Waldorf Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Fighting for Maximum Compensation on Your Behalf

Motorcyclists are some of the safest motorists on the roads in Maryland―sometimes out of sheer necessity. Even so, accidents can happen for a variety of reasons. If you have been the victim of a motorcycle accident in Southern Maryland, you need the help of our Waldorf motorcycle accident lawyers.

Bikers know they need to wear protective gear and be very mindful of other motorists to protect themselves. However, even the safest and most diligent motorcyclist is no match for a negligent driver. In a collision, bikers are likely to suffer serious if not fatal injuries.

At Farmer & Klopfer, we stand up for bikers. Our lawyers represent injured bikers and families that have lost loved ones, going to battle with insurance companies to get our clients every penny they deserve under the law.

For a free consultation and case evaluation, call (301) 265-2220 or contact us online today. We are prepared to fight for you. 

What Are Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?

A motorcycle accident refers to a collision or incident involving a motorcycle and, in many cases, another motor vehicle, pedestrian, or fixed object. These accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor scrapes and bruises to severe, life-threatening injuries or fatalities. Motorcycle accidents are often more dangerous for riders than accidents involving larger vehicles, as motorcycles offer less protection to the rider.

Common causes of motorcycle accidents involving motor vehicles include:

• Left-Turn Collisions: One of the most common types of motorcycle accidents occurs when a motor vehicle makes a left turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle. The driver may misjudge the motorcycle's speed or fail to notice it altogether.
• Rear-End Collisions: Motorcycles are more vulnerable to rear-end collisions, where a vehicle strikes the motorcycle from behind. In many cases, the driver of the larger vehicle may not have sufficient time to stop.
• Lane Changes and Merging: When a motor vehicle changes lanes or merges onto a roadway without properly checking blind spots, it can result in a collision with a motorcycle that is already in the adjacent lane.
• Opening Car Doors: Motorcycles can be struck by car doors that are suddenly opened without checking for oncoming traffic, especially in urban environments where parallel parking is common.
• Speeding: Both motorcycles and other vehicles may exceed speed limits, reducing reaction time and increasing the severity of accidents.
• Driving Under the Influence: Impaired driving due to alcohol, drugs, or other substances is a significant contributor to motorcycle accidents.
• Distracted Driving: Drivers who are distracted by texting, talking on the phone, or engaging in other activities may not see or react in time to avoid a collision with a motorcycle.
• Unsafe Overtaking: When a vehicle attempts to pass a motorcycle without providing enough space or misjudges the motorcycle's speed, it can lead to accidents.

What Are Some Common Types of Motorcycle Accident Injuries?

Motorcyclists are fully exposed to the elements and the road because motorcycles provide minimal protection to riders compared to cars. In a car, occupants are surrounded by a metal frame, seatbelts, airbags, and other safety features.

In contrast, motorcyclists have no such protections. When a motorcycle and its rider collide with another vehicle or object, there is nothing to absorb the impact, leading to more severe and catastrophic injuries.

Common types of injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents include:

• Head Injuries: Head injuries are a major concern in motorcycle accidents, even when riders wear helmets. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can range from mild concussions to severe, life-altering brain damage. Helmets significantly reduce the risk of severe head injuries and fatalities.
• Road Rash: Road rash is a friction burn that occurs when a rider's skin comes into contact with the road surface during a slide. It can range from mild abrasions to deep lacerations, often requiring skin grafts and leaving lasting scars.
• Broken Bones: Motorcycle accidents frequently result in fractures, including broken limbs, collarbones, ribs, and pelvic fractures. These injuries can be painful, require surgeries, and lead to long recovery times.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: In severe accidents, damage to the spinal cord can occur, leading to paralysis or other neurological deficits. The severity of spinal cord injuries depends on the location and extent of the damage.
• Internal Injuries: The impact of a motorcycle accident can cause damage to internal organs, including the lungs, liver, spleen, and kidneys. These injuries may not always be immediately apparent and can be life-threatening.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Muscles, tendons, and ligaments can be stretched, torn, or injured in motorcycle accidents. Soft tissue injuries can lead to chronic pain and mobility issues.
• Friction Burns: In addition to road rash, riders can suffer burns from contact with hot parts of the motorcycle or the road. These burns can vary in severity and may require extensive medical treatment.
• Crush Injuries: When a motorcycle and rider are pinned under a vehicle or object, crush injuries can occur. These injuries often involve damage to bones, muscles, and internal organs.
• Facial Injuries: Facial injuries can include fractures, lacerations, and dental injuries. Riders are at risk of injury to their face when they do not wear full-face helmets or protective face shields.
• Eye Injuries: Debris, insects, or wind can cause eye injuries to motorcyclists. Wearing appropriate eye protection, such as goggles or a full-face helmet with a visor, can reduce this risk.
• Amputations: Severe accidents may result in traumatic amputations of limbs or digits, either at the scene or as a medical necessity later on.
• Psychological Trauma: Motorcycle accidents can also lead to psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other emotional issues, which can have a long-lasting impact on the rider's mental health.

When Should a Motorcycle Accident Victim Contact an Attorney?

If you have been in a Waldorf motorcycle accident, it is crucial to contact an attorney as soon as possible. Timing is key when it comes to effectively pursuing your legal rights and securing the compensation you deserve.

Immediately after an accident, evidence can be gathered and preserved, including witness statements, photographs of the scene, and any available surveillance footage. Delaying contact with a Maryland motorcycle accident lawyer might result in the loss of valuable evidence or the expiration of certain legal deadlines, such as the statute of limitations.

Seeking legal counsel promptly ensures that your case is handled with the urgency it requires, allowing your lawyer to conduct a thorough investigation and develop a strong strategy for your claim. Additionally, discussing your case with a qualified attorney can help prevent you from making statements or agreements that could inadvertently harm your case and hinder your ability to receive full compensation for your injuries and losses.

Tens of Millions of Dollars Recovered By Our Firm

When you are suffering due to a motorcycle accident, our personal injury attorneys can fight aggressively to recover maximum compensation for you. We don’t charge lawyers’ fees unless we win. Incidental costs may apply.

Motorcycle accident victims can not only suffer serious injuries but also resulting medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. At Farmer & Klopfer, we work hard to ensure that our clients get the compensation they are entitled to for ongoing medical treatment, long-term care, accommodations to their homes, and more.

For clients who are grieving the loss of a family member due to a motorcycle accident and/or injury, our lawyers zealously seek wrongful death settlements that include funeral costs, lost future income, mental distress, and other damages.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident

It is not wise to provide a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster without an attorney present. The insurance company is not on your side.

After a motorcycle accident, our lawyers know what it takes to uncover the cause and prove our client’s case. In total, the Waldorf motorcycle accident injury attorneys at Farmer & Klopfer have decades of legal experience. Since our firm’s founding in 1978, we have established a reputation for aggressive personal injury representation. We focus on getting results.

When you need an attorney you can trust to do whatever it takes to get you the compensation you need, you can count on us. We offer initial legal consultations free of charge at our law office in Waldorf, Maryland, and we make home and hospital visits as well.

To discuss your case with one of our skilled motorcycle accident lawyers for free, call us today at (301) 265-2220 or fill out this form.