Maryland Bike/Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
The biggest fear that cyclists and motorcycle riders have involve a deadly collision with an automobile. In fact, it is a singular, terrifying fear that even keeps some aspiring riders away from the gears.
Most of the accidents that involve bikers are solo and are caused by hazards on the road or trail they are travelling on instead of an actual collision. Additionally, more often than not, bike accidents usually involve a child, but collisions between vehicles and bikes are quite a rare sight.
However, an accident might occasionally occur due to negligence of either the cyclist or the automobile driver. Often, the government can also be brought into the case by holding it responsible for the bad conditions of the road. That being said, in case of a collision, the driver of the vehicle will have to compensate the victim for the injuries that the other party suffered.
What You Should Do When Involved in a Car-on-Bike/Motorcycle Accident
At first, you must wait for the authorities or the police to respond and prepare an official report of the entire accident and the scene. Some cyclists may not be able to realize their injuries until a few hours after the accident has taken place, and very minor injuries can often develop into major and permanent ones. By that time, it may have become very difficult to pinpoint exactly who was at fault, so you should not try to negotiate in any direct way with the at-fault driver.
Often, the driver may not give his correct information and may even deny having been present at the scene of the accident. Get an accident report written and make sure that it is completely accurate and no details have been compromised. The report should include statements from the drivers and the eyewitnesses, and the accident should then be investigated properly.
Investigations
The scene of the accident should be properly investigated for more information or proof of the information that both the parties have already provided, and it should primarily include obtaining skid marks and their measurements, photographic evidence of the scene, and then speaking with witnesses to draft how the accident actually occurred.
Always seek medical help, if needed, immediately after the accident takes place as it will help in proving that the injuries were caused by the accident. The medical records that will be generated by the provider will be an important kind of evidence in proving the injuries that you sustained were truly accident related.
Take as many pictures of the area as you can, where the accident occurred and try all different angles to cover even the smallest of details. Also make sure that the lighting is good enough while documenting photographic evidence, along with keeping a journal of the physical damages you face after the accident.
There are many cases where having the right lawyer by your side can get you the compensation you deserve. If you or a family member have been a victim of a bike or motorcycle accident, contact Altmark, Rotter & Trock, LLP today at 410-783-9230.