A motorcycle crash in southwest Baltimore resulted in one fatality on August 8, 2020. Just after 10:00 Saturday night, police responded to a motorcycle accident at the intersection of North Dukeland Street and West North Avenue. A motorcycle had crashed into a parked vehicle.

Investigators from the Maryland C.R.A.S.H. Team arrived at the accident scene and assumed the investigations. The motorcyclist was taken to a nearby hospital. The rider did not survive. 

The crash was still under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the C.R.A.S.H. Team or Metro Crime Stoppers. 

Can a Rider Prevent Motorcycle Accidents?

There are steps that a rider can take to try to avoid a motorcycle accident. Some of the safety tips for riding motorcycles include:

  • Always wear brightly colored clothing to increase visibility to other motorists. 
  • Always ride with your headlights on, and use retroreflective decals or strips.
  • Check your motorcycle before each ride to ensure it is in proper working order.
  • Consider using LED accent lighting to add to visibility.
  • Allow yourself plenty of room to respond to sudden changes in traffic.
  • Change lanes and approach intersections with extra caution. 
  • Use hand singles in addition to the singles on the motorcycle.
  • Flash brakes when stopping or slowing.
  • Take a motorcycle safety course if this is your first motorcycle. 
  • Avoiding riding in a truck’s blind spots

Always wear a motorcycle helmet and other safety gear when riding a motorcycle. Motorcycle helmets, gloves, boots, jackets, and riding outfits can help reduce the risk of serious injuries if you are involved in a motorcycle accident. 

Motorcycle Accident Injuries Can Result in Lifelong Disabilities 

Unfortunately, a motorcyclist does not have much protection in a traffic accident. A motorcycle helmet and other protective gear can help reduce the severity of motorcycle injuries, but they do not protect against all injuries. 

Injuries that a rider may sustain in an accident include:

A rider who sustains permanent impairments may be unable to work. Even if a person can return to work, the person may be unable to earn the same level of income because of the disability. Therefore, the loss of income can be substantial after a motorcycle crash.

In addition to the loss of income, a rider may have ongoing medical expenses and personal care costs because of a motorcycle accident. The rider’s quality of life may decrease, and the rider may suffer from chronic pain, emotional distress, depression, and PTSD.

The person who caused the motorcycle crash can be held liable for all the above damages. However, you cannot recover compensation for your injuries and damages unless you prove that the other driver caused the motorcycle accident. 

Proving Fault for a Motorcycle Accident

Proving fault can be difficult. If there is no eyewitness or video evidence of the crash, it can be your word against the word of the other driver. However, there are ways that you can prove fault even.

A motorcycle accident lawyer can help. A lawyer can enlist the assistance of an accident reconstructionist. An accident reconstructionist uses physical evidence from the crash to recreate how the motorcycle crash occurred. 

Combined with scientific evidence and your medical records, an attorney may be able to help you prove that the other driver caused your motorcycle accident. 

What Should I Do if I am Injured in a Motorcycle Accident?

If you are injured in an accident, seek medical treatment immediately. You need to document your injuries to avoid problems with the insurance claim. Make sure to keep copies of all information you receive from your doctor.

As you follow up with your doctor, keep records of missed time from work, mileage to and from medical appointments, and receipts for any payments you make for help with household chores. It can also be a good idea to keep a pain and suffering journal. Write notes about your daily pain levels, emotional state, and activities that you cannot perform or enjoy because of your injuries.

Talking to the insurance adjuster can hurt your case. Often, statements made by victims are used against them later in the case. It may be best to talk with a motorcycle accident attorney before answering questions, making a formal statement, or signing medical release forms. 

If you receive an offer from the insurance company and have not completed treatment, accepting the offer could result in a much lower settlement amount. You cannot know the full extent of your damages until your doctor releases you from treatment. Once you settle your claim, you give up your right to pursue legal action against the at-fault driver.

Make sure that you understand your legal rights before you accept a settlement from the insurance company. You want to ensure that you are receiving full compensation for all damages caused by the motorcycle accident.

To learn more, call our personal injury law firm.

Contact the Baltimore Motorcycle Accident Law Firm of WGK Personal Injury Lawyers Today For Help

For more information contact the Baltimore motorcycle accident law firm of WGK Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation.

WGK Personal Injury Lawyers
14 W Madison St, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
(410) 837-2144

WGK Personal Injury Lawyers – Dundalk Office
7329 Holabird Ave Suite 3, Dundalk, MD 21222
(410) 970-3080