What Are the Most Common Causes of Fatal Motorcycle Crashes in Maryland?

Key Takeaways

• Motorcycle crashes can be especially dangerous because riders have minimal physical protection and are more vulnerable to severe injuries and fatalities.
• Common causes of fatal motorcycle crashes include distracted driving, failure to see motorcycles, unsafe lane changes, speeding, impaired driving, reckless driving, and failure to yield.
• Road hazards, poor weather, and reduced visibility can also increase the risk of a serious motorcycle accident.
• Motorcycle accidents can cause life-changing injuries like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, fractures, internal injuries, amputations, and burns.
• Riders can reduce their risk by wearing proper protective gear, staying visible, maintaining a safe speed and following distance, watching for turning vehicles, and watching out for road hazards.
• If a motorcycle crash was caused by another person’s negligence, it’s important to contact an experienced Maryland motorcycle accident attorney at Alpert Schreyer, LLC as soon as possible.

Maryland’s roads have scenic routes along the Chesapeake Bay to winding mountain highways and busy city streets, attracting thousands of motorcyclists each year. The freedom and autonomy motorcycles offer riders also comes with real, dangerous risks. Motorcyclists face far greater danger in a crash than people in cars and trucks, and too many Maryland riders lose their lives on the road each year. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “44% of all fatal motorcycle crashes happen between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. — during the heavy evening commute and sunset hours.” 

Why Motorcycle Accidents Are So Dangerous

Motorcycle accidents are more likely to result in severe injuries than other types of traffic accidents due to several factors, including:

• Minimal Physical Protection⎯Motorcycle riders have minimal physical protection compared to passenger vehicles. Unlike drivers and passengers in cars, motorcyclists have little to shield them from the force of a crash.
• Lack of Visibility⎯Motorcycles are smaller and harder to see, and crashes are common when drivers turn left in front of an oncoming motorcycle or change lanes without checking for a rider in the lane next to them.
• Road Hazards⎯Potholes, loose gravel, uneven pavement, and debris may be minor inconveniences for cars, but they can cause a motorcyclist to lose control instantly.
• Vehicle Size Disparity⎯In collisions involving cars or trucks, motorcycles are at a severe disadvantage due to the size and weight difference.

These factors make motorcycle accidents especially dangerous and explain why even a single moment of negligence can lead to life-altering injuries for riders.

Common Causes of Fatal Motorcycle Accidents

Because motorcyclists have less time and space to react, these causes often lead to serious or fatal injuries.

• Dangerous weather or reduced visibility conditions
• Distracted driving
• Drivers failing to see motorcycles in traffic or blind spots
• Left-turn crashes at intersections
• Unsafe lane changes or merging
• Speeding or driving too fast for the road conditions
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Following motorcycles too closely
• Aggressive or reckless driving
• Failure to yield the right of way
• Inexperienced or inattentive riding
• Motorcycle defects or improper maintenance

Common Motorcycle Injuries

Motorcycle accidents can cause serious injuries that require ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, or long-term care. These injuries include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
• Concussions
• Spinal cord injuries
• Neck and back injuries
• Broken or fractured bones
• Internal bleeding and organ damage
• Road rash and severe skin abrasions
• Muscle, tendon, and ligament injuries
• Nerve damage
• Limb injuries (e.g., amputations)
• Facial and dental injuries
• Chest and abdominal injuries
• Burns
• Psychological trauma
• Fatalalites

Motorcycle Safety Tips

• Wear a DOT-compliant helmet every time you ride
• Use protective gear (e.g., gloves, a motorcycle jacket, pants, over-the-ankle boots)
• Stay visible by keeping your headlights on, wearing bright or reflective clothing, and staying out of drivers’ blind spots
• Maintain a safe following distance so you have more time to react to sudden stops or hazards
• Keep to the speed limit, but adjust your speed if needed for traffic, weather, and road conditions
• Watch for turning and merging vehicles, especially at intersections where drivers may fail to see motorcycles
• Check blind spots before changing lanes and use turn signals
• Inspect your motorcycle before riding, like checking the tires, brakes, lights, signals, and fluid levels
• Take an MDOT motorcycle safety course to improve your defensive riding skills and learn how to respond safely in emergency situations
• Stay alert for road hazards like potholes, gravel, debris, uneven pavement, and wet surfaces

Contact Alpert Schreyer, LLCs Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

If you or a loved one was injured because of someone else’s carelessness, our Maryland personal injury attorneys are here to help make sure your rights are protected and to fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us for a free consultation 24/7 by calling (301) 889-9783 or filling out our online form. During your consultation we will:

Review the facts and evidence, including:

• The date, time, and location of the accident
• Cause of the accident
• All parties involved, and whether any witnesses were present
• The police report
• Photos, videos, or other evidence of the scene
• The extent of your injuries and symptoms, medical treatment received, and any future treatment recommendations
• Time missed from work, lost income, and any future lost income
• The impact of the injuries on your daily life and activities
• Actions or negligence by the other party that may have led to the incident
• Deadlines that could affect your right to file a claim
• Determine if another party is at-fault and if you have a strong case.
• Discuss the next steps for your claim

We have offices in Waldorf, Rockville, Lanham, and Frederick, and proudly serve clients in Prince George’s County, Calvert County, Frederick County, St. Mary’s County, County, Charles County, all of Maryland, and the District of Columbia.

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