Motorcycle accidents result in some of the most catastrophic injuries and deaths on Maryland roads. State data shows that on average, 75 people die and more than 1,100 suffer injuries in motorcycle accidents every year. Because riders have little to protect them from the direct impact of a crash, even relatively low-speed collisions can be deadly.
In Maryland, motorcycle accident victims can seek compensation for their injuries and other losses if someone elseās negligence caused the wreck. However, the burden is on the victim to prove the other partyās recklessness, and Maryland has strict negligence laws that can prevent even the most deserving victims from recovering money. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can help you navigate the claims process if you or a loved one was hurt.
At Trollinger Law LLC, we understand how difficult your physical, emotional, and financial recovery can be after a motorcycle crash. Our compassionate legal team can help prepare a solid claim and push for maximum compensation on your behalf. Call or contact us online for a free case review.
Common Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists are at risk of suffering many of the same injuries that occupants of passenger vehicles do, such as:
- Joint injuries ā Landing after being thrown from a motorcycle during an accident can cause joint damage, especially if the arms or legs twist in the landing. Knee, elbow, and shoulder dislocations are common motorcycle accident injuries.
- Whiplash ā Muscles and ligaments in the neck can be torn or strained when rapidly forced back and forth in a collision. Symptoms can include pain and stiffness, headache, tingling in the arms, fatigue, dizziness, memory and concentration problems, sleep disturbances, and nerve damage.
- Road rash ā Direct contact with pavement after a crash can lead to painful scrapes and skin abrasions, also known as road rash. If not treated correctly, road rash can cause dangerous infections.
- Burns ā Fuel and mechanical fires after a motorcycle accident can cause severe burns. Motorcyclists can reduce their risk for burns by wearing protective clothing. Wearing safety gear can sometimes strengthen a claim for compensation by showing you did everything possible to avoid serious injuries in a crash.
- Broken bones ā Cars offer some level of protection against broken bones, such as crumple zones and airbags. Motorcyclists donāt have that kind of cushioning. Fractures generally heal with proper treatment. However, complex fractures may never heal fully and can impact a victimās ability to work or participate in activities they once enjoyed.
- Back injuries ā Herniated discs, spinal fractures, and other back injuries can cause severe pain. Left untreated, additional areas can become damaged due to misalignment. Surgery and chiropractic care correct some back injuries. However, treatment can be costly and require frequent follow-up appointments.
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis ā Spinal cord injuries can result in complete or incomplete paralysis, depending on if the cord was fully severed. Paralysis can impact all four limbs or just the legs depending on the location of the injury. Victims may also have trouble breathing, speaking, and other internal problems. The lifetime cost of a spinal cord injury can reach into millions of dollars.
- Brain injuries ā A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when the head hits the ground or other object with force, causing the brain to strike the inside of the skull. TBIs also happen when objects pierce the skull. Brain damage can be mild to catastrophic, causing memory and concentration problems, speech deficits, motor disability, behavioral changes, and emotional struggles. Treatment is costly and some victims require lifelong treatment and assistance due to their injuries.
- Disfigurement ā Burns and severe road rash may result in permanent scarring and disfigurement. Skin grafts can assist in healing. Scarring that impacts a personās appearance has emotional ramifications and physical ones.
- Death ā If a loved one was killed in a motorcycle accident, either immediately or because of their injuries, an attorney could determine whether you have a valid wrongful death claim against the at-fault party.
Can I Get Compensation for My Motorcycle Accident Injuries?
Depending on the facts of the case, yes. To successfully recover compensation after a motorcycle crash, you need to prove that someone elseās negligence caused the accident and your injuries. You will also need strong evidence of how the injuries impacted your life.
Your medical records will serve as powerful evidence of the severity of your injuries. Seek medical treatment promptly after a crash. A medical professional can document your injuries and establish a treatment program to give you the best chance of a full recovery.
A skilled motorcycle accident lawyer will identify what types of evidence can build the strongest possible claim for you. Aside from medical records, that could include photos of the accident scene and your injuries, receipts of your financial losses, witness testimony, expert opinions, and other documents to support the unique facts of your claim.
Maryland Negligence Laws and Your Accident Claim
Sometimes questions arise over who is at fault for a motorcycle accident. Each state has laws on how fault should be apportioned in these cases. Unfortunately, Maryland has one of the harshest methods for assigning fault in the nation, known as contributory negligence.
In a contributory negligence state, an injured party cannot collect compensation if they are found even one percent responsible for their injuries. With such a narrow margin for error, Marylandās contributory negligence standard is one of the main reasons to contact a seasoned motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible.
What Should I Do if I Am Injured in a Motorcycle Accident?
If you suffer injuries in a motorcycle accident, there are steps you can take to help your claim, including:
- Call 911 ā Call the police to the scene to fill out an accident report.
- Document evidence ā If possible, take pictures and videos of the crash, your injuries, property damage, and any environmental evidence that you believe is relevant to your case. Get the contact information for any eyewitnesses.
- Seek medical attention ā You should seek medical attention immediately following an accident. Have a medical professional document all injuries. You should also attend all follow-up doctorās appointments as scheduled and follow their treatment protocol.
- Avoid talking about the accident online ā Donāt share information on social media about the accident. The other driverās attorney or insurance company could use the information against you. If you hire a motorcycle accident attorney, they can handle all communications and settlement negotiations for you.
Contact a Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
The days and weeks following a motorcycle accident are stressful. Not only are you recovering from physical injuries, but you may also be experiencing emotional trauma, financial stress, and other hardships. Beginning the legal process may sound overwhelming, but the attorneys at Trollinger Law LLC can support you every step of the way.
Let us handle your personal injury claim so you can focus on your recovery. Contact a motorcycle accident lawyer at our firm today for a free consultation.
