Motorcycle Accident Information & Motorcycle Accident Lawyers In Maryland

The number of motorcycle accidents in Maryland that ended in fatalities dropped by one fatality between 2005 and 2006. In 2005 there were 85 deaths that involved a motorcycle rider, which made up 13.8 percent of the total number for fatal accidents. In 2006 there were 84 deaths or 12.9 percent of the total. Nationally, motorcycle riders make up two to four percent of the total number of drivers on the road, but, make up eight to twelve percent of the wrecks that end in death. Those numbers have been on the increase every year, for the past nine years. Alcohol has been a factor in over fifty percent of those numbers.

There are a number of other factors that can be involved in any accident. Three-quarters of all motorcycle accidents involve another vehicle. Typically, another vehicle will trespass on the biker’s right-of-way, ending in collision. This is true in two-thirds of the multi-vehicle collisions. The most common place for these instances to occur is at an intersection. A motorcycle presents a much slimmer profile and a much different shape than other vehicles on the road. If another driver is not paying attention, they can completely miss seeing an oncoming motorcycle. Even something as simple as sunlight bouncing off something near them can completely mask a rider from sight. Most drivers of the other vehicle claim not to have seen the motorcycle at all or, at least, not early enough to avoid it. While having a headlight on at all times and wearing bright clothing can help make you more visible, it is still very important that you keep your mind on the road and your eyes on other vehicles.

The other one-quarter of the accidents only involve a single bike. About three percent of the accidents are caused by road imperfections, like potholes and crumbling asphalt, and animals in the road. Another three percent is caused by vehicle failure, like a stalled engine or flat tire. The largest segment, about two-thirds, is linked to rider error. In most of these accidents the rider was found to have less than five months of experience on a motorcycle. Typically what happens is a rider will enter a corner going too fast. It is very possible that when the rider leans to turn the bike, centrifugal force will pull the tires out form under the bike, laying it on the ground. It and the rider and any passengers are likely to slide for some distance before coming to a stop. If they are thrown into a barrier or oncoming traffic, much more significant injuries will occur. It is also possible that the rider will under steer, again causing the bike to leave the roadway or cross opposite lanes of traffic.

Safety helmets are required for every rider and passenger under Maryland law. Helmet laws vary from state to state, but it is estimated that in 2006 helmets saved 1,658 lives. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) further estimates that another 752 lives could have been saved. Maryland has requirements you must complete to gain your motorcycle endorsement. You must first have a valid driver’s license and take a written knowledge test to gain your permit. At that point, you may take a road skills test to get your endorsement, or you can take a class. All those who wish to operate a motorcycle and are under the age of eighteen are required to attend the class. The class teaches a variety of motorcycle skills, including shifting gears, starting, stopping, cornering, etc. If you attend and pass this course, your need to pass the skills test is waived and you can gain your license.

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