motorcycle accident lawyer Archives

There Are Over 6,000 Motorcycle Accident Deaths Per Year

Posted on June 17, 2025June 17, 2025 by Loni Liss

In 2023, there were 6,335 motorcyclist fatalities. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported over 6,300 motorcycle accident deaths that year.

This was the highest number since 1975. These deaths made up 15% of all traffic fatalities. However, motorcycles account for only about 3.33% of all registered vehicles on U.S. roads.

As we enter peak motorcycle season, The Yost Legal Group would like to issue a public service announcement to all our clients and readers. Please remember to exercise caution while on the road, especially when riding a motorcycle.

The Yost Legal Group has over 30 years of experience representing people who have been severely or fatally harmed in motorcycle accidents caused by other people. In an ideal world, we would never have to see another motor vehicle accident client again. Unfortunately, the stark reality is another matter entirely.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by another driver, there is no time to delay. Contact our experienced attorneys to help you seek the justice you deserve.

The Yost Legal Group’s compassionate MVA lawyers are here to help you and your family navigate police reports, insurance claims, and medical appointments. Time is of the essence, so there is no time to delay. Call or text today at 410-659-6800 for a free consultation.

A Troubling Rise in Motorcycle Accidents

Overall, traffic fatalities decreased between 2022 and 2023. Year-over-year, there was a 4.3% decrease in motorist fatalities. However, as noted above, U.S. roads have seen the most motorcyclist fatalities since the NHTSA started tracking that specific type of data in 1975.

Several factors can be attributed to the rise in motorcyclist fatalities over the past few years, including quality issues on U.S. roadways, the increasing size and weight of the average U.S. vehicle, and the inherent dangers associated with riding motorcycles.

Motorcycles are smaller and lighter than most cars. They offer no protection to the rider in the event of a crash. This means that riders can face much more dangerous situations during accidents.

Even single-vehicle crashes for motorcyclists are much more dangerous and deadly for riders than for car occupants. Thinking about how to reduce motorcycle accident deaths in the US is the first step.

Motorcyclists are at a Much Higher Risk of Fatality

For instance, even though motorcycles only account for roughly 3.33 percent of all registered vehicles on U.S. roads, a motorcyclist is 4.5 times more likely to die in a motorcycle crash than an occupant of a car is in a car crash.

However, this statistic is based solely on the total number of registered vehicles and the fatality rate per vehicle. The statistics appear much worse when comparing the proportional risk for motorcycle rides based on the number of miles driven.

Per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

“Per vehicle miles traveled in 2023, motorcyclists were about 28 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a motor vehicle crash and were 5 times more likely to be injured.”

A 28-times increase in fatality risk is a staggering figure, and the main reason we here at The Yost Legal Group wanted to draw attention to such a significant hazard as we head into peak motorcycle season.

When searching for the “best motorcycle accident lawyer near me,” consider reaching out to The Yost Legal Group for a free and confidential consultation. Our experienced team of motorcycle accident lawyers will help you understand your rights to compensation after a motorcycle accident. Call or text today at 410-659-6800.

Common Injuries Suffered After Motorcycle Accidents

Since motorcycles provide significantly less protection than other motor vehicles, it is of the utmost importance that riders wear appropriate gear. Personal responsibility starts with you.

Being properly outfitted before riding can help prevent or mitigate injuries in the event of an accident, should one occur.

Proper protective gear includes, but is not limited to:

· Helmet with eye protection

· Motorcycle jacket

· Riding boots

While the gear cannot prevent a crash or guarantee that you will not sustain injuries, it does statistically improve the rate of survival and can limit the severity of harm.

Here are the five most common injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents:

· Broken and fractured bones

· Burns

· Road rash

· Spinal cord trauma

· Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)

· Wrongful death claim

Each of these injuries could be sustained in a single accident, and each injury could result in a lifetime of pain and suffering. The Yost Legal Group urges all riders to exercise caution when riding motorcycles.

Protect Yourself with These Motorcycle Safety Basics

A motorcycle accident can happen to anyone at any time. The phenomenon is not selective, as some high-profile accidents over the last few years have reminded many people.

Just last month, in May 2025, Maria Carolina, an Italian heiress, was involved in what could have been a fatal motorcycle crash wherein she collided headfirst with a wall. She credited her helmet with saving her life. But she still sustained significant injuries that will take time to heal.

Tragically, well-known celebrities such as Chance Perdomo (actor), Treat Williams (actor), and Geane Herrera (professional fighter) have all been the victims of fatal motorcycle accidents within the last couple of years.

Please take care of yourself when riding your motorcycle: wear appropriate gear, follow the rules of the road, and stay attentive.

If you do find yourself the victim of a motorcycle crash, The Yost Legal Group is here to help.

Here’s What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident

After a motorcycle accident, please seek medical attention. Even if your injuries seem minor, seek medical attention as internal injuries can go unnoticed.

A crash victim could be suffering from internal bleeding or a traumatic brain injury and not even know it. Falling asleep while silently suffering from either injury could be fatal.

If you are in an accident with another vehicle and believe they were at fault, after receiving medical attention, reach out to our motorcycle accident injury lawyers. We can navigate the complexities of MVA litigation.

While you are hospitalized or bedridden and recovering, we can handle:

Securing police reports
Filing the insurance claim for your personal injury case
Working to ensure all hospital bills and medical treatment get paid
Gather the evidence to file a claim
Fight to secure maximum compensation for your injuries
Manage the entire legal process for your motorcycle accident case

Seeking help from an experienced motorcycle crash lawyer is the best step to take. Please be careful when riding your motorcycle. What starts as a joyful ride should always end as a safe return home.

Motorcycle Accident Deaths Statistics at a Glance

· 6,335 motorcyclist fatalities in 2023 (most recent data)

· Motorcycle accident fatalities account for 15% of all MVA fatalities

· Per mile, motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in crashes

· TBI, spinal cord injuries, and internal bleeding are all high-risk dangers

· After medical attention, seek the best motorcycle accident attorney near you

The Yost Legal Group’s personal injury lawyers are dedicated to assisting individuals who have been harmed in motorcycle accidents due to negligence.

As more motorcyclists ride as the weather warms up, we advise you to take caution and precautions. No one wants to end up an MVA statistic.

If you are injured in a motorcycle accident due to someone else’s negligence, call the experienced motorcycle accident lawyers at The Yost Legal Group.

We are here to help you seek the compensation and justice you deserve.

Why Call The Yost Legal Group After a Motorcycle Accident?

Get Free Legal Advice—No Strings Attached!

If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle accident that wasn’t your fault, reach out to The Yost Legal Group today. Your call is completely free, and you’ll get valuable advice to help you understand your rights and next steps.

No-Win, No-Fee Promise

When you choose us, you pay nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you only pay if we win your case. There are no fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf, and we advance all necessary costs to build a strong case.

We Understand Riders—Because We Ride Too

Tom Yost has spent over 20 years riding his Harley-Davidson, giving him firsthand insight into the challenges riders face. He’s passionate about protecting fellow motorcyclists and fighting back against the unfair bias riders often encounter after an accident.

Proven Trial Lawyers With Real Results

Our reputation as winning trial lawyers means insurance companies know we’re ready to go to court—and that often leads to better, faster settlements for our clients.

Focused on Motorcycle Accident Law

Motorcycle injury and wrongful death cases are a major part of our practice. With decades of experience and thousands of successful injury and accident cases, we know the ins and outs of motorcycle law. We will fight for the best possible outcome.

Over 30 Years of Advocacy

For more than three decades, The Yost Legal Group has been advocating for injured individuals and their families. Our commitment, experience, and strength help us secure the maximum recovery for every client.

Record-Setting Settlements

We have a track record of achieving large, record-breaking settlements for our clients, and we’re dedicated to doing the same for you.

Need advice or ready to take action?

Call us now at (800) YOST-LAW, (800) 967-8529. Your consultation is always free to discuss your personal injury claim.

After an accident, you must act fast, as the at-fault party will do everything in their power to place the blame on you. For a free consultation, call our motorcycle personal injury attorneys today. We are available by phone at 1-800-YOST-LAW (1-800-967-8529).

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What to Know about Wrongful Death Claims

Posted on May 2, 2025May 2, 2025 by Loni Liss

Losing a loved one in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence is an unimaginable tragedy, leaving families overwhelmed with grief and uncertainty. Filing a wrongful death claim

In Maryland, the law recognizes the profound impact of such a loss and provides a way for families to seek justice through the Maryland Wrongful Death Statute.

When faced with the wrongful death of a loved one, understanding how this law works, who it protects, and how it can help families hold negligent parties accountable is important.

If you have questions about the untimely death of a loved one in an accident, contact an experienced wrongful death lawyer.

Why file a wrongful death claim?

Filing a wrongful death claim can be a vital step for families seeking justice after losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence. This legal action allows surviving family members to hold the responsible party accountable and recover compensation for the emotional and financial hardships caused by their loss.

While no amount of money can replace a loved one, a wrongful death lawsuit can help ease the burden of:

– medical expenses

– funeral costs

– lost income

– provides some stability and support during an incredibly difficult time.

It’s also a way to honor your loved one’s memory by ensuring that negligence doesn’t go unanswered.

What are Maryland’s wrongful death statutes?

Wrongful death statutes play a crucial role in personal injury cases by equalizing the opportunity for surviving family members to obtain justice, whether the harm caused by a defendant’s negligence or wrongful act results in death or injury.

Originally, surviving family members had no legal remedy for the loss of a loved one caused by a defendant’s harmful act.

This limitation created the innuendo that it was cheaper for defendants to cause death over injury. Fortunately, this problem was remedied in 1852 with the passage of the Maryland Wrongful Death Act by the Maryland Legislature.

Currently codified at § 3-901 of the Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article in the Maryland Code, a cause of action – separate from a personal injury claim – is provided for certain family members of a deceased individual.

Essentially, Maryland’s wrongful death statute grants the decedent’s surviving family members the right to sue for compensation for the loss if another person’s negligence caused the death.

Who has the right to file a wrongful death claim?

The determination of which family members are eligible to file a wrongful death claim is explained in § 3-904 of the statute. Eligible parties are categorized into primary versus secondary beneficiaries.

Primary beneficiaries are the decedent’s spouse, parents, and children, as they are viewed to have suffered the most direct harm and impact from the loss of a loved one.

Secondary beneficiaries are financially dependent family members, such as siblings, relatives, or individuals related by marriage to the decedent.

Evidence documenting (or illustrating) the close relationship to the decedent is required for secondary beneficiaries to show a strong dependency on the loved one and the negative impact of the loss.

Understanding Statutes of Limitations for Maryland Wrongful Death Cases

Statutes of limitations set forth clear time frames for eligible parties to bring forth a cause of action.

For a Maryland wrongful death claim, the statute of limitations is within three years of the decedent’s death. Failing to adhere to this time frame will typically result in a complete and final bar of the claim.

Importantly, wrongful death actions are not derivative claims to recover for the harm that the decedent experienced prior to his or her death.

Instead, wrongful death actions are for the surviving family members who have experienced the loss of their loved one. It is a claim that is separate and apart from the decedent’s own claim before his or her death.

Thus, even if the statute of limitations has passed for the decedent’s claim, family members can still pursue an independent wrongful death claim within the time frame of three years from the date of the decedent’s death.

Are Funeral Costs and Emotional Loss Covered in a Wrongful Death Claim?

The purpose of wrongful death claims is to compensate designated surviving family members for the harm they have experienced from the loss of their loved one.

Economic damages compensate beneficiaries for calculable losses due to the death of a loved one and include costs such as funeral expenses and the loss of the decedent’s expected earnings, financial contributions, and benefits.

Non-economic damages refer to the intangible harm that beneficiaries experience from the loss of their loved one, such as pain and suffering, grief, loss of companionship, emotional support, and consortium.

Due to the non-quantifiable nature of non-economic damages, Maryland juries are instructed to allocate a reasonable figure (within the state cap of $920,000 for non-economic damages) for the beneficiaries’ emotional suffering.

Did Negligence Cause a Loved One’s Death?

Wrongful death can result from a wide range of accidents caused by negligence or wrongful actions.

Car Accident Deaths: These can include motor vehicle accidents, such as car, truck, or motorcycle crashes, where reckless driving, speeding, or impaired driving leads to fatal injuries.

Workplace Accident Deaths: Workplace accidents, particularly in hazardous industries like construction, can also result in wrongful death if safety protocols are ignored.

Medical Negligence Deaths: Medical malpractice, including misdiagnosis, surgical errors, or birth injuries, is another common cause.

Defective Product Deaths: Product defects, such as faulty machinery or dangerous consumer goods, can tragically lead to loss of life.

In all these cases, the common thread is negligence or misconduct that could have been prevented, making it possible for surviving family members to seek justice and accountability. It is important to hire a personal injury attorney who knows wrongful death law.

Understanding Estate Claims and Wrongful Death in Maryland

Often confused with wrongful death beneficiaries, are intestate law beneficiaries or beneficiaries named in a will. However, there are key differences between wrongful death claims and estate claims.

Notably, wrongful death claims grant family members the right to bring legal action for the harm they experienced from the loss of their loved one due to negligence or a “wrongful” act. The beneficiaries outlined in the statute receive compensation for their losses.

In contrast, any (settlement) funds obtained are subject to legal directives from the decedent’s will or, if there is no will, as per Maryland’s intestacy laws.

While an individual may not be entitled to recovery from a wrongful death claim per the wrongful death statute in Maryland, they may be able to recover damages awarded to the estate from the decedent’s survival action if the person’s share is identified in the will.

In the absence of a will, the allocation of funds will be determined by Maryland’s intestacy laws.

Maryland’s Trusted Wrongful Death Lawyers

At The Yost Legal Group, we understand the overwhelming pain and challenges families face after the untimely loss of a loved one due to someone else’s negligence.

Our personal injury law attorneys are dedicated to helping individuals in Maryland protect their rights. We work to pursue full compensation to ease the financial and emotional burdens of such a devastating loss.

Our compassionate wrongful death attorneys will guide you every step of the way. Cases are handled on a contingency fee basis. When we file a lawsuit in Maryland, you do not have to pay any upfront money. We are paid after we settle your case.

If you have lost a loved one and have questions, contact The Yost Legal Group today. We provide a free case review, so call (800)-YOST-LAW, (800)-967-8529.

You don’t have to face this alone—we’re here to help. It is essential to know your legal options.

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