By: Allan M. Siegel
It is well known that motorcycle riders face some of the highest risks
of accidents, injuries, and fatalities of anyone on the road. Still, when multiple
motorcycle accidents claim the lives of several victims in a span of just a few days, there
is enough reason for everyone to be reminded of these risks. This was
the case this past Memorial Day weekend, when a total of four motorcycle
riders died after being involved in traffic collisions across Prince George's
County and the surrounding communities of Maryland.
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The string of tragedies began on Friday night when a motorcyclist was killed
in Oxon Hill. The driver of the SUV involved in the accident
failed to yield to the victim when making a U-turn.
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On Saturday, a 24-year-old cyclist was killed when an SUV
failed to yield the right of way.
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A 35-year-old was fatally injured on his motorcycle when a vehicle struck
him in an intersection in Charlotte Hall. Authorities believe that the
vehicle may have been
speeding and failed to stop at a red light.
- On Monday, a 60-year-old Upper Marlboro man died two days after colliding
into a wall in Forestville. Investigators state that he lost control of
his motorcycle while leaving a parking lot near Cryden Way.
Prince George's County has seen a total of eight motorcycle deaths
over the past month. While these accidents are still being investigated,
authorities have stated that several may have been the result of negligent
drivers who failed to take precautions or obey the law. Families of victims
and safety advocates have voiced their concerns and their support for
safety improvements such as red light cameras and dedicated turn lanes.
At Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., our Maryland personal
injury lawyers want to remind local residents about the importance of
always staying alert and safely sharing the road with motorcycle riders,
bicyclists, and pedestrians. According to the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA), the month of May is National Motorcycle
Safety Awareness Month. The tragedies we've witnessed this past weekend
and month are the types of accidents increased awareness can help prevent.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a motorcycle accident and
would like to learn more about your rights, call 888-885-5638 for a free
case evaluation.