Accidents
Motorcycle accidents are on the rise in Maryland, and the consequences are often devastating. Unlike drivers in passenger vehicles, motorcyclists have little protection when a crash occurs, which is why 89% of motorcycle crashes result in serious injuries. As a Maryland motorcycle accident attorney, I have seen firsthand how these cases are undervalued by insurance carriers—and misunderstood by injured riders themselves.
This article will address three critical topics:
By understanding how the law applies, what evidence makes the difference, and how to overcome bias, you can better protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
One of the most common misconceptions I hear from motorcycle accident clients is that the value of their case comes from the crash itself. Many believe that because the crash was serious or dramatic, their case is automatically worth a large amount of money. In reality, the true value of a motorcycle accident case depends on the severity of the injuries, the impact on your daily life, and the strength of the evidence.
As a personal injury attorney, I often explain that two similar motorcycle crashes can have very different case values. For example, a client who suffers a broken leg requiring surgery and extended rehabilitation may have a case worth significantly more than someone who escapes with minor bruises, even if the crashes looked equally severe.
Case vignette: when coverage issues lurk in the background
I once represented a motorcyclist in a road rage case where the at-fault driver intentionally ran him off the road. In many states, insurance companies argue that intentional acts are not covered, which can leave injured riders without recourse. Surprisingly, in this case, the carrier did not raise the coverage issue, and we were able to pursue a recovery. This is just one example of why riders should never assume how insurers will respond—or that they are looking out for their best interests.
According to safety data, nearly nine out of ten motorcycle accidents lead to serious injuries or fatalities. This is because motorcycles offer no crumple zone, no airbags, and no steel frame to absorb the impact. A motorcyclist’s body absorbs the full force of a collision.
The most common injuries I see in my practice include:
These injuries not only require extensive medical care but often lead to long-term disability, lost wages, and pain that alters every aspect of a rider’s life. That is why I tell clients: your case is often worth more than you think, because the injuries are more significant than they initially realize.
One Maryland-specific challenge is the bias that jurors and even adjusters sometimes hold against motorcyclists. Because a small number of riders engage in reckless or aggressive driving, the public often assumes that every motorcyclist is taking risks.
In practice, this means that defense attorneys and insurance adjusters lean heavily on contributory negligence arguments. Maryland is one of the few states that still applies the strict contributory negligence rule: if the injured motorcyclist is found even 1% at fault, they may be barred from recovery.
At SG Legal Group, my team and I fight this bias by presenting clear, persuasive evidence such as:
The key is making sure the jury understands that responsible riders deserve the same protection under Maryland law as any other driver.
Summer is the most dangerous season for motorcyclists in Maryland. Warmer weather means more riders on the road, but it also brings unique risks, including:
I recommend that motorcyclists take extra precautions during the summer months: wear visible gear, keep headlights on at all times, and ride defensively—assuming that other drivers may not see you. Even the most careful riders cannot eliminate every risk, which is why legal protection matters after a crash.
Motorcycle Accident Claims: Evidence That Wins Cases
In my experience, the evidence that carries the most weight in motorcycle accident cases includes:
This type of evidence not only proves liability but also combats the bias that insurance carriers and juries may hold against motorcyclists. Strong evidence shifts the focus back where it belongs—on the negligent driver who caused the crash.
When riders underestimate the value of their claim, they risk settling too early or for too little. Insurance companies know this, and they often rush to offer a low settlement before the full scope of injuries is clear.
I recommend that riders injured in a motorcycle crash:
At SG Legal Group, we carefully calculate damages to include not only medical expenses and lost income but also pain and suffering, future care needs, and permanent impairment.
Motorcycle accidents in Maryland are serious, often life-altering events. With 89% resulting in severe injury and juror bias adding another layer of challenge, riders need strong legal representation to protect their rights.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Maryland, your case may be worth more than you think. My team at SG Legal Group and I are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call 410-618-1277 or contact SG Legal Group today to schedule a consultation.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information and is not legal advice. For advice about your specific situation, please contact me directly.
Joshua C. Sussex, Esq.
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