Seeking Justice for a Loved One Killed in a Maryland Motorcycle Accident
Losing someone you love in a motorcycle accident is one of the most devastating things that can happen. The grief is overwhelming. The questions come fast. What happened? Who’s at fault? What are you supposed to do next?
Motorcycles give a sense of freedom, but they also come with serious risks. Riders are more exposed and more vulnerable than drivers in cars. They're not afforded the protection of airbags, seatbelts, and vehicle frames. That means when vehicle drivers are negligent and cause accidents involving motorcycles, it's the riders who suffer the consequences.
In Maryland, motorcycle crashes have been on the rise in recent years, and when a rider is killed, families are often left mourning and trying to piece together a legal and financial puzzle. If you’re in this position, you don’t have to go through it alone. The Maryland motorcycle accident lawyers at Goldberg Finnegan can walk you through the most important steps to take if your loved one has died in a motorcycle crash.
What should I do if my loved one died in a motorcycle wreck?
If you’re notified that your loved one died in a motorcycle crash, the call will most likely come from a police officer or hospital representative. In those early hours, you’re likely in shock, but there are a few key things to keep in mind.
First, make sure you get the basic facts: where the crash happened, when it happened, who was involved, and which police department handled it. If you’re able to go to the scene or speak to witnesses, take photos and write down names. Preserve whatever information you can, but don’t push yourself beyond your emotional capacity. You’re not expected to act like an investigator. Just gather what’s available.
The police will create a crash report that includes their initial findings, witness statements, and possibly a preliminary decision about who was at fault. In fatal motorcycle accidents, the Maryland State Police Crash Team may step in for a more detailed investigation, especially if commercial vehicles or serious road hazards were involved.
You should also know that the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Maryland will usually conduct an autopsy. This is standard in sudden or violent deaths. You can request a copy of the report once it’s complete. It can offer helpful insight, especially if you plan to pursue legal action later.
Who can sue for a fatal motorcycle accident?
In Maryland, you may have grounds for a wrongful death claim if someone else's negligence caused the crash. This might occur due to speeding, distracted driving, failure to yield, or any other reckless behavior. That means you can sue the person or entity that caused your loved one’s death.
Maryland law gives priority to spouses, parents, and children of the deceased to file these claims. In some cases, other relatives can step in if no primary beneficiaries exist. A wrongful death claim can cover emotional losses such as grief, loss of companionship, and the emotional toll the death has taken on your family.
There’s also something called a survival action, which is separate. That claim is brought by your loved one’s estate and covers medical expenses, funeral costs, and the pain your loved one suffered before they died.
Maryland has one of the strictest negligence rules in the country. It’s called contributory negligence, and it means that if your loved one was found to be even 1% at fault for the crash, you may not be able to recover any compensation. This rule makes legal claims more difficult but not impossible. A lawyer can gather evidence to show your loved one wasn’t at fault and that other parties were to blame.
You should also be aware of the statute of limitations. In most cases, you have three years from the date of the crash to file a wrongful death or survival claim. That might sound like plenty of time, but the sooner you seek legal help, the better.
How do I deal with insurance companies?
In the days following a fatal crash, you might hear from one or more insurance companies. This might be the at-fault driver’s insurance company, your loved one’s policy provider, or both. These conversations can be overwhelming, and insurance companies aren’t on your side. Their goal is to limit the amount of money they pay in a settlement or deny compensation altogether.
You’re not required to speak to the other driver’s insurance company right away. In fact, it’s often better to wait until you’ve first spoken with a lawyer. Insurance adjusters may ask leading questions or try to get you to say something that could be used to deny a claim.
It’s not unusual for insurance companies to delay, deny, or underpay fatal motorcycle accident claims. So, never take the first settlement offer that comes along. It’s rarely enough to cover long-term financial loss and emotional damage.
What kind of support and compensation can I seek?
A wrongful death claim can help cover:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of income and future financial support
- Emotional distress and grief
- Loss of companionship, guidance, or care
- A survival action adds to that list by covering:
- Medical bills related to the crash
- The pain and suffering your loved one experienced before passing
Beyond the legal process, don’t overlook emotional support. Grief counseling, local support groups, and nonprofit organizations such as the Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center can provide practical and emotional help. Motorcycle groups in the state also often hold memorial rides or charity events to honor fallen riders.
Justice for your loved one starts here
While no amount of money can bring your loved one back after a fatal motorcycle crash, holding the at-fault party accountable can bring a sense of justice and help you move forward with the support you deserve. The Maryland motorcycle accident attorneys at Goldberg Finnegan know how devastating these losses are. Our lawyers are here to guide you through the legal process with compassion, clarity, and fierce advocacy.
We’ll investigate what happened, build a strong wrongful death claim, and fight to make sure you’re not left carrying the burden alone.
If you lost a loved one in a fatal motorcycle accident in Maryland, contact us today for a free, confidential consultation. We'll answer any questions you have and help you take the next steps. Our office is located in Silver Spring, and we offer legal representation to clients statewide.
“Goldberg Finnegan is the gold standard for personal injury legal representation. The firm takes the time to listen, offers strategic, proactive advice, and develops creative legal strategies. Importantly, the firm dots each 'i' and crosses every 't' to best serve client needs. A firm that is highly recommended!” — I.A., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐