Car Accidents and Motorcycles
Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
Motorcycles are small, swift, and agile, often capable of maneuvering out of harm’s way. However, their small size makes them less visible, and often means they are in places where a car, truck, or bus driver does not expect them, making it more likely that other drivers will block the path or maneuver directly into them. No matter which driver is at fault, it is almost universally the motorcyclist who suffers the brunt of the injuries. Although some people tend to assert that either the motorcyclist or the car driver is always at fault in this type of crash, every accident is unique. Determining fault depends on a detailed analysis of circumstances of the accident and behavior of both drivers to create a full picture.
Whether you are a motorcyclist or a car driver, if you were involved in a serious motorcycle accident the lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, & Siegel, P.C. can help you. Please schedule a free initial consultation today.
A Deadly Combination
Riding a motorcycle is dangerous. According to statistics provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the fatality rate per mile traveled is over 20 times higher for motorcycles than for passenger cars. Though fatality and injury rates for large trucks and cars continue to go down, those for motorcycles are going up. In 2007, more than twice as many people were hurt or killed in motorcycle accidents than in 1998, though miles traveled on motorcycles have only increased about 30%.
For motorcyclists, any vehicle can be dangerous, and the most common is the most likely to cause injuries. Around 85% of motorcycle fatalities are in accidents with passenger cars. And in a fatal car-motorcycle accident, 98% of the time it is the motorcyclist who dies.
Car Accidents and Motorcycles
Both motorcyclists and car drivers vary widely in their safety, and at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, & Siegel, P.C. we are committed to discovering and telling the truth about an accident.
Some bad behaviors among passenger car drivers that can contribute to car-motorcycle accidents:
- Poor or cursory attention to mirrors
- Failure to check blind spots before maneuvers
- Distracted driving
- Aggressive driving
Motorcyclists also have several bad behaviors that can lead to car-motorcycle accidents and fatalities:
- Not taking care to be visible
- Maneuvering between lanes or other places where vehicles are not expected
- Aggressive driving
- Failure to wear a helmet or other safety equipment
Whether you are a car driver or a motorcyclist, we can help you tell your story of the accident so you will not have to accept fault when it is not yours.
Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, & Siegel, P.C. is recognized as one of Maryland’s top personal injury law firms. Let us put our skill, resources, and experience to work for you. To schedule a free initial consultation and case evaluation, please call or email us today.
