Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Frederick MD
As the Frederick MD motorcycle accident lawyer team from Greenberg Law Offices knows, there are both advantages and disadvantages of riding a motorcycle. It can boost your adrenaline and get you where you need to be smoothly. However, there are many risks associated with riding, which is why having a legal team to turn to in the event of an accident is paramount. As a victim in a motorcycle crash, we can imagine the loss and injury you may be going through at this very moment. We are seasoned in handling motorcycle accident victim cases and use strategy to yield the best results for our clients.
Legal Options After a Motorcycle Crash
If you’ve recently been injured in a motorcycle accident, it’s important to connect with the reputable Frederick, MD motorcycle accident lawyer team at Greenberg Law Offices as soon as you can. We’ll want to begin preserving evidence that could potentially make or break your case before it can become compromised. We’ll also want to start fielding any calls that you may receive from insurance companies so that you don’t have to. Insurance companies work hard to protect their profits, so they may take advantage of you if you don’t have a lawyer communicating with them on your behalf.
Partial Liability Considerations
In the wake of your crash, take care not to admit to being at fault for any aspect of your crash. Maryland is one of only five jurisdictions in the U.S. that is known as a “contributory negligence” state. This means that if you are assigned any degree of fault for the harm you’ve suffered, you may be barred from pursuing compensation from any other party that may have contributed to the cause(s) of your harm.
Don’t make assumptions about the strength of your case until you’ve spoken with our team. Even if you believe that you were at fault for your circumstances, allow us to evaluate your case before you admit to blame. You may be mistaken in re: what caused your crash and/or the role you played in that cause.
Why DIY Representation Isn’t a Great Idea
Motorcycle accident cases tend to be very complex. Trying to seek compensation in court when you’re not trained as an attorney is tough even under ideal circumstances and motorcycle crash cases are almost never straightforward. Additionally, negotiating with insurance claims adjusters on your own can be frustrating, time-intensive, and counter-productive. You’ll have to dodge every tactic they throw at you while attempting to reduce their company’s liability. Allow our experienced Frederick motorcycle accident lawyer team to handle these challenges so that you can focus on healing.
Overcoming Bias
Unfortunately, many Americans harbor conscious or unconscious bias against bikers and motorcycle riders. These travelers are too often characterized as irresponsible – and even reckless – simply because they enjoy riding motorcycles. These biases can become hurdles to receiving fair compensation awards if judges and/or juries aren’t convinced that, regardless of their perceptions of riders as a group, a specific victim deserves justice for the harm they’ve suffered.
The Frederick motorcycle accident lawyer team at Greenberg Law Offices has extensive experience successfully navigating bias while aggressively advocating on behalf of our clients’ interests. If you choose to work with our firm, you’ll be able to rest easier, knowing that we’re aware of this issue and that we’re on top of it.
Motorcycle Crash Injuries and Statistics
When motorcycle crashes do ensue, the range of injury can vary greatly, but tends to be severe in nature. Here are examples of injuries commonly sustained by motorcycle accident victims:
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord damage
- Traumatic brain injury
- Mental anguish
- Partial or total paralysis
- Whiplash
- Damage to soft tissues
- Facial wounds
- Burn injuries
- Disfigurement and scarring
Statistically, operating a motorcycle puts you more at-risk to injury compared to driving a passenger car. Motorcyclists must use extra caution, since the slightest change in road conditions can lead to severe injury, or death. Did you know that motorcycle accidents are almost thirty times more likely to cause a fatality? And that motorcyclists are four times more vulnerable to injury? While motorcycles only account for 3% of registered vehicles in the United States, they contribute to 14% of traffic fatalities. For the year 2020, motorcycle accident fatalities went up by 11%, and the death incidents for older riders (55 years and above) increased to 27%. Additionally, most motorcycle fatalities happen in the warmer months, between June and September.
In recent years, there has been a downward trend for fatalities in motorcycle crashes. However, the number still reflects that 81,000 people or more on average have died in motorcycle accidents each year across the nation. This is a serious issue, as a Frederick motorcycle accident lawyer has seen, and often points to negligent car drivers who just aren’t paying enough attention to the road and whether motorcyclists are present before maneuvering. The states with the highest incidents of motorcycle accident fatality are in California, Texas, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. The age groups most affected by motorcycle deaths are between the ages of 25-29, and those 50+ years in age.
Many motorcycle accidents lead to devastating injuries, where victims are in need of medical care and financial compensation for their losses. It is imperative that you have a strong and dedicated legal team to represent you. We can come to your aid immediately to ensure that your health and rights are protected in the aftermath of a terrible accident that you did not cause. Negligent drivers are everywhere, and as a motorcyclist, you deserve repayment for what you’ve been through. If you are ready to get help, please do not hesitate, as a Frederick motorcycle accident lawyer at Greenberg Law Offices is ready to take your call.
Working Through Insurance Coverage
Motorcycle insurance is different from automobile insurance, and working with a qualified Frederick, MD motorcycle accident lawyer is in your best interest in order to navigate how your insurance can best service you. As a victim in a motorcycle accident, a Greenberg Law Offices attorney can work with your motorcycle insurance to pursue coverage of medical bills and expenses, reimbursement for physical therapy, reimbursement of surgery or imaging (X-rays or MRI), lost work wages during recovery paid back, and lastly any reasonable compensation for pain and suffering. In the event of a death from the accident, an attorney can pursue a wrongful death and survival action on behalf of the family for the rider who died due to the accident.
Why a Motorcyclist Can be Claimed at Fault
Sometimes it is recommended to a motorcyclist that they refute all claims they were at fault. Maryland has a harsh contributory negligence rule for motorcyclists so it is important to take what is at stake very seriously, and it is especially important to be above reproach in these circumstances. Motorcyclists can be found at fault for: driving while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, passing another vehicle when it wasn’t safe to pass, weaving in and out of traffic, and speeding (either outright, or faster than given the current road conditions). Working with a Frederick motorcycle accident lawyer who has a plethora of experience will help you work through your claim and build the best case possible for this unfortunate event that has happened to you.
How Fault is Determined in a Motorcycle Accident
Maryland is a pure contributory negligence state, which means that victims whose negligence contributed to the crash are barred from suing for their damages. And so therefore a plaintiff’s negligence can also prevent them from recovering any damages following the accident. This kind of law can heavily weigh on motorists, and it is important to feel as legally protected as possible walking through a claims process. A confident Frederick motorcycle accident lawyer can work with you to examine the evidence, using eye witnesses, police reports, etc., in order to discover the best settlement that suits you.
10 Common Motorcycle Accident Mistakes
If you’ve been involved in a crash, a Frederick MD motorcycle accident lawyer from our office can help. At Greenberg Law Offices, we’ve guided many clients through these challenging times and have compiled a list of common missteps to avoid:
1. Not Calling The Police
It’s crucial to have a police report after any accident, especially one involving motorcycles. The report not only serves as an official record of the incident but also includes vital details that are often forgotten over time. Skipping this step can make it difficult to establish the facts later when you’re seeking compensation.
2. Neglecting Medical Attention
Many people underestimate their injuries immediately after an accident due to adrenaline. Not seeking prompt medical evaluation can not only jeopardize your health but also weaken your case, as insurers might argue that your injuries are not as severe as claimed or were not directly caused by the accident.
3. Discussing Fault At The Scene
Discussing the accident or admitting fault at the scene can be detrimental. These statements can be used against you in legal or insurance proceedings. It’s best to limit communication with the other party and never sign any documents or agree to terms without consulting us first.
4. Overlooking Witness Information
If there are witnesses, their accounts of the accident can be invaluable. Failing to collect witness names and contact information is a missed opportunity to support your version of events. As time passes, memories fade and locating these individuals can become challenging.
5. Delaying Legal Consultation
The sooner we can start advising you, the better. Waiting too long to seek legal guidance can lead to missed deadlines and lost evidence. The law surrounding motorcycle accidents can be complex, and early mistakes are often difficult to correct.
6. Using Social Media
Sharing details about your accident on social media platforms can backfire. Insurance companies and opposing counsel might use your posts as evidence to dispute your claim. It’s wise to keep details private and discuss the event only with your attorney.
7. Accepting Early Settlement Offers
Insurers often propose attractive early settlements to close cases quickly and economically. Accepting these offers without proper legal review can result in compensation that falls far short of covering all your medical expenses and other losses.
8. Failing To Document Everything
Keeping a detailed record of all your medical treatments, repairs, and correspondences related to the accident is crucial. This documentation will support your claim, especially when you get in touch with your motorcycle accident attorney.
9. Ignoring Psychological Impact
Motorcycle accidents can be traumatic. Neglecting the psychological effects such as stress, anxiety, or PTSD can impede your recovery. Psychological conditions can and should be addressed just as physical injuries are.
10. Handling Your Own Repairs
Getting your motorcycle repaired without consulting the insurance company first can lead to disputes over the cost and necessity of those repairs. Always ensure that all repairs are documented and approved to avoid this pitfall.
Motorcycle Accident Infographic
Contact Our Team Today
For over 55 years, the team at Greenberg Law Offices has been standing up for our clients and helping them fight for compensation and closure. Reach out today, and see what a motorcycle accident lawyer from our office can do for you.
Frederick Motorcycle Accident FAQs
Motorcycle accidents can be devastating, leaving victims with serious injuries, financial burdens, and emotional distress. At Greenberg Law Offices, we understand the challenges you face following such an event. Our Frederick, MD motorcycle accident lawyer is dedicated to providing you with the support and legal assistance you need during this difficult time. With that in mind, here are some of the most commonly asked questions we encounter:
When Should I Contact A Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
After a motorcycle accident, it’s crucial to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. Immediate legal advice ensures that your rights are protected from the start. Early involvement allows us to gather critical evidence, speak with witnesses while their memories are fresh, and handle communications with insurance companies. Prompt action also helps in adhering to the statute of limitations, which restricts the time frame you have to file a lawsuit. Even if the accident was 100% not your fault, it is best to have a lawyer by your side from the start to represent your best interests.
Can I Still File A Claim If I Was Partially At Fault In The Accident?
Yes, you can still file a claim even if you were partially at fault. Maryland follows a contributory negligence rule, which means that if you are found to be even slightly at fault, you may be barred from recovering damages. However, this determination is not always straightforward and requires a thorough legal assessment. Our Frederick motorcycle accident lawyers can help evaluate the specifics of your case, identify the best course of action, and work to minimize any potential fault attributed to you. We strive to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve despite the complexities involved.
What If The Insurance Company Denies My Claim?
If an insurance company denies your claim, it’s important not to lose hope. Denials can happen for various reasons, including disputes over liability, policy exclusions, or insufficient evidence. When this occurs, having a skilled lawyer can make a significant difference. We can review the denial, gather additional evidence, negotiate with the insurance company, and if necessary, file a lawsuit to pursue the compensation you are entitled to. Our goal is to fight for your rights and ensure that you are treated fairly by the insurance companies.
How Can I Prove The Other Driver Was At Fault?
Proving fault in a motorcycle accident requires a comprehensive approach. Key evidence includes police reports, witness statements, photographs of the accident scene, traffic camera footage, and expert testimonies. A detailed investigation is essential to establish negligence on the part of the other driver. Our lawyers are experienced in collecting and analyzing this evidence to build a strong case. Our founding lawyer Harry Greenberg was named one of the Most Influential Attorneys in Maryland, and we have worked hard to continue that legacy. We work diligently to demonstrate how the other driver’s actions led to the accident and your injuries, providing the necessary proof to support your claim.
Can A Lawyer Help With Medical Bills And Lost Wages?
Absolutely. A lawyer can assist in recovering compensation for medical bills and lost wages. After an accident, you may face significant medical expenses and be unable to work, leading to financial strain. With over fifty years of experience, our lawyers will help you calculate the full extent of your damages, including future medical costs and lost earning capacity. We will pursue compensation from all liable parties to cover these costs, ensuring that you receive the financial support you need to recover and move forward with your life.
Facing the aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. At Greenberg Law Offices, we are here to support you every step of the way. Our experienced Frederick motorcycle accident lawyers are committed to securing the best possible outcome for you, whether through negotiation or litigation. If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a consultation. Let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today to discuss your case and explore your options.