Motorcycle accidents can be quite dangerous, even resulting in death. This is due to the fact that motorcycles have less visibility and a less protective structure than cars. Injuries suffered could range from broken bones and concussions to even death. That is why it is imperative to reach out to an Anne Arundel motorcycle accident lawyer if you have been involved in a collision. A skilled Anne Arundel personal injury attorney can devote the time and resources necessary to help your outcome.
Factors That Can Lead to a Motorcycle Accident
In a motorcycle accident, drivers often cannot see the motorcyclist very well. The drivers can usually hear the motorcycles, but the motorcycles may be riding in the driver’s blind spot and are not visible to them. For this reason, motorcyclists need to take all the necessary training concerning riding and safety awareness so that they can be aware of their surroundings.
Steps to Take Immediately Following a Motorcycle Accident
After an accident, an injured individual should talk to the police about what happened or call the authorities to make sure the police have their side of what happened. Their report will be important evidence that can be valuable for the potential to receive injury compensation. After the individual receives the necessary medical treatment that they need, they should immediately contact a professional Anne Arundel motorcycle accident lawyer who can guide them through the next steps to take in the process.
Standards Motorcyclists Must Uphold
Motorcyclists are held to the same standards as all other drivers on the road in that they must conduct themselves as a reasonable, prudent individual would conduct themselves in a vehicle. This standard is enforced by traffic laws, as well as the common laws of the state of Maryland. In other words, motorcyclists have to follow all of the rules and regulations of the road just like a motor vehicle driver does. An Anne Arundel motorcycle accident lawyer can further explain these rules and regulations, as well as best practices to help uphold them.
Importance of Wearing a Helmet
Motorcyclists and bicycle riders all have to wear helmets by law in the state of Maryland. Furthermore, helmets can prevent serious injury and death in an emergency. It is more likely that an individual could receive a permanent injury for not wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle in the event of an accident compared to if they did.
Legal Ramifications of Not Wearing a Helmet
If someone is not wearing a helmet, they could sustain serious injury in the event of an accident. Legal ramifications of this act include a traffic citation in the form of a fine and points on the individual’s license. If an individual does not wear their helmet, this fact cannot be used as an argument of contributory negligence in Maryland, similarly to wearing seatbelts. Contributory negligence means that if an injured individual was found to be negligent in any way during their accident, they would be barred from any recovery compensation.
Factors an Attorney May Consider Before Taking on a Case
Before offering to take on a case, an Anne Arundel motorcycle accident lawyer is certainly going to see whether or not the motorcyclist was operating the motor vehicle properly and whether or not they contributed to their own injury. If an individual’s conduct contributed to their own injuries in Maryland, then that is a complete bar to their recovery, meaning an attorney may not necessarily take that case.
How an Anne Arundel Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
Working without a legal advocate following a motorcycle accident can be difficult because of the process to establish liability. Insurance companies may try to pin the accident on the injured motorcyclist rather than attributing fault to the other party. An Anne Arundel motorcycle accident lawyer can help to guide you through this process to ensure you take the best steps towards receiving compensation. Your attorney can also conduct an investigation on your behalf, collect evidence such as your medical records and bills, and attempt to hold the party at fault responsible. Work with an attorney that can help you so that you can focus on your recovery.
