Motorcyclist injuries from a motorcycle accident are often severe because of their increased exposure to the road and other harsh elements compared to other drivers. These injuries can prevent you or a loved one from working, riding a motorcycle in the future, and enjoying the same quality of life as before. You may have legal grounds for a claim for compensation if your crash was caused by another person. An Upper Marlboro motorcycle accident lawyer could file a claim on your behalf and work to secure compensation from the person responsible for your injuries. Schedule a consultation with one of our personal injury attorneys to discuss your case.
Common Causes of a Motorcycle Accident
Determining the cause of a motorcycle accident in Upper Marlboro is important for an attorney to identify who may be held liable for related damages. In some cases, multiple parties may be responsible for a motorcycle wreck, which can make it harder to establish liability. Common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Failing to obey traffic laws
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Faulty or defective vehicle parts
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
A skilled lawyer could investigate an accident by reviewing police reports and other applicable evidence to determine who could be held liable for the crash.
Filing a Civil Claim for Damages
Parties that may be held liable for a motorcycle wreck include another driver, a vehicle manufacturer, or a driver’s employer. After determining fault, an attorney could help you file a civil claim against them to recover compensation for your losses. According to Maryland Code, Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article, § 5-101, the deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit in Maryland is generally three years, beginning on the date of the event.
The amount of recoverable damages in a case will depend on the severity of a person’s injury and other personal factors. However, common types of recoverable damages include economic losses from medical care costs, lost earnings from missed work, and property damages. The state also allows the recovery of non-economic damages, including pain and suffering, disfigurement, and other losses that are difficult to quantify.
Contributory fault could also affect the amount of recoverable damages an injured individual is entitled to. State courts have a strict rule of contributory negligence that prevents a person from recovering damages against another individual if they had any fault for the cause of their injury. This can be an issue in motorcycle collision cases because liable parties may claim that an injured rider failed to follow applicable motorcycle traffic laws, making them partially at fault. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Upper Marlboro could challenge these arguments and prove that the other person was entirely responsible for the wreck.
Meet With an Upper Marlboro Motorcycle Collision Attorney
At Langford Law, we understand the impact that a motorcycle crash can have on everyone involved. If you were injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation for your damages.
Eddie Langford was recognized with the prestigious National Black Lawyers 40 Under 40. He graduated from Howard Law School and is passionate about helping injured individuals seek the justice they deserve after collisions. Schedule a consultation with an Upper Marlboro motorcycle accident lawyer today to discuss your potential legal claim after a motorcycle crash.