In 2017 there were nearly 90,000 motorcyclist injuries in the US. Because motorcycle riders are more exposed and less protected than car drivers, motorcycle accidents typically cause more injuries to the rider than to the driver of the other vehicle. Not surprisingly, those injuries tend to be serious. In fact, their injuries could be permanent, severe, and life-threatening, even if both vehicles involved in the accident were traveling at a relatively low rate of speed. In 2017, motorcyclists were 27 times more likely to die in a crash per mile traveled than those traveling by passenger car.

The best way to avoid motorcycle accidents is to be aware of what’s happening on the road around you, look for signs that a driver doesn’t see you or intends to turn, and to take evasive action if possible. On those occasions where there’s no way to avoid a motorcycle accident, contact the Law Office of Nancy Miller and Mark Miller. We have a proven track record of helping clients injured in Southern Maryland motorcycle accidents recover the compensation they deserve.

Typical Southern Maryland Motorcycle Accidents

The following are the most common causes of motorcycle accidents:

  • Left-Hand Turns. The most common motorcycle accident happens when a car, truck, or other passenger vehicle makes a left turn straight into the path of an oncoming motorcycle. This type of accident occurs because the driver of the other vehicle doesn’t see the oncoming motorcycle or incorrectly estimates the motorcycle’s speed. Whatever the cause, the driver makes that fateful left turn, and the motorcyclist either tries to avoid the collision and swerves or doesn’t have enough time.
  • Lane Changes. Motorcycles can easily fit into a vehicle’s blind spots, thus creating a very real risk that a car in another lane suddenly veers into the space a motorcyclist is occupying. This can happen because a driver fails to check his/her blind spot and/or does not signal when changing lanes.

Injuries From Motorcycle Accidents

In an accident where a car abruptly changes lanes and collides with a motorcycle because they didn’t see it, the rider can incur catastrophic injuries because they have virtually no protection from the impact with the passenger vehicle. Injuries sustained by victims of motorcycle accidents include;

These severe injuries can prevent victims from being able to work for months, necessitate multiple painful surgeries and physical therapy, and even permanently disable them. They could incur hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical bills, suffer the loss of companionship with their spouse, and have thousands of dollars of property damage.

Avoiding Motorcycle Accidents and Preventing Injuries

While riding a motorcycle can be dangerous, there are several ways riders can increase their chances of avoiding costly accidents:

  • Be Alert. The best way to avoid motorcycle accidents is to be aware of what’s happening on the road around you. Be on the lookout for an inattentive motorist so that you can respond appropriately.
  • Use Extra Caution at Intersections. As noted above, the majority of all motorcycle accidents occur at intersections. As you approach an intersection, signal your intentions, avoid distractions, and remain on high-alert in case another driver fails to see you or judges your speed incorrectly.
  • Avoid Bad Weather. Study up on safe ways to ride in the rain, wind, or whatever type of challenge Mother Nature tends to offer in your particular locale, in case you get stuck in it. If rain is in the forecast and you have to ride, pack rain gear to stay dry and comfortable.
  • Visibility. To the extent possible, make yourself as visible to other motorists as possible. You can do so by wearing bright-colored clothing and/or safety equipment, add reflective tape to your bike and using your headlights even in the daytime.
  • Stay Out of Blind Spots. They are called blind spots for a reason. By riding behind the b-pillar of a passenger car, you are leaving your fate in the hands of that motorist. Obviously, it is impossible to avoid blind spots entirely, but to the extent possible, you should make your passes quickly and then get into a safe lane position.
  • Wear Safety Gear. When an accident is unavoidable, the single most effective way protect yourself is by wearing a helmet. According to the U.S Department of Transportation, helmets saved 1,859 lives in 2016 alone. Other protective clothing, such as gloves, long pants and long-sleeved jackets made of thick, protective material such a leather, can also help to prevent painful and permanent injuries.

For more on motorcycle safety, you can visit https://www.cdc.gov/

How Can an Accident Attorney Help you Recover?

These are just some of the types of injuries that could arise from motorcycle accidents. With the help of a qualified attorney, who is experienced in representing victims of Southern Maryland motorcycle accidents, you can receive compensation for all of these damages and take an essential step toward restoring your original quality of life or getting as close to it as possible. Over the years, we’ve helped our clients recover millions of dollars in compensation for their injuries. Contact us today to get a free consultation and evaluation of your motorcycle accident claim.

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