Monday night, a motorcyclist
was tragically killed in Bowie, Prince George’s County, Maryland during rush
hour while travelling on Laurel Bowie Road, south of Powder Mill Road. Police say the driver of the motorcycle “veered
into oncoming traffic to avoid hitting a stopped car.” The motorcyclist was hit by an oncoming car,
and the driver of the car was not injured.
Motorcycle
accidents are one of the most dangerous types of accidents because
motorcyclists lack the same protection as cars and trucks. Motorcycles do not have airbags, windshields
or seatbelts to protect them in an accident.
After a motorcycle accident has occurred, it is important for you, as
the rider, to follow these tips to protect your personal safety and to ensure
your best chance at getting the compensation you deserve.
·
Escape Immediate Danger and Seek Medical
Attention
o
Nearly 62% of motorcycle accidents
involve fuel leaks. You must distance
yourself from the motorcycle if there is a leak. Further, make sure no one lights an open
flame, including flares, near the scene of the accident if there is gasoline
leaking. If you are injured, you should
be taken to a hospital for immediate care.
Common injuries resulting from a motorcycle accident include scrapes and
bruises, broken arms and/or legs, and concussions. It is important that a doctor examines your
injuries to determine the severity.
·
Stay Calm and Remain Silent
o
After any traumatic event, such as an
accident, your body’s adrenaline may cause you to act irrationally. Remain calm by taking deep breaths and
sitting down. Do not talk to anyone
because adrenaline sometimes causes people to speak without thinking, and it is
important to avoid admitting fault.
·
Do Not Leave the Scene of the Accident
o
Make sure you exchange information with
all involved parties and wait for the police to arrive. By leaving after the accident, you open
yourself up to a hit and run felony charge.
·
Keep Records of All Documents Related to
the Accident
o
It is very important to keep a record of
all expenses you incurred as a result of the accident. Some common expenses include doctor’s visits,
repairs and lost wages from time missed at work.
·
Call the Police
o
A police report is important because it
will document the facts of the crash, the parties involved and record of any
witnesses. If police do not arrive at
the scene, it is best to file a report later at the police station.
·
Seek Professional Legal Counsel
o
Call an experienced motorcycle accident
attorney to help you recover any benefits to which you may be entitled. It is important to call a lawyer as soon as
possible to assure that all evidence and witnesses do not disappear.
If you or a family
member has been injured or killed in a motorcycle accident, contact Portner
& Shure for a free legal consultation or if you would like more information
on motorcycle accidents at (410)
995-1515 or visit us on the web at http://www.portnerandshure.com/Auto-Accidents/Motorcycle-Accidents.shtml
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