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Motorcycle Accidents

Silver Spring Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Q: What Types of Motorcycle Accidents Can Occur?

Motorcycle accidents can take many forms, including: Head-On Collisions: When drivers stray out of their lane or drive the wrong way on a road or highway, collisions with motorcycles may result in fatal injuries due to the force of impact. Left-Turn Accidents: Drivers who turn left at intersections may fail to see oncoming motorcyclists. When they block a motorcycle's path, the motorcyclist may be seriously injured in the collision. Rear-End Collisions: A vehicle that strikes a motorcycle from behind can inflict serious injuries even if it is traveling at a low speed. Sideswipe Accidents: When a driver changes lanes without noticing a motorcycle in their blind spot, they may strike the motorcycle and injure the motorcyclist, or the motorcyclist may be forced off the road and injured in collisions with obstacles. Dooring Incidents: When a driver or passenger opens a car door into the path of an oncoming motorcycle, this may cause the motorcyclist to fall off their bike and suffer serious injuries.

Silver Spring Motorcycle Accident Attorney

It's every biker's nightmare: An inattentive driver slams into your motorcycle, sending you flying. The resulting injuries can leave you sidelined from your motorcycle – and from work – for months or even years. And in fatal motorcycle accidents, loved ones are left trying to sort through the legal ramifications as well as the heartbreaking loss.

Serving Motorcyclists In Silver Spring

Riders throughout the region who have been injured or lost loved ones in motorcycle accidents turn to Whitlock Law, LLC, for trusted legal guidance. Based in Silver Spring, motorcycle accident attorney Morgan Whitlock will handle your case with compassion and care. She has a wealth of experience handling all kinds of traffic accident cases, including motorcycle crashes.

Case example: Lawyer Morgan Whitlock obtained a $63,000 recovery for a motorcyclist hit by a negligent driver in Washington County, Maryland. Read more of the firm's success stories.

What To Do After A Motorcycle Accident

Your health and safety are paramount. If you have been hit by a car, make sure you receive medical attention from emergency responders. Many motor vehicle injuries are not immediately obvious. Even if you were able to walk away from the accident scene, have your doctor perform a complete exam.

If you are able, gather as much evidence at the scene as possible. Take photographs of the vehicles involved and ask the other motorists for their names, insurance information and telephone numbers. Ask any eyewitnesses for their contact information.

Finally, retain an experienced personal injury attorney before you speak to an insurance company adjuster. Ms. Whitlock will review your case, represent you in talks with the insurance company, and advise you whether to accept its offer, negotiate a settlement or file a lawsuit.

Common Motorcycle Injuries

Because bikers have far less protection around them than motorists, in the event of a crash, they often sustain life-altering injuries such as:

Back, neck and head injuries
Damage to the spinal cord, which may result in paralysis
Broken bones and crushed limbs
Road rash, which may be so extensive as to require skin grafting
Burns

The financial toll of these severe injuries can be extensive. Attorney Whitlock can help you pursue financial recovery that takes into account the entire impact of the accident.

Common Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents

Negligent drivers are the predominant cause of motorcycle crashes. Their negligence can take many forms, including:

Distracted driving
Drunk or intoxicated driving
Failure to yield (especially when executing left turns)
Speeding
Improper lane changes

In some cases, dangerous road design or defective motorcycle parts may also play a role. Ms. Whitlock knows how to identify contributing factors and liable parties.

An Effective Advocate In Confronting Driver Negligence

Too many motorists fail to pay attention to motorcyclists. If you are living with a long-term or permanent disability because of a motorcycle crash, Ms. Whitlock is the motorcycle accident lawyer you need to fight for the compensation you deserve.

An accomplished motorcycle accident attorney, Ms. Whitlock is an effective advocate both in settlement negotiations and at trial. Each year, she takes an average of 100 personal injury claims to trial. Should your motorcycle accident case go that route, you can feel confident that you have a strong litigator on your side.

Motorcycle Accident Frequently Asked Questions:

Why Are Motorcyclists More Vulnerable on the Road?

Answer:

Motorcyclists are at a higher risk of injury than other motorists for several reasons:

Lack of Protection: Unlike cars, motorcycles do not have an enclosed structure or safety systems such as airbags or seatbelts to protect riders during collisions.
Visibility Issues: Motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles, and they can easily be missed in a driver’s blind spot, particularly during lane changes or at intersections.
Road Hazards: Potholes, debris, uneven pavement, and wet surfaces pose greater dangers to motorcycles than to larger vehicles.
Impact Force: Motorcyclists are more likely to be ejected from their vehicles during a collision, increasing the risk of severe injuries.

Given these vulnerabilities, even minor collisions can have catastrophic consequences for motorcyclists.

What Types of Driver Negligence Can Lead to Motorcycle Accidents?

Answer:

Motorcycle accidents often occur because of negligent or reckless behavior by other drivers. Common forms of driver negligence include:

Failure to Yield: Drivers may refuse to yield the right-of-way to motorcyclists when merging or traveling through intersections.
Distracted Driving: Activities such as texting, eating, or using in-car entertainment systems can divert a driver's attention from the road, causing them to fail to notice the movements of motorcycles.
Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a significant factor in many accidents. Intoxicated drivers are more likely to cause collisions that can seriously injure motorcyclists.
Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver's reaction time, and it can also make a collision with a motorcycle much more severe.
Unsafe Lane Changes: Drivers who do not check their blind spots before changing lanes may collide with motorcyclists or force them off the road.
Tailgating: Following a motorcycle too closely can lead to rear-end accidents, which can be particularly dangerous for motorcyclists.

Our attorney can investigate the circumstances of an accident to identify negligent behavior by a driver and build a case for compensation.

What Types of Motorcycle Accidents Can Occur?

Answer:

Motorcycle accidents can take many forms, including:

Head-On Collisions: When drivers stray out of their lane or drive the wrong way on a road or highway, collisions with motorcycles may result in fatal injuries due to the force of impact.
Left-Turn Accidents: Drivers who turn left at intersections may fail to see oncoming motorcyclists. When they block a motorcycle's path, the motorcyclist may be seriously injured in the collision.
Rear-End Collisions: A vehicle that strikes a motorcycle from behind can inflict serious injuries even if it is traveling at a low speed.
Sideswipe Accidents: When a driver changes lanes without noticing a motorcycle in their blind spot, they may strike the motorcycle and injure the motorcyclist, or the motorcyclist may be forced off the road and injured in collisions with obstacles.
Dooring Incidents: When a driver or passenger opens a car door into the path of an oncoming motorcycle, this may cause the motorcyclist to fall off their bike and suffer serious injuries.

Can a Motorcyclist Be Found at Fault for an Accident?

Answer:

Yes, motorcyclists can be found at fault for accidents, especially if they engage in behaviors such as:

Speeding or reckless driving
Weaving in and out of traffic
Failing to obey traffic signals or signs
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

In Maryland, contributory negligence laws apply, and a motorcyclist cannot recover damages if they are found even partially at fault for an accident. This strict standard makes it essential to work with an attorney who can establish that other parties bear full responsibility for a collision.

When Might Third Parties Share Liability for a Motorcycle Accident?

Answer:

In some cases, parties other than negligent drivers may be held responsible for a motorcycle accident. Examples include:

Vehicle Manufacturers: A defective part, such as faulty brakes or tires, may have contributed to the accident.
Government Entities: Poor road conditions, lack of signage, inadequate road maintenance, or a dangerous intersection may play a role in a motorcycle crash.
Commercial Vehicle Owners: If a driver operating a company vehicle caused a motorcycle accident, their employer may share liability.
Bars or Restaurants: Under Maryland's dram shop laws, establishments may be held liable for serving alcohol to visibly intoxicated people who later caused accidents through drunk driving.

Our attorney can investigate a motorcycle accident to identify all parties who may share liability. We will work to ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable.

Discuss Your Motorcycle Accident Claim With A Knowledgeable Lawyer

Benefit from the 10-plus years of experience attorney Whitlock has navigating complex personal injury cases, including motorcycle crashes.

To schedule a free consultation, contact Ms. Whitlock at Whitlock Law, LLC, by calling 301-565-1655 or contact the firm online. Injury lawyer Morgan Whitlock handles these cases on a contingency basis, which means she won't charge you anything unless she obtains compensation for you.

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