Lincoln Street and Parkview Street in Waldorf, Maryland intersect. A man who recently moved to the area failed to recognize that Parkview is a one-way street and proceeded down the road in the wrong direction. At the same time, a teacher was driving her motorcycle down Parkview Street adhering to the speed limit. 

Entering the intersection at the same time, the man’s car and the woman’s motorcycle collided. The woman was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital. Because of the degree of injury sustained by the woman, she needed to stay in the hospital for four weeks. A personal injury claim pursued with the assistance of accident attorneys in La Plata would allow the woman to seek compensation for the expenses she incurred because of the accident.

Collecting compensation for an injury sustained in an accident

The Maryland Department of Motor Vehicles requires drivers under the age of 18 to enroll in either the Basic Rider Course or the Alternate Basic Rider Course before applying for a motorcycle license. Individuals over 18 are not required to register for the course. Given the proximity to the road and the vehicle design, injuries incurred as a result of a motorcycle accident are often life-changing and may include brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder and spinal cord injury. Property and personal injury damages are recoverable and include:

  • Past and future pain and suffering
  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of consortium 

The motorcyclist in the example above was not at fault under Maryland law, so she is entitled to recover damages. By acquiring evidence from the accident scene, working with insurance companies and collecting witness statements, accident lawyers in southern Maryland can navigate clients through the personal injury claim process.   

A lawyer at the Mudd, Mudd & Fitzgerald, P.A. law firm can provide diligent representation. Located in La Plata, the firm represents clients involved in accidents throughout southern Maryland and the surrounding areas.