Do Pedestrians Hit By Cyclists Have Any Rights in Maryland?

person riding bicycle on sidewalk

Unfortunately, many cities and towns have become incredibly dependent on vehicles to get around, making it increasingly unsafe for pedestrians. As such, when you’re out for a run or walking your dog, you may be on high alert for vehicles. However, the last thing you expect when you find yourself on the ground in pain is that the car responsible for the accident is a bicycle. Though these are unusual circumstances, it’s imperative to understand that you can still recover compensation for the injuries you’ve endured with the help of Baltimore County pedestrian accident attorneys. Keep reading to learn more about these unusual circumstances and how our firm can fight for you.

What Are the Cycling Laws in Maryland?

In Maryland, like many other states, bicycles are considered vehicles. As such, it’s important to understand that just like other vehicles, those on bicycles must adhere to the rules of the road.

In Maryland, one of the most important rules cyclists must follow is that they are prohibited from riding on the sidewalk unless the local jurisdiction allows it. Instead, cyclists are required to ride on the road as close to the right shoulder as possible.

Additionally, it’s imperative to understand that bicycles must adhere to traffic laws and regulations while riding. This means obeying the traffic signs, stopping at traffic lights, yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks, and using traffic signals to indicate turning.

Do Pedestrians Struck By Cyclists Have Any Legal Options?

If you are struck by a cyclist while walking, the most important thing you can do is call the police to report the accident. Unfortunately, many pedestrians underestimate the severity of these accidents, as they believe they can’t call the police for non-vehicle-involved accidents. However, any time you are injured because of the negligent actions of another person, calling emergency services so a formal report can be filed and medical personnel can arrive to the scene is critical.

It’s also imperative to seek medical attention as soon as possible following an accident involving a bicycle. Unlike being on a bike or in a car, when you are struck by a cyclist, your body will take the brunt of the impact. Additionally, you can sustain further injury when you hit the ground. As such, seeking immediate medical treatment for the injuries you’ve sustained is critical.

If you wish to file a claim against the cyclist for the injuries you’ve endured because of their negligence, it’s imperative to understand the importance of connecting with an experienced attorney.  Maryland follows a contributory negligence statute, meaning if you are found to have contributed in any way to the injuries you endured, you are barred from recovering compensation. This is true even if you are found to be at 1% fault.

When you are injured, the team at the Law Offices of Markey & Orsi is ready to help. We understand that sustaining an injury due to the negligent actions of another person can have drastic impacts on your life, which is why our team is dedicated to doing everything possible to help you recover the compensation you deserve. Connect with us today to learn how we can assist you during these complicated matters.

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