Maryland Motorcyclist Injured in Accident Settles for $600,000

          In June 2012, Robert Allen Reed was riding his motorcycle on Prospect Road in Carroll County, Maryland.  Cathy Ann Scoppa was driving her Toyota Highlander, attempting to cross Prospect Road onto Rising Ridge Road when she struck Reed on his motorcycle.  As a result of the collision, Reed fell of his motorcycle and the car ran over his right leg before coming to a stop.  In the accident, Reed broke his tibia and fibia in his right leg.  Doctors placed a rod in Reed’s leg, but the leg did not heal correctly.  A bone graft was later needed to help repair the leg.

            Reed is still in pain over two and a half years after the accident, and he has missed 62 weeks of work while recovering.  Reed’s attorneys contended that his “past medical bills totaled $52,000 and lost wages totaled $110,000.”  Scoppa’s attorneys made a first offer of $200,000 several months ago.  Last week, the offer increased to $450,000 before eventually being increased one last time to $600,000.

            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.  And, as was the case here, there is nothing to protect the rider from being run over by a car.  After a motorcycle accident has occurred, it is important for you, as the rider to immediately seek medical attention for your injuries.  Common injuries resulting from a motorcycle accident include scrapes and bruises, broken arms and/or legs, concussions, or even death. 

            If you or a family member has been injured or killed in a motorcycle accident it is important to call an experienced Maryland motorcycle accident attorney to help you recover any benefits to which you may be entitled and to assure that all evidence and witnesses do not disappear.

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

Bowie, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Attorney

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