Motorcyclist air-lifted to Baltimore after crash with van

Spring has arrived in Maryland, and that means, among other things, that motorcyclists will be out and about enjoying the open air. With the freedom of the road comes risk, however, and unfortunately riders suffer serious injuries each year because of other drivers’ negligence. Motorcycle awareness is a constant struggle in Maryland and throughout the U.S., and a recent accident in Frederick County illustrates why.

A 22-year-old rider was travelling on a road in Frederick at about 1 p.m. on May 30 when he approached the intersection of Old Annapolis Road and Equestrian Way. Little did he know that a van hauling a utility cart was about to turn in front of him.

As the van made a left turn, the motorcyclist’s bike collided with the tree-filled cart, and the rider was ejected. He was wearing a helmet when the crash happened, but his injuries were such that he had to be transported by air to a shock trauma center in Baltimore for treatment.

The California man driving the van reportedly suffered no injuries, and the Maryland State Police were still investigating the accident at the time of a news report.

After motorcycle accidents, a common response from drivers is that they never saw the bike, but this is no excuse for not exercising due caution by keeping an eye out for smaller vehicles. In this case, the results of the police investigation remain to be seen, but anyone injured in a motorcycle accident will need to be aware of his or her legal rights and responsibilities.

Medical bills and other costs related to a crash can weigh heavily on victims. A personal injury lawsuit in some instances may be the best course of action for people on the long path to recovery.

Source: your4state.com, “Man Taken to Hospital in Motorcycle Accident,” Ciara Brown, May 30, 2013