Rockville Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
For many Maryland residents, motorcycles are the most liberating and enjoyable way to experience the open road, or simply to get from place to place on a daily basis. Either way, motorcyclists have all the same responsibilities and rights as any other motorists—unfortunately, not every driver acts accordingly, which sometimes results in wrecks that cause motorcyclists to suffer substantial physical, financial, and personal losses.
Pursuing successful civil litigation based on injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident can be a uniquely challenging endeavor, which is why having a qualified personal injury attorney’s help can be especially important in this kind of situation. A knowledgeable Rockville motorcycle accident lawyer could lend their experience and expertise to every stage of your claim, working diligently to achieve a positive final resolution on your behalf.
The Basics of Negligence in Motorcycle Accident Claims
Whenever a motor vehicle accident occurs on Maryland’s roads, the determination of fault for the incident plays a central and crucial role in any future financial recovery for injured victims. In virtually all situations, fault for motorcycle crashes revolves around the “negligence” of one or more involved parties—in other words, the violation of a duty to act reasonably that directly caused injuries to occur.
Both motor vehicle drivers and motorcyclists share the same implicit obligation to follow traffic laws, keep an eye out for other drivers and pedestrians, and in all other ways react reasonably to whatever circumstances they encounter on the road. If someone breaches this duty by breaking the law, failing to pay attention, or acting in an intentionally aggressive way, they could bear financial liability for any damages that stem directly from their actions.
Recoverable damages in this context can include both economic and non-economic forms of harm, such as:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Physical pain
- Lost wages and/or earning capacity
- Lost consortium
- Motorcycle repair/replacement costs
- Lost enjoyment of life
However, as per Maryland Code, Courts and Judicial Proceedings §5-101, most potential plaintiffs have just three years after initially sustaining their injuries in which to retain a Rockville motorcycle crash attorney and begin pursuing litigation.
The Potential Impact of Contributory Fault
Another legal concept that can have a huge effect on a motorcycle accident victim’s financial recovery options is “contributory fault.” This is the legal term for negligence by someone who is injured in an accident caused by someone else—for instance, a motorcyclist who was riding over the speed limit and then gets hit by someone else who runs a red light.
Maryland courts follow an uncommonly and unfortunately harsh “pure contributory fault” approach to this concept, under which any prospective plaintiff who bears any blame whatsoever for their own damages cannot recover any compensation for their injuries, even if someone else was still primarily at fault. A seasoned lawyer could explain this concept further during a private consultation and go over how it might affect recovery after a motorcycle accident in Rockville.
Talk to a Rockville Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
Thanks to their relative lack of physical protection from external impacts, motorcyclists have an especially high risk of suffering serious injuries in collisions with motor vehicles. To make matters worse, civil courts sometimes assume that motorcyclists are daredevils who regularly engage in risky behavior, which can make it unfairly difficult for injured riders to recover the compensation they deserve after a wreck.
Assistance from a Rockville motorcycle accident lawyer could make a tremendous difference in how your unique case plays out. Call today to schedule a meeting.
