You do not need in-depth knowledge of physics concepts to realize that accidents involving two-wheeled, lightweight motorcycles are among the most serious traffic crashes on the road. Statistics on motorcycle crashes compiled by the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) are disturbing nevertheless. According to the five-year average, there are 1,395 collisions involving motorcycles every year; of these, 1,078 lead to a fatality or injury to at least one person. In other words, more than 77% of all motorcycle accidents involve a casualty – compared to just 29% when reviewing all motor vehicle crashes.
Fortunately for injured riders and their families, Maryland law protects victims of motorcycle collisions. You may qualify to recover compensation for your losses, and you can trust a Baltimore County motorcycle accident lawyer to assist with the legal process. Additional figures and information on what to do after a crash is also helpful.
Statistics on Motorcycle Crashes in Maryland and the US
In sum, there are 73 riders killed and another 1,172 injured in Maryland motorcycle accidents every year. Nationwide, more than 5,000 victims die and around 84,000 are hurt in these incidents. Plus:
- Helmet use has been on the rise in recent years, up to 71% compared to 61% in 2000. Experts estimate that helmets are 37% effective in preventing fatalities for motorcycle operators.
- Alcohol is a significant risk factor, as almost one-third of all riders killed in motorcycle collisions were drunk.
- On average, there are 194 motorcycle accidents in Baltimore County, nine of which were fatal and 139 of which caused injuries to victims.
- Evening rush hour is the deadliest time of day to be riding, as more than 25% of all motorcycle crashes take place from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Collision
The chaos and confusion of an accident can be overwhelming, so you might benefit from reviewing some tips on what to do in the aftermath. Because your first priority is your health, seek proper medical attention right away. Also:
- Keep conversations to a minimum. Other than confirming contact information, do not discuss the accident with other motorists. You might harm your interests by saying too much.
- Gather evidence. Grab your cell phone to take pictures of the scene, surrounding area, and all vehicles. If possible, try to get contact information from neutral witnesses.
- Avoid conversations with the insurance company. A claims adjuster will try to get you to admit fault, since the insurer does not have to pay compensation if your actions caused or contributed to the motorcycle collision.
Contact a Maryland Motorcycle Accident Attorney
One of the most important things to do after a crash is reaching out to an experienced lawyer for help with the legal process. Our team at the Law Offices of Michael A. Freedman is prepared to support your needs, so please contact us to set up a free consultation. You can reach our Baltimore County office by calling 410.363.6848 or filling out an online form.
