Baltimore Bicycle Accidents: What Parents Need to Know To Protect Young Riders
Riding a bike offers children freedom, fun, and adventure. Unfortunately, it can also be dangerous, particularly in the city.
Bicycle accidents in Baltimore are unfortunately common among children and can cause potentially devastating personal injuries. Our Maryland bicycle accident lawyers help Baltimore families when injuries happen, providing the trusted, experienced legal representation needed to file a claim. Find out common reasons behind these crashes and how to hold those at fault accountable.
Common Causes Of Baltimore Bicycle Accidents Involving Children
The Maryland Department of Transportation reports that over 200 bicycle accidents happen annually in Baltimore City, with children among the most frequent victims.
These crashes can happen in local neighborhoods and on busy city streets. With little to protect them, injuries victims suffer can be severe and life-threatening. Heavy traffic and a lack of bike lanes or crosswalks at intersections increase the risks, but reckless driving is often ultimately responsible. Some of the most common causes include motorists:
- Failing to yield at intersections or crosswalks;
- Failing to look for children before backing out of driveways or parking spots;
- Speeding through residential areas or near public parks and schools;
- Disregarding stop signs or traffic signals;
- Texting, using cell phones, or engaging in any activity that diverts attention from the road.
What Baltimore Parents Can Do to Protect Children Against Bicycle Accidents
For Baltimore parents, it is vitally important to be aware of bicycle accident risks and to take the steps needed to ensure your child is safe when riding. Johns Hopkins Medicine recommends the following:
- Teach children safe biking habits, including crossing streets, watching for traffic, and signaling turns.
- Insist on a helmet, which is required by law and can reduce the risk of head injuries.
- Have children wear closed toe shoes while riding and consider elbow or knee pads, depending on their age and skill.
- When possible, choose safer routes, such as bike paths, parks, or quiet neighborhood streets.
- Supervise younger riders, especially in areas with high traffic or limited visibility.
- Check bike equipment regularly, including brakes, tires, and reflectors.
If your child is injured in a Baltimore bicycle accident, notify police immediately. When reckless driving is to blame, you can hold those at fault liable for your losses. To protect your child and your rights in a claim, get legal help before making any statements to insurers or accepting any settlements.
Contact Our Experienced Baltimore Bicycle Accident Lawyers Today
At Maryland Injury Lawyers, we know how frightening and overwhelming a bike accident can be, especially when a child is involved. We hold at fault drivers liable for your child’s injuries and the damages your family suffers as a result.
To get justice and the compensation you need to cover your child’s current and future medical bills, your own lost income, and other costs, contact our office. Request a consultation with our experienced Baltimore bicycle accident lawyers today.
Sources:
zerodeathsmd.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/FFY22_Bicycle_ProgramAreaBrief-Data_Final.pdf
hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/for-parents-bicycle–inline-skating–skateboarding–scooter-safety
