One of the most popular methods of getting around is by bicycle. Some people enjoy riding a bicycle for exercise and leisure, while others use them as a primary mode of transportation. No matter the intended purpose, bicycle riders are forced to share the roadways with motor vehicles and sometimes careless people who drive them. Unfortunately, this combination lends itself to bicyclists being seriously injured in accidents. These accidents are often quite severe due to the sheer weight and size of automobiles. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident in Baltimore County, the bicycle accident attorneys at Markey & Orsi are here to help. Our firm has nearly 30 years of experience guiding clients through the claims process. Contact us today.
How are bicycle accidents caused? Ask our bicycle accident attorneys.
Maryland’s busy roadways are the perfect storm for bicycle accidents to occur. When motor vehicle drivers are not paying careful attention to the roads, they may cause a serious accident with a person riding a bicycle. Of course, many factors can cause a driver to swerve and hit a bicyclist, some of which include the following:
- Drivers who make illegal U-turns
- Drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Drivers who are distracted by their phones
- Drowsy drivers
- Reckless drivers
- Uneven pavement
- Inclement weather
- Lack of cycling lane
- Cyclists who are not driving safely with traffic
Of course, many of these factors can combine with one another to create a very dangerous bicycle accident. These accidents often result in serious injuries for the bicyclist, some of which may include broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, lacerations, and more. Such significant injuries can have a lifelong impact on an accident victim and, in some cases, they may never be able to fully recover.
Your Rights as a Cyclist on Maryland Roads
It is worth understanding your legal footing, because it is stronger than many riders assume. Under Md. Code, Transp. § 21-1202, a bicycle on a public road has the same rights and duties as a motor vehicle. A driver owes you the same care they owe any other vehicle, and Maryland law separately requires drivers to give at least three feet of clearance when passing a cyclist.
There is a hard counterweight to know about. Maryland follows contributory negligence, which means that if you are found even one percent at fault, you can be barred from recovering anything. The insurer on the other side will look for any way to place part of the blame on you, from your lane position to whether you signaled. Do not concede fault at the scene, and preserve your bike and gear as evidence.
Recovering Damages After a Bicycle Accident
One of the major intentions of bringing a personal injury case after a bicycle accident is to recover compensation that the injured party may be entitled to. When an individual is seriously injured in a bicycle accident, they may be able to recover damages for the financial and nonfinancial burdens that they have faced. Some of the financial damages that a bicycle accident victim may be able to recover include medical expenses, lost wages, and the need to hire outside help. The non-economic damages that may be recovered include emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and pain and suffering.
Contact Our Baltimore County Firm
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a bicycle accident in Maryland, it is important to consider your legal options and consult with an attorney who can effectively represent you through each step of the claim. The attorneys at Markey & Orsi have served clients in Maryland for nearly 30 years when they need someone to fight on their behalf. For quality legal representation when it matters most, contact Markey & Orsi to schedule a consultation.