Our Laurel motorcycle accident lawyers are proficient in handling injury cases. Gelb & Gelb was founded in 1954, providing our firm nearly 70 years of motorcycle accident experience. The tort law surrounding motorcycle cases is largely the same as any other negligence case. What distinguishes a motorcycle accident from a car or truck accident is the lack of safety technology on the bike.
Located on the bank of the Patuxent River, Laurel sees several highways crossing through its city. Most prominently are Baltimore Washington Parkway, I-95, and U.S. 1 cutting directly through the town. All too frequently, motorcyclists in Laurel are collided with road rash and significant injuries. If you find yourself in a motorcycle accident, be sure to exchange information with the driver who hit you, seek immediate medical attention if necessary, and contact an experienced Laurel motorcycle accident lawyer to protect your rights.
Unfortunately, motorcycle injuries can be catastrophic. While a safer rider will wear a helmet and protective clothing, it is usually not enough. If you are riding on one of the prominent Laurel highways from above when you are in your motorcycle accident, and your speeds are above 55 mph, you may sustain life-threatening injuries. Some of the most common injuries from motorcycles we encounter include:
The mere fact that you get blamed for your motorcycle accident does not mean you are liable. In fact, even if the police report blames you, you may still have a case. At times, a camera, either attached to you or your motorcycle, can preserve the necessary evidence to make your case. In such instances, even when the adverse driver adamantly denies responsibility, if your footage shows you are not at fault, the defendant’s insurance carrier will still admit liability and offer a quick settlement. If you do not have footage, we will rely on other evidence we can gather from your accident to make your case.
If you are at fault, your claim may be in trouble. Laurel is a contributory negligence jurisdiction. This means that if you are even 1% negligent in your accident, you are unable to make a claim. However, like most aspects of the law, there are exceptions. This is why it is imperative to reach out to an experienced Laurel motorcycle accident lawyer to discuss the facts of your accident.
In our experience, motorcycle accidents can occur due to a near limitless number of causes. The accident can depend on the terrain, weather conditions, number of lanes, whether you are turning or merging, and so much more. While the possibilities are endless, we list the most common causes here:
In Laurel, civil actions generally must be filed within three years from the date the action accrues. This means three years from the date of the accident. Additionally, on civil procedure, where you can sue may not be limited to Laurel, even if the accident occurs in Laurel. A claim for negligence in a motorcycle accident generally may also be brought in the county where the defendant resides. This is true even if the defendant lives in a different state than Maryland. Although, Laurel is generally a favorable venue for plaintiffs, especially if you are from there yourself. Of course, a seasoned Laurel motorcycle accident lawyer who is fighting for you will decide based on the facts of your case what the best venue is to file suit should that need arise.
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident in Laurel, contact an experienced lawyer to protect your rights. Our consultations are always free. We look forward to hearing from you.