Bowie Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Maryland Motorcycle Helmet Law

In Maryland, all motorcyclists are required by law to wear a helmet while riding on the road. It is not required that you wear a helmet while riding off road on a motorcycle. Riding your motorcycle on the road without a helmet is a criminal misdemeanor and could lead to fines of up to $500.This law was enacted in 1992 with the intent to lower Maryland motorcycle accident fatalities.

The debate

There is debate each year in Maryland legislature to determine whether to keep the helmet law in effect or not. Some amendments suggested have included allowing riders of a certain age to be allowed to ride helmet-free. Year after year, however, the law has remained the same. Those in favor of the law recognize that helmets dramatically increase your chances of surviving a motorcycle accident. Those against the law believe that forcing a rider to wear a helmet is a direct violation of their personal rights and an intrusion into their personal freedoms.

The danger

Motorcyclists are simply at a disadvantage if they are involved in a collision with an automobile. Riders have no seatbelts, steal cages around them or airbags to soften the impact of a collision. Motorcyclists can suffer serious physical injuries or death as the result of another driver's negligence. You would think that the helmet law would decrease the number of motorcycle fatalities, but the statistics are not that simple.

In fact, in recent years it appears that motorcycle fatalities are on the rise in Maryland. In 2004 there were 69 motorcycle accident fatalities. In 2006, there were 84 motorcycle accident fatalities. In 2008, there were 88 motorcycle accident fatalities. It is inaccurate, however, to say that motorcycle helmets are not effective. There is consistent evidence that helmets prevent or minimize head injuries in motorcycle accidents.

Seeking representation

If you have been in a motorcycle accident, you may need a motorcycle accident attorney to help you receive compensation for the injuries and damages you suffered as a result of the accident. The first job for your lawyer will be to establish who is liable for your crash. The fault may fall on the other driver, the government agency responsible for the road conditions or even the manufacturer of your motorcycle. If another driver caused the accident, your Waldorf motorcycle accident attorney will have to establish that the other driver did not uphold a duty of care and therefore caused the accident. Was the other driver drinking, distracted or negligent? An attorney can help negotiate settlements with insurance companies or represent you in court to help you recover fair compensation for your injuries, damages and losses.

The Maryland motorcycle accident lawyers at Alpert Schreyer have represented motorcycle riders for years. We understand the ins and outs to Maryland motorcycle laws. Call 866-444-6363 right away for a free review of your claim.

Free Consultations • Credit Cards Accepted