www.pinderplotkin.com

Laurel Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Riders too often get blamed for crashes that were not their fault, and insurers use that bias to underpay. You pay nothing unless we win.

  • Bias against riders is real — we build the case to counter it
  • Serving Laurel plus Prince George’s, Anne Arundel, Howard and Montgomery
  • Free case review · No fee unless we win
Jason Plotkin, Managing Attorney, Pinder Plotkin Legal Team

Recognized by

Million Dollar Advocates Forum
The Reisman Awards — Legal Impact Award 2021 Winner
Pinder Plotkin Legal Team BBB Business Review
Martindale-Hubbell Peer Reviewed
5
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
My experience was fantastic, Charlotte was a big help and had the lawyer return my call within minutes. Jason was extremely knowledgeable and very helpful. I will have them represent me and my family.More
Lee HarperVerify on Google

Tell us what happened. We’ll take it from there.

A free case review with no obligation, and no fee unless we win. Someone on our team reads every message that comes in.

  • No fee unless we win
  • We deal with the insurance company, not you
  • Serving Laurel plus Prince George’s, Anne Arundel, Howard and Montgomery

Would rather talk now? Call (888) 844-5373

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Pay nothing unless we win!

At Pinder Plotkin, the initial consultation is free, whether by phone or in person. We represent clients on a contingency fee basis — we only charge you after we recover compensation on your behalf, typically 33% of your insurance settlement. Our fee is increased if a lawsuit is filed. There won't be any charges if we don't win.

Millions recovered for clients every year Fighting for injury victims since 2002
See Results

What clients say after working with us

Pinder Plotkin Legal Team holds a 4.9-star average across 900+ verified client reviews. Here’s what injured Marylanders say about working with us.

5
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
I have worked with Pinder Plotkin on a car accident and they were nothing but professional. The whole team were very caring and kept me informed through the whole process. I could not think of a better firm to represent me.More
Denise C.Verify on Google
5
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Received support from Day 1. No question went unanswered and they worked to make sure I was comfortable and understood everything. Very patient in ensuring my needs are met. I am grateful.More
Maxine WashingtonVerify on Google
5
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
I been a client since 2017 and I had a good experience with them as far as getting results and being treated like family, I had a major injury and the whole team was very supportive and stayed on top of my case, I was able to maintain my bills due to being out of work for a year and had a favorable outcome with my settlement which helped me start my business ventures, so thanks again to the team and if need be I’ll have them represent me in the future.More
CamRon AndersonVerify on Google
5
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Jason, Charlotte, and Tony were absolutely amazing! I was in a car accident 4 years ago, they made sure I was taken care of and even though we had a lot of set backs due to Covid, they never made me feel like my case (or me) were not important. Tony knew my medical history better than I did, Charlotte was always an absolute delight to talk to and was so kind, and Jason was just great! I'm really sad that I won't be talking to them anymore, they became like family! I know that is something a lot of people say, but it is 100% true with this team.More
The Rhodes We Travel “Mystika”Verify on Google
5
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Great team took my cases when most wouldn’t did all the work fluently and worry free would not be any happier 😊. Highly recommend them for your legal servicesMore
Ivan OmwegaVerify on Google
5
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
I cannot thank the team at Pinder Plotkin enough for their compassion, patience, and relentless dedication throughout my car accident case. They went above and beyond — jumping through hoops, explaining every step with care, and standing by me when I felt overwhelmed or lost. The communication was incredible, and I always knew I was in good hands. I truly appreciate everything they did to help me get through such a stressful time. Highly recommend to anyone looking for people who genuinely care about their clients.More
Stephanie HVerify on Google
5
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Mr Jason, Mr Balsamo, Nancy and the team worked on my case meticulously until I got justice. Thanks Nancy for your assurance and patience. If you need a team of injury lawyers, Pinder Plotkin team should be your first call.More
TenderCare NursingVerify on Google
5
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
To be honest, I wasn’t sure how this process would go since I usually let the auto insurance company handle accident. However, I would not hesitate to call upon the Pinder Plotkin legal team FIRST. They took on my case and exceeded expectations and removed any doubts I had. The folks at Pinder Plotkin fought through a long drawn out case, keeping my best interests in mind. A settlement was reached, more than what I would say, your insurance company would give. I’m extremely happy with the Pinder Plotkin team for their hard work, dedication to me as a client and as a veteran. I was treated with compassion, empathy and they communicated every step of the process. I high recommend the Pinder Plotkin legal team for your legal services. Thank you Pinder Plotkin, truely, thank you.More
Jamal BurtonVerify on Google

Results we have won for Maryland families

$625,000Truck accident
$1.1 MillionPremises & workers’ comp
$328,000Car accident
$308,000Dog bite
See all results

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is decided on its own facts.

Free Case Value Calculator

Get a fast, free estimate of what your case could be worth.

The calculator below is a working tool, not a contact form. Nine questions, about three minutes, and you get an estimated settlement range for a Maryland motorcycle accident claim.

What the nine questions ask
  • Jurisdiction and date — which state’s rules apply, and whether you are still inside the filing deadline
  • Accident and property damage — how the collision happened and what it did to your vehicle
  • Injuries and MMI status — what you were diagnosed with, and whether you have finished treating
  • Medical bills and lost wages — your economic losses so far
  • Impact and history — how the injuries changed your daily life, and your prior treatment

Free and no obligation. Your name, email, and phone number are required on the final step before the estimate is shown. The result is an estimated settlement range for information only — it is not a written case analysis, legal advice, or a promise of any outcome.

Why it happens

What causes most motorcycle accidents in the Laurel area?

Common causes

Motorcycle accidents are quite rampant and might be caused by various issues, including the following.

  • Distracted driving
  • Failure to pay attention to motorcycles
  • Drunk or drugged driving
  • Faulty mirrors, brakes, and lighting
  • Unexpected pedestrians on the road

Rear-end collisions

Most motorcycle accidents are rear-end collisions. The driver is assumed to be at fault while the person at the front is assumed to be faultless. The person who hits from the back is found to be following too closely without enough space to stop and they will be at 100% fault for the accident.

Step by step

What to do after a motorcycle accident in Laurel

1

Get to safety and call 911

If you can: get to safety, call 911, and get medical attention even if you feel fine — adrenaline hides injuries.

2

Document the scene

Photograph the scene, your bike, and your gear; get the other driver's information and any witnesses.

3

Don't talk to the insurer without us

Do not admit fault or give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurer. Then call us before you deal with them.

How we help

How we can help with your motorcycle claim

Collect evidence

After handling various types of motorcycle accidents in Laurel, Maryland, we know and understand the type of evidence that we need to prove your compensation claim. As you recuperate, let us take care of collecting evidence.

Filing a compensation claim

With our knowledge and experience, we will file everything accordingly to make sure your case is not rejected because of clerical errors.

Gathering witness statements

We can trace witnesses to the motorcycle accident and make sure they give proper accounts of exactly what happened.

Negotiation

You can rely on our experienced negotiation skills to make sure you receive the right amount of compensation. We are ready to go head-to-head with the insurance adjusters to avoid any low and unrealistic offers.

Trial

If a settlement is not successful, we are ready to represent you at trial and present your case to the judge and jury to make sure they understand what you are going through before granting you the right compensation amount.

Know your rights

What does Maryland law say about fault in a motorcycle accident?

Statute of limitations: in most cases, three years from the date of the crash (Md. Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-101). Miss that deadline and you usually lose the right to recover. If a government vehicle was involved, a much shorter written-notice deadline can apply, so tell us early.

Contributory negligence hurts riders most

This is the rule that hurts motorcyclists most. Maryland follows contributory negligence: if you are found even 1% at fault for the crash, you can be barred from recovering anything. Insurers know riders face bias, so they work hard to pin part of the blame on you.

Should I accept the insurer's offer?

Not before you talk to us. Early offers are almost always low and often arrive before anyone knows the full extent of your injuries. Once you sign a release, you cannot ask for more — even if you need more treatment later.

Who can be held responsible?

Often the at-fault driver, but not always only them. Depending on how the crash happened, a government agency responsible for a dangerous road, a mechanic or parts manufacturer behind a defect, or another third party may share the blame.

How much is my case worth?

There is no flat number. It depends on your injuries, your medical costs, lost wages, how the crash affects your life going forward, and who was at fault. Because motorcycle injuries tend to be serious, these claims can be significant.

The money question

Who pays, and what's my Laurel motorcycle accident case worth?

Every car accident case is unique, and the amount you recover depends on the circumstances — as determined by the insurance company or a jury. Factors that affect your settlement's value include:

  • Extent, severity, and duration of your injuries
  • Property damage to each vehicle
  • Mechanism of injury and whether it's temporary or permanent
  • Pre-existing injuries and whether they're directly related to the crash
  • Time lost from work and the credibility of each driver

How much is my case worth?

What actually moves the number in a motorcycle case

Motorcycle injuries are usually worse than the same collision in a car, so the economic damages start higher — but the defense in a motorcycle case is almost always about the rider, not the crash. Speed, lane position, whether the headlight was on, whether the gear was reflective. Maryland requires a helmet, and if you were not wearing one the insurer will argue about it even where it had nothing to do with the injury.

That is the contributory negligence problem in its sharpest form. In most states a jury that finds the rider 20 percent responsible reduces the award by 20 percent. In Maryland it can end the case. Reconstructing the seconds before impact — from scene photographs, roadway evidence and any camera in range — is not a detail here; it is the case.

How Maryland personal injury settlements are calculated — the multiplier and per diem methods, the damages caps, the deadlines, and our settlement calculators.

No two cases are worth the same, but insurers lean on two common methods to estimate pain and suffering. Understanding them helps you spot a lowball offer. Try our free Maryland Car Accident Settlement Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Should I speak to the insurance company?

We generally advise against it. Insurers will most likely make an immediate offer well below the true cost of your damages. If you work with us, we handle all discussions and negotiations so you're protected from being victimized in the claims process.

Should I accept their offer?

The adjuster's first offer is in most cases very low and doesn't represent what the case is actually worth. Negotiations typically go back and forth for a few months before settling — at which point we file a lawsuit based on the value of the case.

What could your claim be worth?Try the free Maryland Car Accident Settlement Calculator below for a personalized estimate.
What you're dealing with

Common injuries after a Laurel motorcycle accident

Head & Brain Injuries

Spinal Cord Injuries

Broken Legs or Arms

Lacerations

Internal Injuries

These injuries might affect your ability to continue with your life as you normally did before. It's a good idea to claim compensation to make your life a bit easier after a motorcycle accident in Laurel, Maryland.

Where Laurel-area motorcycle crashes happen

The City of Laurel sits at the junction of four counties, and serious car crashes cluster on the same high-traffic corridors in each. Here is where we see the worst wrecks and where injured drivers are treated.

140Traffic deaths in 129 fatal crashes, Prince George's County, 2023Source: MDOT Zero Deaths Maryland Fatal Crash Data Dashboard
46Traffic deaths in 45 fatal crashes, Montgomery County, 2023Source: MDOT Zero Deaths Maryland Fatal Crash Data Dashboard
45Traffic deaths in 42 fatal crashes, Anne Arundel County, 2023Source: MDOT's Anne Arundel County crash summary
23Traffic deaths in 23 fatal crashes, Howard County, 2023Source: MDOT Zero Deaths Maryland Fatal Crash Data Dashboard

Every year, at least 1,400 riders and pedestrians are injured in a motorcycle accident in Maryland, and about 72 motorcycle riders die from their injuries each year in the state.

City of Laurel

  • High-risk corridors: US-1 (Washington Blvd), MD-198 (Fort Meade Rd), Main Street, and Contee Road.
  • Nearest ER: UM Laurel Medical Center on Contee Road — a freestanding 24/7 emergency department. Serious trauma goes to UM Capital Region Medical Center in Largo.
  • Where cases are filed: a Laurel injury lawsuit is filed in Prince George’s County — the District Court of Maryland for Prince George’s County at Upper Marlboro, or the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County in Upper Marlboro if the claim exceeds $30,000.

Prince George's County

  • Where crashes cluster: US-1 (Route 1), MD-198, the Baltimore-Washington Parkway (MD-295), and I-95.
  • Nearest ER: UM Laurel Medical Center (freestanding 24/7 ER); serious trauma transfers to UM Capital Region in Largo (Level II).
  • In court: Jason Plotkin and Anthony (Tony) Balsamo, attorneys of record in 100 Prince George’s County cases since 2017 — 43 in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, 57 in the District Court of Maryland for Prince George’s County at Upper Marlboro. Mostly auto accident claims.

Anne Arundel County

  • Where crashes cluster: MD-32, MD-3, I-97, and MD-198.
  • Nearest ER: Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (Annapolis) and UM Baltimore Washington Medical Center (Glen Burnie).
  • In court: Jason Plotkin and Anthony (Tony) Balsamo, attorneys of record in 51 Anne Arundel County cases since 2017 — 30 in the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County, 21 in the District Court of Maryland for Anne Arundel County.

Howard County

  • Where crashes cluster: US-1, US-29, I-95, MD-32, and MD-100.
  • Nearest ER: Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center (Columbia).
  • In court: Jason Plotkin and Anthony (Tony) Balsamo, attorneys of record in 29 Howard County cases since 2017 — 13 in the Circuit Court for Howard County, 16 in the District Court of Maryland for Howard County.

Montgomery County (neighboring)

  • Where crashes cluster: I-270, US-29, the Intercounty Connector (MD-200), and MD-355.
  • Nearest ER: Suburban Hospital (Bethesda, Level II trauma) and Holy Cross Hospital (Silver Spring).
  • In court: Jason Plotkin and Anthony (Tony) Balsamo, attorneys of record in 15 Montgomery County cases since 2017 — 12 in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, 3 in the District Court of Maryland for Montgomery County.

Check out our ebooks

The Smart Consumer's Guide to Maximizing Auto Insurance Policy Limits

The Smart Consumer's Guide to Maximizing Auto Insurance Policy Limits

Free guide to Maryland auto insurance and how policy limits affect your recovery.

Download the guide
Protecting The Rights of Motorcycle Riders and Their Families

Protecting The Rights of Motorcycle Riders and Their Families

Free guide on protecting your rights as a motorcycle rider after a Maryland accident.

Download the guide
The Role of a Chiropractor in Treating Auto Accident Injuries

The Role of a Chiropractor in Treating Auto Accident Injuries

Free guide on how chiropractic care can support your recovery after an auto accident injury.

Download the guide
Car Crash Course: My Journey from Survival to Recovery and Beyond

Car Crash Course: My Journey from Survival to Recovery and Beyond

Jason Plotkin’s personal account of surviving a car accident and the road to recovery.

Buy on Amazon

Source & method

Counts are Maryland Judiciary Case Search records for Jason Plotkin and Anthony Balsamo as attorneys of record, filed January 1, 2017 through September 4, 2026. Court filings only — most injury claims settle before a lawsuit is filed, so these are a floor, not a total. A filing count is not a results claim, and prior filings do not guarantee a similar outcome in any future matter. To verify, search “Plotkin, Jason” or “Balsamo, Anthony” as Attorney at casesearch.courts.state.md.us.

Watch: Jason Plotkin on motorcycle accidents

TV interview: What happens after a car accident
Jason Plotkin's story: surviving a major car accident
MotorcycleTalks: Stories of amazing motorcycle riders and clubs!

Laurel Motorcycle Accident FAQs

How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim in Maryland?

In most cases, three years from the date of the crash (Md. Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-101). Miss that deadline and you usually lose the right to recover. If a government vehicle was involved, a much shorter written-notice deadline can apply, so tell us early.

Why choose the Pinder Plotkin legal team for your motorcycle case?

We ride, and we know how differently riders get treated after a crash. Insurers and even other drivers often assume the motorcyclist was at fault — and in Maryland that assumption can cost you everything. From our Laurel office at 329 Prince George St., we push back with real investigation and represent riders across the City of Laurel and Prince George's, Anne Arundel, Howard, and Montgomery counties. The consultation is free, and there is no fee unless we win.

What motorcycle laws should I know in Maryland?

You must always wear a helmet when riding or operating a motorcycle in Maryland — a hard outer shell with a shock-absorbing liner, chinstrap, and comfort liner, plus eye protection unless your motorcycle has a windscreen. Motorcycles are prohibited from overtaking a vehicle in the same lane or passing between two lanes of traffic, and a motorcycle is entitled to use the full lane.

What compensation can I receive for a motorcycle accident?

Economic damages cover the tangible costs after your motorcycle accident, including medical costs and lost wages. Non-economic damages cover emotional damage, pain and suffering, and other intangible losses. Punitive damages are only awarded when the defendant's actions showed ill will or an intent to harm — there's no cap on punitive awards in Maryland.

Still can’t find what you’re looking for? Call us at (888) 844-5373 and ask — there is no charge and no obligation to hire us.

Visit our Laurel office

329 Prince George St, Laurel, MD 20707 · Call (888) 844-5373 to schedule a visit. · View on Google

Serving All of Laurel

We handle motorcycle accident cases throughout the Laurel area and the surrounding counties.

City of LaurelView Area
Prince George's CountyView Area
Anne Arundel CountyView Area
Howard CountyView Area
Montgomery CountyView Area

Rooted in Laurel

Jason Plotkin does not just take Laurel cases — he shows up in the community. He serves as a Director of the Laurel Board of Trade, hosts Around Town on Laurel TV, and has moderated the Laurel Candidates Forum for the past two election cycles. When you work with our firm, you are working with people who know this city — its roads, its courts, and its neighbors.

Jason Plotkin, Managing Attorney, Pinder Plotkin Legal Team

Hurt in a motorcycle accident in Laurel? Let's talk.

Free case review, no pressure, no fee unless we win. Reach out and one of our attorneys will walk you through your options.

Call (888) 844-5373