Proven Advocacy for Injured Motorcycle Riders in Howard County
Motorcycle accidents in Howard County often result in severe, life-altering injuries that demand aggressive legal representation and a thorough understanding of Maryland personal injury law. At McGowan & Cecil, LLC, our Howard County motorcycle accident attorneys bring over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case we handle. We have recovered millions of dollars for injured clients across Maryland and resolved more than 8,000 cases to date. If a negligent driver caused your crash, our team can evaluate your claim during a free consultation and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Why Choose McGowan & Cecil, LLC?
Motorcycle accident claims require a firm that understands the unique challenges riders face, from bias against motorcyclists to the severity of injuries involved. McGowan & Cecil, LLC stands apart because of our commitment to personal attention and results-driven representation.
- Over 120 years of combined personal injury experience across the firm
- More than 8,000 cases resolved, including complex motorcycle accident claims
- Proven track record of millions of dollars recovered for our clients
- Direct access to your attorney throughout the process, not a paralegal
- Attorneys listed with Super Lawyers and The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers
- A “No Fee Without Recovery” guarantee, so you pay nothing unless we win
- Trial-tested litigators, including former assistant state attorneys and judicial law clerks
Our attorneys work with accident reconstructionists, medical experts, and investigators to build the strongest possible case for Howard County riders injured by someone else’s negligence.
What Damages Can You Recover After a Howard County Motorcycle Crash?
Maryland law allows injured motorcyclists to pursue compensation for both economic and noneconomic losses. Economic damages cover the measurable financial impact of your injuries, while noneconomic damages address the personal toll the accident has taken on your life.
Recoverable economic damages in a motorcycle accident claim may include:
- Medical expenses, including rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Non-economic damages represent the pain and suffering you experience. They include loss of enjoyment and quality of life, emotional distress, impairment, disfigurement, and physical pain. In cases involving fatal injuries, surviving family members may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim to recover funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other related losses.
Maryland imposes a cap on non-economic damages in personal injury cases. The current cap for non-economic damages in a motorcycle accident case is $965,000. The amount increases each year on October 1 by $15,000. The same cap applies in a wrongful death case. However, if there are two or more wrongful death claimants or beneficiaries, the cap increases by 50% to $1,447,500.
There is no cap on economic damages such as medical bills or lost income.
How Does Contributory Negligence Affect Your Motorcycle Accident Claim?
Maryland follows a strict contributory negligence standard, which is one of the most restrictive fault rules in the country. Under this doctrine, if the insurance company can prove that you were even 1% at fault for the accident, you are barred from recovering any compensation. Only a handful of jurisdictions still follow this rule.
This standard makes it critical to work with an attorney who can investigate the crash thoroughly and counter any allegations of shared fault. Insurance adjusters routinely attempt to shift blame onto motorcyclists by pointing to lane positioning, speed, or helmet use. Our legal team gathers evidence early, including police reports, witness statements, and surveillance footage, to establish that the other driver was solely responsible for the collision.
What Are Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Howard County?
Howard County’s major roadways, including I-95, Route 29, and Route 32, carry significant traffic volumes that create daily hazards for motorcyclists. The most common causes of motorcycle accidents in our area include:
- Drivers who fail to check blind spots before changing lanes
- Left-turn collisions where a vehicle turns into a rider’s path
- Distracted driving involving phones or in-car technology
- Speeding or aggressive driving
- Impairment by alcohol and/or drugs
- Failing to keep a safe distance and tailgating
Motorcyclists are far more vulnerable in a crash than occupants of enclosed vehicles. According to federal traffic safety data, the fatality rate for motorcyclists is nearly 28 times higher than for passenger car occupants per 100 million miles traveled. Common injuries from these collisions include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, fractures, and severe road rash that may require multiple surgeries and extended rehabilitation.
What Should You Expect During a Motorcycle Accident Claim?
A motorcycle accident claim in Howard County typically progresses through three stages: investigation, negotiation, and, if necessary, litigation. In the investigation phase, your attorney gathers the police report, medical records, scene photographs, and any available camera footage, then calculates the full value of your damages, including future medical needs and lost earning capacity. Once that foundation is built, your attorney negotiates directly with the at-fault driver’s insurer. If a fair settlement isn’t reached, McGowan & Cecil, LLC will take the case to trial — and the firm’s willingness to litigate is often what moves insurers toward reasonable offers at the negotiating table. Maryland law gives you three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim, so the sooner the process starts, the stronger your position.
Talk to a Howard County Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
If you or a loved one was hurt in a motorcycle crash in Howard County, McGowan & Cecil, LLC is ready to help. Contact our team for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and learn what options may be available to you. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Maryland?
Under Maryland law, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing the right to pursue compensation entirely. Consulting an attorney soon after the accident helps ensure that critical evidence is preserved and your claim is filed on time.
Does Maryland require motorcyclists to wear helmets?
Yes. Maryland has a universal helmet law that requires all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear a DOT-approved helmet. Eye protection is also required unless the motorcycle is equipped with an approved windshield. While wearing a helmet is both a legal requirement and a safety measure, insurance companies sometimes try to argue that non-compliance contributed to injuries, even when it did not.
What if the other driver’s insurance company contacts me after the accident?
You are not obligated to provide a recorded statement or accept a settlement offer from the other driver’s insurer. Insurance adjusters may attempt to get you to say something that could be used to reduce or deny your claim. It is generally best to direct all communication to your attorney, who can handle negotiations and protect your interests.