On nearly every roadway across the U.S., motorists must share the pavement with a variety of other vehicles. These other vehicles include tractor trailers, bicycles, and motorcycles. Each of these vehicles has unique weak points that make them susceptible to being involved in accidents. Understanding these weak points and adapting one’s driving to accommodate them is a key part of sharing the roadway responsibly.
If you are involved in a Maryland motorcycle accident and you carry personal injury protection, commonly known as PIP coverage, you may file a claim for your medical expenses and lost wages through your PIP provider. In addition, you may be able to recover compensation for your damages through a personal injuryclaim against the other driver.
Injuries you can Sustain in a Motorcycle Accident
There are a variety of ways you can be injured in a motorcycle accident. These injuries include but are not limited to:
- Traumatic brain injury,
- Broken bones;
- Soft tissue injuries;
- Spinal cord injuries;
- Lacerations; and
- Burns.
The Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
A variety of issues can cause motorcycle accidents. Sometimes, they are unavoidable and happen because of adverse weather conditions or sharp turns in the roadway that motorcycles cannot round safely. They can also happen because of negligence on the part of the motorcyclist, the motorist, or another party. A few examples of these kinds of negligence are:
- Drunk driving;
- Distracted driving;
- Speeding;
- Failure to maintain a safe following distance between vehicles; and
- Disregarding posted traffic signs.
When an individual causes an accident through negligence, he or she is liable for any related claims of the injured victim. The victim can pursue compensation for these damages through a personal injury claim, which requires the victim to provide evidence that demonstrates how the negligent party’s actions caused his or her injury. If the victim has PIP coverage, he or she also has the option to file a PIP claim with his or her own provider. Filing a PIP does not preclude the victim from filing a personal injury claim, but this is a complex process that should be handled with the aid of an experienced personal injury lawyer.
Pursuing your Motorcycle Accident Damages
Through a personal injury claim, you can pursue compensation for the following damages:
- Your medical expenses;
- Your lost wages; and
- Your pain and suffering damages.
The damages covered by a PIP claim are slightly different, and your lawyer can explain the difference between these and personal injury damages. What is most important when you are pursuing compensation for injury damages is that you are proactive. After you have received appropriate medical care, start working with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner you file your claim, the better your chance of recovering the compensation you seek.
