Maryland Motorcycle Accident Statistics

The Maryland Highway Safety Office established its Zero Deaths Maryland initiative in an effort to reduce and ultimately eliminate injuries and deaths on the state’s roads. According to its data, Maryland sees an average of 1,046 injuries and 73 deaths among the state’s motorcyclists, who are uniquely vulnerable in crashes even when they take measures to protect themselves.

Some evidence suggests the state’s approach is working. During one period studied, Maryland saw a 15 percent reduction in motorcycle accidents. Nevertheless, motorcyclists still face a high likelihood of injury or death, twice that of individuals involved in passenger vehicle collisions. Some other data uncovered by Zero Deaths Maryland include:

• The Baltimore metro area accounts for 46.4 percent of motorcycle accidents statewide. The Washington, DC, metro area accounts for another 33 percent.
• Most motorcycle crashes occur from June to September.
• Male riders are far more likely than female riders to suffer injuries or death. Just 7 percent of injuries and 3 percent of fatalities were women.
• Riders in the 21-34 age group accounted for 35 percent of all motorcyclists, 37 percent of crash injuries, and 43 percent of fatalities.
• Roughly 72 percent of Maryland motorcycle accidents cause injuries.

What Is Maryland’s Helmet Law?

Maryland has a universal helmet law, meaning all motorcycle riders and passengers must wear a helmet that meets U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) standards.

Maryland’s helmet law is designed to reduce head injuries and fatalities in motorcycle crashes. According to a University of Maryland School of Medicine study, nearly 20 percent of motorcyclists who died in accidents during the multi-year period under consideration weren’t wearing a helmet. Just under 30 percent of these occurred in Prince George’s and Baltimore counties.

Maryland riders must also wear protective eye gear unless their motorcycle has a windscreen. Failing to wear a helmet and other protective gear doesn’t constitute negligence on a rider’s part or prevent them from filing a claim after an injury accident. However, Maryland follows a contributory negligence rule that bars injured riders from recovering compensation if they’re even slightly responsible for their injuries.

What Compensation Could You Recover in a Motorcycle Accident Claim?

You could be entitled to various types of compensation if you suffered injuries in a Maryland motorcycle accident someone else caused. Since motorcycle accidents often cause severe injuries to vulnerable riders, the expenses associated with recovery can add up very quickly. Securing compensation through a motorcycle accident claim can help cover the financial burden caused by the crash and its aftermath. Compensation available in a motorcycle accident claim might include:

• Medical Expenses – Compensation for costs of emergency care, surgeries, hospitalization, medications, and rehabilitation.
• Lost Wages – Compensation for income lost during recovery or due to permanent disability that prevents you from working.
• Property Damage – Repair or replacement of your motorcycle and other personal property damaged in the crash.
• Pain and Suffering – Payment for physical pain, emotional distress, and changes to your overall quality of life following the accident.
• Permanent Disability – Compensation for long-term or permanent injuries affecting your ability to work or live independently.
• Loss of Consortium – Compensation for the impact the injury has on your relationship with your spouse.

Contact a Maryland Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today

You may be entitled to compensation after a Maryland motorcycle collision. A skilled attorney can help gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, build a strong case for compensation, and protect you against attempts to pin the blame on you and jeopardize your right to financial recovery. Contact a Maryland motorcycle accident attorney at Law Tigers right away to discuss your case and learn about your options.