Prince George’s County Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Riding a bicycle can be a pleasant way to commute to work, get some exercise, or simply enjoy a quiet afternoon. Yet, the unfortunate truth is that cyclists often share busy roads with fast-moving traffic, distracted drivers, and intersections that were not built with bicycle safety in mind. When a collision happens, the resulting injuries can be life-altering. If you were injured in a bicycle accident, please don’t hesitate to contact the dedicated Prince George’s County personal injury lawyers here at Miller Berman for a free consultation today.

What Makes Bicycle Accidents Especially Dangerous?

Since cyclists have virtually no physical protection from the elements around them, there are few accidents more damaging than those involving a motor vehicle and a bicycle. Unlike motorists, who are protected by airbags, seat belts, and the exterior frame of their automobiles, cyclists generally only have helmets and minimal padded clothing to protect them from harm. This means that when an accident occurs, the cyclist’s body is almost always going to absorb most of the force of the collision, which inevitably leads to serious injuries.

Another important factor is visibility. Many drivers simply do not see cyclists until it is far too late. Whether because the cyclist is positioned in a driver’s blind spot or because a driver is simply distracted and not looking for bikes in the first place, these accidents most often leave the cyclist as the one who ends up severely injured.

Even accidents at relatively low speeds can lead to broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, internal injuries, and other forms of physical harm that require long-term medical treatment and possibly even surgeries or rehabilitation.

What Causes Most Bicycle Accidents?

Bicycle accidents are often linked to driver negligence. Even careful riders who follow every safety rule can be harmed because a single moment of inattention by a driver is enough to cause a devastating crash. Some of the most common forms of negligence that lead to bicycle injuries are as follows:

• Distracted driving, including texting, adjusting GPS screens, or talking on mobile devices
• Failing to yield the right of way at intersections and crosswalks
• Speeding or aggressive driving
• Drunk driving or impaired driving involving drugs or alcohol
• Opening a car door into a cyclist’s path, also known as dooring
• Passing too closely or crowding a cyclist off the roadway
• Running stop signs or traffic signals
• Failing to keep a proper lookout in residential areas or school zones

Cyclists can also be injured due to poorly maintained roadways, construction debris, potholes, and defects involving bike lanes, meaning liability may involve more than one responsible party.

Maryland Bicycle Laws Every Cyclist Should Know

Maryland has specific laws designed to protect cyclists and regulate how motorists must behave around them. Some of the most important laws are as follows:

• Drivers must leave a safe passing distance of at least three feet when overtaking a bicycle
• Cyclists generally must travel in the same direction as traffic
• Bicycles are permitted to use roadways and have the same rights as motor vehicles
• Cyclists must use bicycle lanes when they are present, unless unsafe to do so
• Cyclists must equip their bikes with proper lighting when riding after dark
• Helmets are required for riders under the age of 16 in Maryland
• Motorists are prohibited from driving in designated bicycle lanes, except in limited circumstances
• Cyclists must obey all applicable traffic control devices

Violations of these rules can influence liability. If a driver violates any of these requirements and causes a crash, that violation can be used as evidence of negligence.

Maryland’s Contributory Negligence Rule

One critical issue that injured cyclists should understand is Maryland’s contributory negligence standard. Maryland is one of the few jurisdictions in the country that applies pure contributory negligence. This means that if an injured person is found even slightly responsible for the accident, they may be barred from recovering compensation altogether.

For example, if the cyclist failed to use legally required lighting at night and that omission contributed to the crash, this could prevent a recovery. Insurance companies are well aware of this strict rule and often look for any argument that the cyclist was partly at fault. This is one of the main reasons it is important to contact a team of pedestrian accident lawyers as soon after a collision as you can.

Recoverable Damages in Maryland Bicycle Accident Claims

Victims of bicycle accidents may be entitled to compensation for a variety of losses. Every case depends on the nature of the injuries, medical needs, the impact on daily life, and long-term consequences. Damages in bicycle accident cases commonly include the following:

• Medical expenses
• Rehabilitation and therapy costs
• Lost wages or lost earning ability
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Permanent disability or impairment
• Property damage, including repair or replacement of the bicycle

Time Limits for Filing a Bicycle Accident Claim

Maryland generally gives injured individuals three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is known as the statute of limitations, and missing this deadline can prevent any recovery. There are limited exceptions, but they are not common, so it is important to act quickly.

Contact Our Maryland Bicycle Accident Lawyers

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a bicycle accident, please don’t hesitate to contact the dedicated Prince George’s County personal injury lawyers here at Miller Berman for a free consultation today. We’re here to fight for you, every step of the way.