You Were on a Motorcycle. That Does Not Make You at Fault.

Rider bias is real, it starts the moment the crash report is filed, and I've spent decades fighting it — in courtrooms, in negotiations, and on behalf of the biker community itself.

Why Motorcycle Crash Cases in Maryland Are Different

Rider Bias Is Built Into the System — and I Know How to Dismantle It

Insurance adjusters and opposing counsel often approach motorcycle crash claims with a built-in assumption: the rider caused it. They don't always say it directly, but it shapes how they evaluate your injuries, how they calculate their offers, and how they prepare for litigation. I've been in those rooms. I know exactly what they do.

 

Motorcycle crashes in Maryland regularly produce some of the most severe injuries seen in personal injury law — traumatic brain injury, spinal fractures, road rash requiring surgical debridement, and permanent orthopedic damage. These are not minor claims. But without an attorney who understands both the medical complexity and the bias problem, riders routinely receive less than they are owed.

 

If you were injured in a motorcycle crash in Maryland or Washington, DC, you need a motorcycle crash lawyer who knows this fight from the inside.

You Deserve Support After a Crash

Car accidents happen fast—and the aftermath can be overwhelming. Between medical bills, insurance adjusters, lost wages, and recovery, it’s easy to feel like you’re on your own. You’re not.

At The Law Offices of Robert S. Betnar, I represent clients across Luzerne County and all of Northeastern Pennsylvania who’ve been injured in motor vehicle accidents. I work directly with you to understand your situation, gather evidence, deal with insurance companies, and pursue the compensation you need to move forward.

I've Represented Maryland Bikers in Civil Rights and Personal Injury Matters for Decades

I served as the Maryland attorney for the Confederacy of Clubs, a national motorcycle organization, where I handled civil rights cases on behalf of riders and club members — including challenging illegal police stops, searches, and profiling of motorcyclists. That work wasn't abstract. It was hands-on advocacy for people the system was treating as suspects rather than citizens.

 

That background informs every motorcycle crash case I take. I understand the culture, I understand the bias, and I understand exactly how to counter it. When an adjuster or opposing counsel tries to use the fact that you were on a motorcycle against you, I know what they're doing because I've watched them do it — and I know how to shut it down.

 

Riders have rights. I've been defending them since before it was popular.

What a Maryland Motorcycle Crash Claim Covers

A successful motorcycle crash claim documents the full scope of what the crash cost you — not just the emergency room bill. Recoverable damages in Maryland and DC motorcycle crash cases typically include:

 

  • Emergency medical care, hospitalization, and surgery
  • Ongoing treatment: physical therapy, orthopedic care, neurology, and rehabilitation
  • Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
  • Permanent disability or disfigurement
  • Pain and suffering, including long-term psychological impact
  • Property damage to your motorcycle and gear

 

Maryland follows a contributory negligence rule, which means the other side will work hard to assign even partial fault to you. That is one more reason rider bias matters — and one more reason the attorney you choose matters.

8× Super Lawyers. Zero Tolerance for Bias Against Riders.

I've been recognized as a Super Lawyers designee eight times — placing me in the top 5% of Maryland attorneys by peer review. I've also secured six of the highest workers' compensation disability settlements recorded in Maryland in a single year, and I've handled 17 murder cases without a single loss.

 

I bring that same intensity to motorcycle crash cases. Your case does not get handed off to a paralegal or a junior associate after the intake call. I am personally involved from the first conversation through resolution.

Serving Maryland Riders from Glen Burnie to Washington, DC

My primary office is in Glen Burnie, in the heart of Anne Arundel County — one of the most active corridors for motorcycle riders in the region. I represent clients across Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Montgomery County, Prince George's County, the Eastern Shore, and Washington, DC.

 

My team includes bilingual Spanish-speaking staff. Anne Arundel County has a substantial Spanish-speaking Latino community, including many riders who commute by motorcycle and have had limited access to legal representation after a crash. If you or someone you know needs to communicate in Spanish, we can help.

Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Crash Claims in Maryland

  • What are my rights after a motorcycle crash in Maryland?
    You have the right to pursue compensation from any at-fault driver for your medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering. Maryland's contributory negligence standard means the other side may try to assign partial blame to you to reduce or eliminate your recovery — which is exactly why having an experienced motorcycle crash attorney in your corner from the start matters.
  • Do I need a lawyer after a motorcycle crash in Maryland?
    If you were injured, yes. Insurance companies handling motorcycle crash claims often apply rider bias — consciously or not — when evaluating fault and damages. An attorney who understands this dynamic can document your injuries properly, counter bad-faith fault arguments, and negotiate or litigate for the full value of your claim.
  • How long do I have to file a motorcycle crash claim in Maryland?
    Maryland's statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally three years from the date of the crash. DC has a three-year limit as well. Missing that deadline forfeits your right to recover. If your crash involved a government vehicle or a government-owned road defect, shorter notice deadlines may apply — contact me as soon as possible.
  • What is a motorcycle crash settlement worth in Maryland?
    There is no fixed answer — settlement value depends on the severity of your injuries, the clarity of fault, your lost income, and the policy limits of the at-fault driver. Motorcycle crash settlements in Maryland can range from modest amounts for minor injuries to six or seven figures for cases involving TBI, permanent disability, or wrongful death. I evaluate every case individually and will give you an honest assessment from the first conversation.
  • Can I still recover compensation if the other driver claims I was at fault?
    This is one of the most common tactics used against motorcycle riders. Maryland's contributory negligence rule is strict — if you are found even partially at fault, it can bar recovery entirely. That is why disputing fault aggressively and early is critical. I know how adjusters and defense attorneys build these arguments, and I know how to dismantle them. Do you handle motorcycle crash cases in Washington, DC? Yes. I am licensed in Maryland, Washington, DC, and federally. I represent riders injured in crashes throughout the DC metro area, including cases that cross jurisdictional lines.

Your Champion Is Ready. Let's Talk.

Call or text 443-672-8529 for a free consultation with no time limit. You can also reach us through the contact form — messages route directly to our Smokeball case management portal so nothing falls through the cracks. I'll tell you exactly where you stand and what I can do for you.