Maryland Bicycle Accident Lawyers
Bicyclists have the same rights to the road as motorists, but unfortunately, they are often ignored or put in danger by careless drivers. When a collision occurs between a bicycle and a motor vehicle, the cyclist is at a severe disadvantage, facing devastating injuries or even fatalities. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident due to someone else’s negligence, the experienced Maryland bicycle accident lawyers at Maryland Injury Lawyers are here to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Many bicycle accidents are caused by negligent or reckless drivers who fail to respect the rights of cyclists. Some of the most common causes include:
- Distracted driving – Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise not paying attention to the road.
- Failure to yield – Drivers who fail to yield the right-of-way at intersections, crosswalks, or bike lanes.
- Dooring accidents – When a parked driver opens their door into the path of an oncoming bicyclist.
- Speeding and aggressive driving – Drivers who are going too fast or making unsafe maneuvers can easily strike a cyclist.
- Drunk or impaired driving – Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs have slower reaction times and poor judgment, putting bicyclists at extreme risk.
- Poor road conditions – Potholes, debris, and poorly maintained bike lanes can contribute to serious crashes.
Common Injuries in Bicycle Accidents
Because bicyclists have little protection, injuries in these accidents are often severe and life-altering. Some of the most common and serious injuries include traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions, spinal cord injuries and paralysis, broken bones and fractures, internal organ damage and bleeding, road rash and severe lacerations, and permanent scarring and disfigurement. These injuries can require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and time off work, placing a huge financial burden on the victim and their family.
Who Is Liable After a Bicycle Accident in Maryland?
Determining liability in a bicycle accident is crucial for securing compensation. Our legal team thoroughly investigates each case to establish fault by examining police reports and witness statements, analyzing surveillance footage and accident scene evidence, consulting with accident reconstruction experts, reviewing driver history and potential negligence, and piecing together all the relevant facts to establish fault under Maryland law.
One critical issue that often arises in bicycle accident cases involves Maryland’s strict contributory negligence rule, which states that if the insurance company can prove you were even 1% at fault, you can be denied any compensation regardless of the overwhelming percentage of negligence committed by the other party. It is essential to have an aggressive lawyer on your side to challenge such claims and prove the full extent of the driver’s negligence.
Compensation for Bicycle Accident Victims
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the full range of legal damages under Maryland injury law, which includes current and future medical expenses, lost wages for the time you missed from work, loss of earning capacity if you suffered a disabling injury, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and more. Our team fights tirelessly to ensure you receive the maximum compensation available under Maryland law.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in Maryland, take these crucial steps to protect your rights and strengthen your claim:
- Seek medical attention – Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor to document your condition.
- Call the police – File an official report to have an objective record of the accident.
- Gather evidence – Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any vehicle damage.
- Obtain witness information – Collect the names and contact details of anyone who saw the crash.
- Do not speak to the insurance company on your own – Anything you say can be used to minimize your claim.
- Contact Maryland Injury Lawyers – The sooner you involve an lawyer, the better your chances of a successful claim.
Contact Maryland Injury Lawyers Today
Bicycle accident victims deserve strong legal representation to hold negligent drivers fully accountable. At Maryland Injury Lawyers, we have the experience, resources, and determination to fight for your rights and get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation—we don’t get paid unless we win your case.