Maryland Accident Law Blog
Motorcycles can be harder to see when on a busy road for a variety of reasons, and this means that it is especially important for all drivers and pedestrians to take extra precaution. Motorcycles are much smaller than cars and trucks, which can lead them to be more difficult to see from a distance. The average motorcycle ranges from 75-100 inches long, with a heigh of 40-60 inches. A car’s blind spot may cause motorcycles to be hidden from view temporarily, which can be dangerous for motorcyclists. In addition, some drivers may misjudge the speed at which a motorcycle is going, which can result in injuries.
In a recent news report, a motorcycle collided with a car in Pennsylvania, resulting in a 58-year-old motorcyclist’s death. A trauma doctor pronounced him dead shortly after his arrival at the local hospital. According to preliminary investigations, the motorcyclist was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. A car was headed northbound and began to turn left, and the motorcyclist was heading south and unable to avoid a collision, striking the passenger side of the vehicle. The driver of the car revealed to police that she didn’t see the motorcycle approaching due to the low sun.
Driving and riding in any type of motor vehicle comes with its own set of risks, and motorcycles are no different. According to the National Higway Traffic Safety Admnistration, 42 percent of fatal motorcycle crashes that involved another motor vehicle involved a vehicle turning left while the motorcycle was going straight, passing, or overtaking a vehicle. When drivers approach an intersection and are turning, their view of oncoming traffic is partially obstructed, but driverss should take the time to wait until they are able to see around an obstructions to ensure it is safe to proceed. Any time you approach an intersection, it is important to take extra time to ensure that you use your rear and side view mirrors to ensure that nobody is in your blind spots.
If I’m Injured in a Motorcycle Accident Involving a Car, What Next?
If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident, it is important to immediately seek any medical treatment that may be necessary and can be important to alert authorities about the accident so that they can respond to the scene of the accident. Once any medical emergencies are taken care of, if possible, it is important to document what occurred. This can include taking photos of the scene of the crash, taking photos of the motor vehicles involved and any damage, taking photos of your injuries, and exchanging contact information and insurance information with other drivers involved. In addition, you may want to consider allowing the officers who respond to the accident to take down any statements from yourself or other witnesses, and it can be helpful for you to get contact information and info from witnesses as well. Connecting with an experienced lawyer can help you navigate your next steps.
Have You Suffered Injuries Due to a Motorcycle Accident
If you or someone you love has suffered injuries or even death after being involved in a motorcycle accident, contact the dedicated lawyers at Lebowitz & Mzhen today. The lawyers at our firm have over 20 years of experience helping motorcycle drivers recover the damages they deserve, and helping clients with other personal injury matters. To schedule a free initial consultation with a member of our team, contact us at 800-654-1949.