Teen Killed in Motorcycle Accident: Wear a Helmet!

Motorcycle drivers are involved in many of the most deadly and serious accidents in the nation. In the state of Maryland a driver of a motorcycle must possess a special class drivers license. In addition, motorcycle drivers are also held to the same standards as any other driver on the road. However, due to the obvious exposure that the motorcycle provides its driver, the risk of injuries while driving is much greater and both state and national accident statistics continue to prove this point. In Maryland all operators of motorcycles are required to wear a helmet and protective eye wear.

Recently a Lexington Park teenager was killed after his motorcycle crashed into a tree in Calvert County, Maryland. The teenager was operating a Yamaha YZ80, which is considered a type of motorcycle based on the Maryland definition. He was driving off road when he approached a hill and lost control of his bike and crashed. The responding police indicated that the teen was ejected from the bike before the bike came to rest on top of him.

Authorities immediately noted that the teen was not wearing any of the regulated safety gear as mandated by the State of Maryland. The teenager was transported to a local hospital where is was pronounced dead later that same night. No one will know if this teenager would have survived if he had been using a helmet. However, national statistics, as well as our injury law firms past accident cases, reveal that the survival rate goes up exponentially for those who wear a helmet.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a motorcycle accident or if you would like more information on car accident, please contact Portner & Shure for a free consultation.

Single Vehicle Car Accident Claims Another Life

Single vehicle accidents resulting in personal injuries are often caused by speed or reckless automobile driving. However, weather conditions can also play an important role in these traffic accidents. The recent rain storms have caused flooding in some areas and left roadways very slippery.

A recent single vehicle accident claimed the life of a 21-year-old woman. She was driving her Lexus on Snowden River Parkway in Columbia, Maryland when she swerved to avoid a collision with another vehicle. As a result of her swerving, she struck a tree and was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.

An accident re-constructionist could be called to the scene to help determine the cause of the accident. If skid measurements were taken by an expert, the speed at the time of the cars impact could have been determined. Proper measurements, done timely, with eye witness testimony, could assist in determining if the driver in this accident either lost control of her vehicle, or was cut off by another driver, or if her vehicle was not working properly.

In some cases, even if the other driver leaves the scene, fault could be attributed to that driver if a proper investigation is conducted. Our personal injury lawyers have been involved in several lawsuits that hinged on a thorough accident reconstruction.

If you, a family member, or someone you know has been involved in automobile accident where someone was injured or if you would like more information on car accidents, please contact Portner & Shure for a free consultation.

Single Vehicle Accident Claims Life of Frederick County Man

The Frederick News Post reported a single vehicle car accident on January 9, 2010, which resulted in the death of a Walkersville man. Donovan C. Phillips of Walkersville was driving his 2005 Kia Optima on Maryland Route 26 just east of Monocacy Boulevard when Mr. Phillips had a medical emergency and lost control of his vehicle. He crossed a median into the eastbound lanes before hitting a fire hydrant and finally coming to rest on the shoulder of Route 26. Mr. Phillips was pronounced dead upon his arrival at Frederick Memorial Hospital.

Many auto insurance policies that carry personal injury protection also carry a specific death benefit coverage that can be paid in the event that a death should occur as the result of an accident. This benefit generally ranges from $1,000.00 to $5,000.00. It is important to review the terms of your policy to verify whether or not your policy has such a benefit. With respect to liability, if you are injured by a person who has a medical emergency several things may need to be proven. First, did this person have reason to believe that their medical condition could put themselves or others at risk. For example, if a person has a seizure and it causes an accident, did that person know of the seizure disorder prior to the collision.

If you, a family member, or someone you know has been injured in a motor vehicle accident due to the medical condition of another person, or if you would like more information on car accidents, please contact Portner & Shure.