Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Baltimore

motorcycle accidents

A motorcycle crash can change your life forever. Motorcycle accidents can lead to devastating physical injuries and years of financial instability. Many accident victims also find that they suffer long-term mental anguish due to the trauma of the accident and the aftermath of coping with significant injuries.

At Greenberg Law Offices, we are ready to help accident victims pursue the compensation they deserve after a motorcycle collision. Our motorcycle accident law firm has served Baltimore and Maryland residents for over 60 years and across three generations. We are a family law firm that treats you like family from the moment you walk in our door. That means fighting hard for the best outcome possible, even if it means taking your case to trial.

Don’t let a motorcycle accident derail your future. Contact our office today and arrange a free legal consultation with a Baltimore motorcycle accident lawyer to learn more about your legal rights.

Why You Should Hire a Baltimore Attorney for Your Motorcycle Accident Claim

You can attempt to file and negotiate a motorcycle accident claim with the insurance company. However, an insurance company isn’t going to treat you like family. They put profit above people and want you to settle for as little as possible, regardless of whether that compensation fully covers your injuries or losses.

A Baltimore motorcycle accident attorney who knows the Maryland legal system can help you manage your claim from start to finish, giving you the time to focus on recovery, not maddening paperwork. At Greenberg Law Offices, we understand the intricacies involved in managing motorcycle accident claims and know how to combat common insurer misconceptions, backing your claim with evidence so you can pursue maximum compensation for your injuries.

How We Investigate Baltimore Motorcycle Accident Cases

Building a compelling case backed by evidence is the key to a successful motorcycle accident case. Evidence helps prove liability and establish the extent and severity of your injuries. Collecting and preserving the evidence to build a substantial case takes a complete investigation into the cause of the crash.

The legal team at Greenberg Law Offices has the skills and resources to thoroughly investigate motorcycle wrecks. We start by listening to you. Next, we can locate surveillance and other video showing the crash, obtain your medical records, secure witness statements, and gather expert witness testimony to help support your case. We can also secure challenging-to-obtain information like cellular phone records and other data that may benefit your case.

What Compensation Could I Recover in a Baltimore Motorcycle Accident Claim?

Motorcycle accident compensation depends on the nature of the crash, the severity of the victim’s injuries, and other factors. Insurers want you to settle quickly and for as little money as possible. It saves them time and money, increasing profit margins. Before accepting a settlement offer from any party, it is best to consult with a knowledgeable Baltimore motorcycle accident attorney who can calculate the fair value of your situation.

Overall compensation can vary, but most motorcycle accident victims can pursue compensation for the following:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Property damage

Never settle for pennies on the dollar. Allow an experienced attorney to help you negotiate for the money you deserve. Motorcycle accident injuries can affect you for years, sometimes a lifetime. An attorney can fight for the money necessary to manage your care and expenses, now and into the future.

What Should I Do After a Motorcycle Accident?

Although a motorcycle collision is traumatic, making it hard to think, your actions after an accident can significantly impact your compensation claim later. If you are physically able, the following are immediate steps you can take to protect your rights and improve your likelihood of recovering the money you need:

  • Contact the authorities.
  • Exchange information with the other driver.
  • Document the scene with pictures and videos.
  • Ask witnesses for a statement and their contact information.
  • Seek medical attention for your injuries as soon as possible.
  • Contact a Baltimore motorcycle accident lawyer who handles cases across Maryland.
  • Stick to your doctor’s treatment plan.
  • Avoid posting anything on social media until your case gets resolved.
  • Keep detailed records of your medical bills, repair receipts, and other accident-related expenses.

These steps can help you and your attorney build a solid compensation claim following an accident with a careless motorist in Baltimore or anywhere in Maryland.

How Does a Motorcycle Accident Differ from a Car Accident?

Not all motor vehicle wrecks are the same. The type of vehicle involved in an accident can significantly change numerous factors that may impact the pursuit of fair compensation.

Motorcycle accidents can be more complicated than many passenger motor vehicle accidents. For starters, the injuries tend to be more severe. Riders have little in the way of safety features and outside protection. Cars are 3,000 pounds of metal and fiberglass, including seatbelts and airbags to help protect occupants. Riders only have their helmet and riding gear to protect them. With more significant injuries comes the potential for a more significant payout, something an insurance company doesn’t want.

Another factor that differentiates car accidents from motorcycle accidents is bias against motorcyclists. Some entities instantly want to blame the rider for causing the accident because of media bias that portrays motorcycle operators as reckless or troublemakers. This bias can affect your claim, meaning you need an aggressive attorney who understands the unique differences between car and motorcycle accidents to fight for you.

Who Could Be Held Liable for a Motorcycle Wreck in Baltimore?

Maryland follows a traditional fault-based insurance model for handling motor vehicle accident claims. This means that when a motorcycle wreck happens, the injured operator files a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company seeking compensation for their injuries.

However, there are potentially other entities that can be liable following a Baltimore motorcycle crash, including the following:

  • The other driver
  • A car or motorcycle manufacturer
  • A parts manufacturer
  • A government entity
  • Another third party

A complete motorcycle crash investigation can help uncover all potentially liable parties, allowing your attorney to seek maximum compensation for your injuries.

Could I Recover Compensation if I’m Partly to Blame for a Motorcycle Accident?

Maryland law does not allow parties to recover money for their injuries if they are partially to blame for causing a collision. Maryland follows a strict regulation governing personal injury and motorcycle accident lawsuits called contributory negligence. This rule binds all civil court decisions and says that an individual cannot recover compensation for their injuries if their actions played even the slightest role in causing the accident. This is why it’s important to have an attorney who can argue that you were not at fault for the motorcycle accident.

How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Maryland?

The time to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Baltimore or elsewhere in Maryland is limited. Maryland law gives motorcycle accident victims three years from the accident date to file a lawsuit seeking compensation. Failing to file by the deadline can lead to significant financial consequences. The court can dismiss your case, meaning you lose leverage against insurers and don’t get to have your case heard in court. Hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer in Baltimore will ensure your case will be filed on time.

What Are Common Types and Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Baltimore?

While motorcycle riders can suffer many of the same types of accidents as other motorists. All drivers can be involved in rear-end collisions. However, some types of accidents are unique to motorcycle riders. Some of the most common types of motorcycle accidents in Baltimore and across Maryland include:

  • Dooring accidents
  • Lane splitting accidents
  • Rear-end accidents
  • T-bone accidents
  • Head-on collisions
  • Sideswipe accidents
  • Intersection accidents

The causes of these accidents are varied but often revolve around driver error or inattention. Driver error accidents that lead to motorcycle crashes include:

  • Distracted driving
  • Drunk driving
  • Fatigued driving
  • Speeding
  • Tailgating
  • Unsafe lane changes
  • Failure to yield

Poor visibility is another common cause of motorcycle accidents since motorcycles are smaller and less visible than passenger cars and trucks. Dangerous conditions and inclement weather can also contribute to significant motorcycle crashes.

What Are Typical Injuries Resulting from a Motorcycle Collision?

Unfortunately, motorcycle collisions can cause devastating and life-altering injuries. Some of the most typical injuries that result from motorcycle crashes in Baltimore and throughout Maryland include:

  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Paralysis
  • Other neck and spinal injuries
  • Amputations
  • Broken bones
  • Dislocations
  • Road rash
  • Thermal burns
  • Organ damage
  • Internal bleeding
  • Soft tissue damage
  • Lacerations
  • Contusions
  • Abrasions

The risk of traumatic brain injury and death rises significantly when the rider is not wearing a helmet. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 69 percent. Goggles can help reduce eye injuries, and wearing a leather jacket, pants, or chaps also helps reduce the risk of road rash and burns.