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Spring in Maryland means more motorcycles on the road—and more risk. As the weather warms up, riders across the state are taking their bikes out of storage and hitting the open roads. From scenic backroads on the Eastern Shore to busy intersections in Baltimore, spring is prime riding season.
But while this time of year offers freedom and fresh air, it also comes with increased danger. Too often, motorcyclists are injured not because of their own mistakes, but because other drivers aren’t paying attention.
Let’s explore the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Maryland and what you can do if you’ve been hurt in a crash.
Distracted Drivers Are a Constant Threat
One of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents in Maryland is distracted driving. It takes only a few seconds of inattention for a driver to miss a motorcyclist in their blind spot, fail to yield, or drift into another lane. Because motorcycles are smaller and less visible than passenger vehicles, they’re especially vulnerable to distraction-related crashes.
We’ve represented riders who were hit by drivers texting at stoplights, scrolling through social media, or fumbling with their GPS. In these cases, the rider had little or no time to react, and the consequences were life-changing. Maryland’s laws prohibit handheld phone use, but distracted driving remains a persistent and dangerous problem.
Left-Turn Accidents at Intersections
Intersections are another hotspot for motorcycle crashes, especially when a car or truck makes a left turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle. These accidents often happen because the driver misjudges the motorcyclist’s speed or fails to see them altogether.
Imagine a rider approaching an intersection with the right of way. A vehicle turns left across their path, leaving the motorcyclist no time to stop. The result? A high-impact collision that could’ve been avoided with a little more attention. These types of accidents are incredibly frustrating for victims, especially when they’re blamed for simply being on the road.
Speeding and Aggressive Driving
Speeding reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the force of any impact. When a speeding driver crashes into a motorcyclist, the results are often catastrophic. Even low-speed accidents can lead to serious injuries when a motorcycle is involved, but high-speed collisions are far more likely to result in permanent disability or death.
Aggressive driving behavior, such as tailgating, weaving between lanes, or attempting to “beat” a motorcycle through an intersection, can also lead to devastating crashes. Unfortunately, riders can’t always anticipate or avoid this kind of reckless behavior.
Poor Road Conditions and Hazards
Unlike cars and trucks, motorcycles are highly sensitive to road conditions. A pothole that barely registers for a car can cause a rider to lose control and crash. Gravel, uneven pavement, slick road markings, and debris all pose serious hazards for motorcyclists.
Riders need to be especially cautious in Maryland, where spring rains and thawing roads often lead to deteriorated surfaces. But the burden doesn’t fall on them alone. Local municipalities and construction companies have a duty to maintain safe roadways, and when they fail, they may be held liable for the accidents that follow.
How McGowan & Cecil Help Injured Motorcyclists in Maryland
At McGowan & Cecil, we know that motorcycle riders face unfair assumptions after a crash. Insurance companies often try to blame the rider, even when the evidence shows otherwise. That’s why we step in early to protect your rights and build a strong case for compensation. You can depend on us to handle all the details, such as:
- Conducting a detailed investigation into what caused the crash
- Gathering witness statements, accident reports, and surveillance footage
- Work with accident reconstruction experts when needed
- Handle all communication with insurance adjusters
Pursue the full value of your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering
We’ve helped injured riders across Maryland recover financially and physically after life-altering crashes. Our team works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us anything unless we recover money for you.
Talk to a Maryland Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident this spring—or at any time—you deserve justice. Trust McGowan & Cecil to help you hold the at-fault party accountable and pursue the compensation you need to recover. Call today for a free consultation.