Work With Compassionate Columbia Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
With no steel frame, air bags or seat belts to protect riders, motorcycle accidents often result in catastrophic injuries, from severe road rash to traumatic brain injuries. It is common for survivors to leave the scene with lifelong medical needs, while insurance companies routinely undervalue their claims.
If you suffered injuries in a motorcycle crash in Maryland or Washington, D.C., you need a skilled accident lawyer to help you secure the compensation you need and deserve. Our dedicated team of motorcycle accident attorneys at The Ingram Firm, L.L.C., serves riders in Columbia, Largo, the District of Columbia and surrounding communities.
Common Causes And Injuries In Maryland Motorcycle Accidents
To build a compelling case that insurance companies cannot dismiss, we must identify exactly how your motorcycle accident happened and document the full extent of your injuries.
Why Most Motorcycle Accidents Occur
When other drivers fail to respect each other’s right to share the highway, roads become dangerous for motorcyclists. Most motorcycle accidents we handle stem from these behaviors by other drivers:
- Unsafe lane changes: Drivers switch lanes without checking their blind spots or using turn signals, cutting off motorcyclists who have no time to react or space to maneuver.
- Distracted driving: A driver who texts, eats or adjusts the GPS takes their full attention off the road. This momentary lapse is all it takes to miss seeing a rider and cause a life-altering crash.
- Speeding: Excessive speed gives all drivers less time to react and increases impact force in a collision, making crashes with motorcyclists particularly catastrophic.
- Driving under the influence: Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, slow reaction times and encourage reckless behavior that puts vulnerable motorcyclists at severe risk.
Insurance companies often try to shift blame to the motorcyclist. But with our thorough investigation process, we can help uncover the truth about what really happened on the road that day.
The Severe Nature Of Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle accidents can inflict uniquely severe injuries due to the rider’s exposed position on the road. Even at relatively low speeds, these accidents often cause profound, life-changing harm. Here are the most common injuries we encounter when handling motorcycle accident cases in Maryland:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Even when wearing a helmet, the violent force of a motorcycle accident can cause a TBI. This injury can affect your memory, cognitive abilities and personality for the rest of your life.
- Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord is one of the most catastrophic outcomes of a crash. These injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, which requires a lifetime of medical care and assistance.
- Road rash: Many people underestimate “road rash,” but it is a severe injury. When your skin scrapes across the pavement, it can destroy multiple layers of tissue, leading to intense pain, serious infections, permanent scarring and even nerve damage.
- Broken bones and fractures: These fractures frequently affect the legs, arms, ribs, and pelvis and may require surgeries, pins or plates to heal properly.
- Internal organ damage: These injuries often lead to internal bleeding and can be life-threatening if not treated immediately.
Your settlement must account for the total cost of these injuries – not just your initial hospital bills. This includes future surgeries, physical therapy and lost wages and earning capacity. Our firm works tirelessly to document the full impact the accident has had on your life so we can pursue the compensation needed for your recovery.
What If I Were Not Wearing A Helmet In My Motorcycle Accident?
While Maryland law requires all motorcyclists to wear helmets, not having one does not prevent you from seeking compensation after an accident. Many motorcycle injuries – like broken bones, spinal damage, road rash and internal injuries – occur regardless of whether you wore head protection. In fact, Maryland courts often restrict evidence about helmet use unless the lawsuit specifically centers on helmet performance or failure.
What To Do After A Motorcycle Accident
The steps you take after a motorcycle collision can make a critical difference in your physical recovery and financial compensation. Severe injuries may prevent you from completing all these actions yourself, so do what you can and ask family members or friends to help with the rest.
- Seek immediate medical attention for all injuries, even those that seem minor at first.
- Call the police to officially report the incident.
- Document the scene with photos of all vehicles, road conditions and your injuries, if possible.
- Gather contact information from witnesses.
- Keep all evidence, including damaged clothing, helmet and motorcycle parts.
- Follow all medical advice and attend every follow-up appointment.
- Save all documents related to your accident and injuries, including medical bills and records.
- Contact our firm before speaking with any insurance representatives.
- Our motorcycle accident team can take over these responsibilities while you focus on healing.
How The Ingram Firm, L.L.C., Supports Motorcycle Crash Victims
For more than 25 years, we have stood beside motorcycle accident victims when they face insurance companies that try to minimize their injuries. Adjusters often approach motorcycle claims with an unfair bias, assuming riders were at fault or took unnecessary risks. We recognize these tactics immediately and know exactly how to counter them. Our personal injury team has deep knowledge of Maryland’s personal injury laws and how they protect your right to compensation after a crash that was not your fault.
Work With Skilled Lawyers After A Motorcycle Accident – Free Case Review Available
Call us today at 410-541-1570 or complete our online form to schedule your free, no-obligation case review. We will analyze your situation and explain exactly how we can help.
