Riding a motorcycle through the scenic roads of Maryland can be exhilarating. However, a fun ride can quickly turn into a nightmare if you’re involved in an accident. At WGK Personal Injury Lawyers, our Maryland motorcycle accident lawyers understand the challenges you face after a motorcycle accident. With over 80 years of combined experience, our firm is here to help you navigate this difficult time. Contact our law office today at (410) 837-2144 to schedule a free consultation.
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How WGK Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After an Accident in Maryland
Our firm isn’t just any law office–we’re three generations of Baltimore personal injury attorneys dedicated to helping people like you. We’ve recovered tens of millions of dollars for our clients, and we’re ready to put our experience to work for you.
Here’s how we can assist you:
- Investigate the accident thoroughly: We’ll gather all the evidence, talk to witnesses, and work to prove who was at fault.
- Handle insurance companies: Dealing with insurance adjusters can be stressful. We’ll communicate with them on your behalf to protect your rights.
- Calculate your damages: We’ll assess all your losses, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Negotiate a fair settlement: Our goal is to get you the compensation you deserve without unnecessary delays.
- Represent you in court if needed: If a fair settlement can’t be reached, we’re prepared to take your case to trial.
As your Maryland personal injury attorneys, we’re committed to providing personalized service to clients in Baltimore, Maryland, and beyond. Don’t wait to get the help you need. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What is My Motorcycle Accident Case Worth?
The value of your motorcycle accident case depends on several factors. We’ll look at the severity of your injuries, the impact on your life, and who was at fault. Some considerations include:
- Severity of injuries: Serious injuries like broken bones, head injuries, or spinal damage often lead to higher compensation.
- Medical expenses: This includes all medical costs – past and future – for treatments, surgeries, and rehabilitation.
- Lost wages: If you can’t work due to your injuries, you can claim the income you’ve lost and may lose in the future.
- Pain and suffering: This covers physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Fault: Maryland follows a strict contributory negligence rule, meaning if you’re even 1% at fault, you may not recover damages. We’ll work hard to prove the other party was entirely at fault.
Our goal is to maximize your compensation so you can focus on healing.
What Kind of Damages Are Available to Motorcycle Accident Victims?
In a motorcycle accident case, you may be entitled to two main types of damages: economic and non-economic.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are tangible losses that have a clear dollar amount:
- Medical expenses: This includes hospital bills, doctor’s visits, medication, physical therapy, and any future medical care you might need.
- Lost wages: Compensation for the income you’ve lost due to your inability to work.
- Property damage: Costs to repair or replace your motorcycle and any other damaged property.
- Rehabilitation costs: Expenses for ongoing therapy or assistive devices to help you recover.
Your attorney will be able to help you gather the documentation you need to prove economic losses.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages cover losses that are more subjective, such as:
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain and discomfort resulting from the accident.
- Emotional distress: This includes anxiety, depression, or psychological trauma you’ve experienced.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: If your injuries prevent you from enjoying hobbies or activities you once loved.
- Loss of consortium: Impact on your relationship with your spouse or family due to your injuries.
Our team can help you prove these losses, even retaining expert witnesses, if necessary.
Punitive Damages
In rare cases where the other party’s actions were especially reckless or intentional, you might be awarded punitive damages. These are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior.
We’ll work diligently to calculate all your damages and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
We understand that you might be worried about legal fees, especially when you’re facing medical bills and lost income. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis. This means that:
- There are no upfront costs: You don’t pay anything when you hire us.
- We get paid only if you do: Our fee comes from a percentage of the compensation we recover for you.
- Accessible legal representation is available: This arrangement allows you to get quality legal help without financial stress.
By working on contingency, we’re fully invested in your case’s success. Your victory is our victory.
Can I Recover Compensation If I’m Being Blamed For a Motorcycle Accident in Maryland?
Maryland follows a rule called contributory negligence, which is one of the strictest approaches to fault in the country. Under this law, if you’re found to be even 1% at fault for the accident, you may be barred from recovering any compensation.
This means that to secure compensation, you must demonstrate that you had no fault in causing the accident. Insurance companies may attempt to assign you some level of blame to reduce or deny your claim, which can complicate the process. We are here to help by gathering strong evidence to establish that the other party was fully at fault. Additionally, we will defend you against any attempts to assign blame, safeguarding your right to fair compensation.
Understanding Maryland’s contributory negligence rule is crucial. We’ll use our experience to navigate this challenging aspect of your case.
We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation For All Of Your Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle accidents often result in serious injuries due to the lack of protection compared to cars. Common injuries include:
- Head injuries: Concussions or traumatic brain injuries that can have long-term effects.
- Spinal cord injuries: Damage that may lead to paralysis or loss of motor function.
- Broken bones: Fractures that may require surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
- Road rash: Severe skin abrasions that can lead to infections or scarring.
- Internal injuries: Damage to organs that might not be immediately apparent.
- Wrongful death: In tragic cases, families may lose a loved one due to the accident.
We have experience handling cases involving wrongful death and catastrophic injuries. We’re committed to getting you compensation for all your injuries so you can focus on recovery.
What Causes Most Motorcycle Accidents in Maryland?
Understanding the common causes of motorcycle accidents can help in building your case. Frequent causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Distracted driving: Drivers texting or not paying attention can easily overlook motorcycles.
- Drunk driving: Impaired drivers pose a significant risk to motorcyclists.
- Speeding: Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases accident severity.
- Left-turn accidents: Cars turning left may not see oncoming motorcycles.
- Lane change crashes: Drivers may not check blind spots before changing lanes.
- Road defects: Potholes or uneven pavement can cause a motorcyclist to lose control.
- Weather conditions: Rain or fog can make roads slippery and reduce visibility.
Our team is equipped to handle cases involving distracted driving, drunk driving, and other common causes of motorcycle accidents.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Motorcycle Accident in Maryland?
In Maryland, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is three years from the date of the accident. Missing the deadline means you could lose your right to file a lawsuit, and there are also exceptions that may or may not apply in your case. If you retain us to help with your case, we’ll ensure all legal timelines are met.
What Should I Do After a Motorcycle Accident?
Taking the right steps after an accident can protect your health and legal rights. After a motorcycle accident, you should:
- Seek medical attention: Your health is the top priority. Even if you feel fine, get checked by a doctor.
- Call the police: A police report can be valuable evidence.
- Gather information: Exchange contact and insurance details with the other driver. Get contact info from any witnesses.
- Document the scene: Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage.
- Do not admit fault: Be careful with your words at the scene and when speaking with insurance companies.
- Contact a lawyer: Reach out to us as soon as possible to discuss your case.
Following these steps can strengthen your claim and help us build a solid case on your behalf.
Contact our Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyers For a Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Maryland, don’t face the aftermath alone. At WGK Personal Injury Lawyers, we’re more than attorneys–we’re a team dedicated to helping you through this challenging time.
With over 80 years of combined experience and a legacy of three generations of Baltimore personal injury lawyers, we’re ready to fight for you. Call us today for a free consultation with a Maryland motorcycle accident lawyer. Let’s work together to get you the compensation you deserve.
