It was a Tuesday night in early June 2018 when a motorcycle rider was on Route 450 in Lanham, Maryland. Then, the unthinkable happened. He was at the intersection of Baltimore Lane and Annapolis Road when an SUV attempted to make a left turn, and the two collided. Shortly thereafter, that motorcycle rider was pronounced dead.
This is the heartbreaking reality of all too many motorcycle accidents, so personal injury lawyer Larry Lapidus wants to get the word out: many of these tragedies can be prevented if everyone on the road practices safety first.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
According to the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration, on average, 70 motorcyclists are killed in traffic crashes every year, and another 1400 more are injured. How do the accidents happen? There are a variety of causes, but police reports show one very interesting fact: nearly half of all the accidents occur with the motorcycle driver alone, meaning no other vehicles caused the crash.
These stats also reveal that motorcycle riders are six times more likely to be hurt in a crash than a driver. The accident mentioned above is proof: the motorcyclist was killed; the people in the SUV were treated on the scene for minor injuries.
Safety Tips for Motorcycle Drivers
If you or someone you love is riding on a motorcycle, follow these simple tips to increase safety on the roads.
- Wear the proper gear: a proper helmet, protective clothing, over the ankle boots, and gloves.
- Ride with the headlight on at all times.
- Signal before changing lanes.
- Don’t follow other cars too closely; give yourself ample time and space to slow down and/or stop suddenly.
- Never drink and drive.
Motorcycle Safety Tips for Other Drivers
Motorcycle safety is not just for the person or people on the motorcycle. Other drivers can take specific precautions as well to ensure safety for everyone on the road. Those steps include:
- Be sure to give motorcycle drivers ample space.
- Check twice before changing lanes.
- Give the motorcycle the right of way when turning left.
Getting a PG County Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love has been in a motorcycle accident in Prince George’s County, you’ll need to get a motorcycle accident lawyer to help. The PG County motorcycle wreck lawyers at The Lapidus Law Firm have nearly four decades of experience in working with families who have experienced motorcycle accident injuries or a sudden loss of a loved one due to a motorcycle accident in PG County. When you choose The Lapidus Law Firm, you’re also choosing compassion, dignity, support, understanding, and respect.
Call Your Prince George’s Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today
The Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at The Lapidus Law Firm will look at each detail of your case. If you or a loved one has been in a motorcycle accident in PG County, call today for a free consultation at (301) 605-4296. You are not alone, and we will work tirelessly to ensure you receive an outcome favorable to you.