of accidents due to the carelessness of other drivers. Unfortunately, people involved in motorcycle crashes are unlikely to walk away unharmed, and the common injuries in motorcycle accidents are significant and costly to treat. Fortunately, though, people harmed in such collisions have the legal right to pursue damages from the parties responsible for the accident via personal injury claims. If you were hurt in a motorcycle crash, you should speak to a lawyer about your options. The dedicated Maryland motorcycle accident attorneys of Foran & Foran, P.A., are skilled at helping injured parties pursue any damages they may be owed, and if you hire us, we will fight tirelessly on your behalf.
Common Injuries in Motorcycle AccidentsMotorcycle collisions can cause a variety of injuries, but some occur more frequently than others. Common injuries in motorcycle accidents include traumatic brain injuries, like concussions, coup contrecoup injuries, subdural hematomas, and hemorrhages. People in motorcycle crashes are also likely to suffer internal bleeding and organ damage due to the impact of their accidents. People involved in accidents while riding motorcycles frequently suffer fractures, many of which are serious and require surgical repair. Finally, people are likely to suffer abrasions, lacerations, and contusions due to motorcycle accidents.
Recovering Damages Following Motorcycle AccidentsPeople hurt in motorcycle accidents often need to undergo extensive medical treatment. Additionally, they are frequently unable to work due to their injuries, and in many cases, their impairment is permanent. Thus, they may seek to recover damages from the party responsible for the accident. In most lawsuits arising out of motor vehicle collisions, the plaintiff will assert a negligence claim against the defendant.
In Maryland, to prove negligence, a plaintiff must first show that the defendant owed the plaintiff a duty. The duty may arise out of a statute or may be the general obligation to act with reasonable care under a given set of circumstances. Then, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant’s actions constitute a departure from the duty. Finally, the plaintiff has to prove that the defendant’s breach of the duty owed proximately caused the plaintiff to suffer actual harm. In other words, the plaintiff must produce evidence that shows it is more likely than not that the defendant’s behavior caused the collision and therefore caused the plaintiff to sustain injuries.
In some instances, a defendant may attempt to avoid culpability by placing blame for the accident on the plaintiff. Under Maryland law, plaintiffs who are deemed at fault for their own harm are barred from recovering damages. As such, it is critical that anyone injured in a motorcycle collision retain an assertive attorney to help them protect their interests.
Damages Awarded in Motorcycle Accident CasesA plaintiff that successfully proves a defendant’s fault may be awarded the cost of any past medical treatment that was necessary due to the injuries he or she suffered, as well as the cost of any treatment that will be needed in the future. A plaintiff that was unable to work may be awarded lost wages as well. In many instances, a judge or jury will grant a plaintiff damages for the intangible harm caused by an accident, like pain, suffering, and mental trauma. If the plaintiff was married when the accident occurred, his or her spouse might also be owed compensation.
Speak with an Experienced Maryland Car Accident AttorneyCareless driving is the cause of many motorcycle collisions, and people hurt by the reckless actions of other motorists may be able to recover compensation for their damages. If you were injured in a motorcycle collision, you should speak to a lawyer regarding your potential claims. The trusted Maryland attorneys of Foran & Foran, P.A. possess the skills and experience needed to present compelling arguments on your behalf, and if you hire us, we will work tirelessly to help you seek a just outcome. Our office is in Greenbelt, and we regularly represent people in cases arising out of motorcycle accidents in Bowie and other cities in Prince George's County and Montgomery County. You can contact us via our form online or by calling us at (301) 441-2022 to schedule a confidential and free consultation.