Bicycles can be fun to ride in Maryland. They are great for getting around Baltimore and other large cities. Plus, riding a bike is a great form of exercise.
However, riding a bicycle is also dangerous. Bikes are much smaller than passenger vehicles, so motorists do not always see them. Getting hit by a car can be traumatic for a bicyclist. It can even be deadly.
If you have been involved in a bike crash, you are likely dealing with various damages. Get the help you need from Furman | Honick Law. Our Baltimore bicycle accident lawyer can help you get full and fair recovery.
Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Most bicycle crashes are caused by getting hit by a car. Here are some reasons why:
- Low visibility. Bicycles are not always easily seen because they are small. This makes them prone to being involved in crashes.
- Distracted driving. Distracted driving is a serious issue. People are often distracted with phones. When a driver is not paying attention to the road, they can hit a bicyclist or other object.
- Many motorists drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This can cause decreased judgment and coordination, making accidents more likely.
- Failure to yield. When a motorist does not yield as required, the vehicle can hit a bicycle and cause a deadly crash.
Accidents can also be caused by things such as:
- A rider with little experience being around motor vehicles can easily make a mistake. They can get into a crash and get injured.
- Dangerous roads. Potholes, loose gravel, uneven roads, and debris are all dangerous for bicycles. They can cause loss of control.
- A bike rider traveling at high speeds can lose control and crash into a vehicle or fixed object such as a tree.
- Mechanical failure. When a bike sustains a flat tire, experiences brake failure, or has some other sort of mechanical defect, the rider can lose control.
Common Injuries
Bicycle injuries may occur in the following areas of the body:
- Skull fracture, intracranial hemorrhage, concussion, traumatic brain injury
- Face/eye. Facial fractures, dental fractures, contusions, foreign bodies in the eyes
- Fractures, strains, dislocations
- Ruptured spleen, hepatic laceration, pancreatic trauma, renal contusion, bowel contusion, traumatic hernia
- Rib fractures, lung injury
- Road rash, lacerations, contusions
It’s always important to wear a helmet while riding a bike, even if it is not required. Helmet use can reduce the risk of many injuries.
What to Do After a Baltimore Bicycle Crash
When a bicycle accident occurs, knowing what to do next can make all the difference in protecting your health, legal rights, and financial future. Whether you are dealing with severe injuries like spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or broken bones, taking the right steps can set the stage for a successful bicycle accident claim. Follow this guide after a bike crash to safeguard your well-being and your case.
1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
After a bicycle accident, your health should come first. Even if you feel fine, internal injuries or head injuries, such as concussions, may not show symptoms right away. Visiting a medical professional ensures proper diagnosis and treatment. Keep a detailed record of medical bills and any other medical costs, as they will be essential for your personal injury claim.
2. Collect and Preserve Evidence
Gather as much evidence as possible from the bike crash. Take photos of bicycle collisions, damage to your bike and helmet, injuries, and the accident scene, including bike lanes or traffic signs. Preserve items like your damaged bicycle helmet, clothing, and bike parts, which can serve as evidence of the accident involving motor vehicles or other factors.
3. Obtain a Copy of the Police Report
If law enforcement responded to the crash, request the police report from the Baltimore law offices handling the case. This report will detail key information, including traffic rules violations, distracted driving incidents, or potential fault by a motor vehicle operator or car driver. Police reports can strengthen your bicycle accident lawsuit.
4. Notify Your Insurance Company
Inform your car insurance or personal injury protection provider about the accident. Be factual when describing the crash, especially if a drunk driver or motor vehicle operator was involved. Avoid admitting fault, as it could impact your ability to receive financial compensation for medical expenses or lost wages.
5. Keep a Record of How the Accident Affects You
Start a journal documenting the effects of the bicycle accident on your daily life. Include details about pain and suffering, missed work, trips to medical professionals, and changes to your physical or emotional well-being. This information will help demonstrate non-economic damages and lost earning capacity in a bicycle accident case.
6. Consult a Baltimore Bicycle Accident Attorney
Hiring a personal injury attorney can help injured bicyclists recover the compensation they deserve. A Baltimore bicycle accident lawyer can assess your case, negotiate with insurers, and ensure compliance with Maryland laws, including the Maryland Transportation Article.
Whether you were injured by a speeding car driver in Baltimore City or encountered dangerous conditions in Baltimore County, an attorney will guide you through the process of filing a bicycle accident lawsuit.
7. Avoid Speaking with the At-Fault Party’s Insurance Without Legal Advice
An insurance company may contact you after a Baltimore bike accident to settle quickly. Before speaking with them, consult a Baltimore bike accident lawyer. They will ensure any settlement takes into account your medical costs, lost earning capacity, and other damages, rather than just protecting the insurer’s interests.
8. Act Quickly to File a Bicycle Accident Claim
Be mindful of legal deadlines for filing personal injury claims in Maryland. Acting swiftly gives you the best chance of securing fair financial compensation. A seasoned accident lawyer will ensure you stay on track.
9. Understand Maryland Traffic Laws and Bicycle Lanes
Maryland laws treat bicycles as considered vehicles, meaning bicycle riders must follow traffic laws. However, motor vehicles must share bike lanes responsibly and adhere to speed limits to prevent serious accidents. Knowing your rights and responsibilities as a cyclist can help with your case if violations occurred.
Taking these actions following cycling accidents helps injured bicyclists recover physically and financially. Whether you’re dealing with medical bills, lost wages, or non-economic damages, a Baltimore bicycle accident attorney can help. Contact Furman | Honick Law for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn more about how we can assist injured clients in Baltimore City or Baltimore County.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do weather conditions impact bicycle accident claims?
Bad weather, like rain, snow, or thick fog, can play a major role in bicycle accidents. Slippery roads or reduced visibility could contribute to a bike crash, but that doesn’t automatically excuse motor vehicle operators from liability. For example, a car driver who ignores traffic laws or fails to adjust their speed limit in poor conditions may still be held responsible. If dangerous weather played a role in your case, we’ll analyze all evidence, including photos, police reports, and witness accounts, to show negligence.
Can I file a claim if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
You can still file a bicycle accident claim, even without a helmet. Maryland requires bicycle riders under the age of 16 to wear helmets, but the law does not make this mandatory for older cyclists. While not wearing a helmet may impact your case if you suffered head injuries, it doesn't bar you from seeking compensation. A bicycle accident lawyer can defend your case and help counter arguments from the at-fault party’s insurance.
What if a hit-and-run driver caused the accident?
If a motor vehicle involved in your accident leaves the scene, you can still seek financial compensation. Your uninsured motorist coverage may apply if your car insurance includes this protection. Document evidence from the scene, like photos, police reports, and witness information, to support your claim. An attorney will work to trace the driver, assist with your insurance claim, or help you file a personal injury lawsuit.
Can pedestrians or another bike rider cause a bicycle accident?
Yes, pedestrians or other cyclists can cause serious accidents. For instance, a pedestrian crossing outside a crosswalk or a bike rider running a stop sign may lead to a collision. Bicycle accident lawsuits in these cases often involve analyzing traffic rules violations and personal injury protection policies to determine liability. A lawyer can collect critical evidence to show how their actions led to the crash.
How long will my bicycle accident lawsuit take?
Resolving a bicycle accident lawsuit can take anywhere from a few months to over a year. Cases involving severe injuries, such as spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries, or disputes over non-economic damages may take longer. An accident lawyer will keep your case moving efficiently and negotiate to help you recover fair compensation without unnecessary delays.
Can I file a claim if unsafe road conditions caused my bicycle crash?
Yes, you can file a claim if poor road conditions, like a damaged bicycle lane, lack of clear signage, or unsafe intersections, caused the accident. Under Maryland laws, you may be able to hold the government responsible if they neglected road maintenance or failed to follow the Maryland Transportation Article. These cases involve strict deadlines, so acting quickly with a Baltimore bicycle accident lawyer is essential.
Are there upfront fees to start my case?
Most personal injury attorneys work on contingency, meaning you don't pay upfront fees. Instead, legal costs come out of your settlement. Additional costs, like filing fees, hiring expert witnesses, or obtaining accident scene reconstructions, may arise, but these are explained in advance. A free consultation with your attorney will outline exactly what you can expect.
Does Maryland’s contributory negligence rule affect my claim?
Maryland follows strict contributory negligence rules, which means if you’re even slightly at fault for the accident, you may not receive compensation. For instance, if you ignored traffic signals or weren’t using proper bicycle lanes, the other party’s insurance may argue partial fault.
An experienced attorney can fight these claims by presenting evidence, like crash scene photos, speed limit data, and eyewitness accounts, to support your case.
Unsure about your situation?
If you’ve suffered bicycle accident injuries or are dealing with a motor vehicle accident , contact Furman | Honick Law today.
We’ll answer your questions and help you get started with your personal injury claim during a free consultation.
Let Furman | Honick Law Help You With Your Bicycle Accident Claim Today
If you have suffered moderate to severe injuries in a bicycle accident, make sure you have experienced legal help on your side. You don’t have to suffer alone.
The team at Furman | Honick Law can help negotiate a fair settlement so you can get your bills paid and move on with life. Schedule a free consultation with a Baltimore bicycle accident lawyer today by calling (410) 844-6000 or filling out the online form.