Maryland Bicycle Accident Attorneys

Injured by a Negligent Motorist While Riding Your Bike?

If you've been injured in a bicycle accident in Maryland, you may feel overwhelmed, frustrated, and unsure about your next steps. At Rowe Weinstein & Sohn, our team of experienced Maryland bicycle accident lawyers is dedicated to helping accident victims recover the compensation they deserve. Bicycle accidents can result in serious injuries, extensive medical bills, and emotional distress, and pursuing compensation can be challenging. We are here to help you understand your rights, guide you through the legal process, and advocate for you every step of the way.

Contact us online or call (301) 450-5742 to schedule your free initial consultation. Let Rowe Weinstein & Sohn, PLLC help you pursue justice after your bicycle crash and injuries.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Unfortunately, many bike accidents occur due to the negligence of motorists and other factors beyond the cyclist's control. Here are some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents:

• Distracted Driving: Drivers who are distracted by their phones, GPS systems, or other activities may fail to see cyclists, resulting in dangerous collisions.
• Failure to Yield: Motorists may overlook cyclists or fail to yield at intersections, causing significant harm. This often occurs at intersections and driveways.
• Opening Car Doors (“Dooring”): "Dooring" occurs when a driver or passenger opens a car door without checking for oncoming bicycles, causing cyclists to crash into the door.
• Speeding and Reckless Driving
• Speeding or aggressive driving puts cyclists at risk. A fast-moving vehicle leaves little room for a cyclist to maneuver, increasing the likelihood of serious injuries.
• Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, cracked pavement, and lack of bike lanes create hazardous conditions that contribute to accidents. Municipalities may be held responsible for these conditions if they were negligent in maintaining the roadways.
• Driving Under the Influence: Drivers who operate their vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs have impaired judgment and reaction times, endangering cyclists and other road users.

Maryland Bicycle Law

Maryland’s bicycle laws are designed to protect cyclists and ensure that drivers and cyclists alike share the road responsibly. Important aspects of the state's bicycle laws include:

• Bicycle Classification as Vehicles: Bicycles are legally considered vehicles in Maryland, meaning that cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers. This includes following traffic signals, stop signs, and lane markings.
• Helmet Requirements: Cyclists under the age of 16 are required to wear helmets by law. While not mandatory for adults, wearing a helmet can greatly reduce the risk of serious head injuries.
• Right to Road Access: Cyclists have the right to ride on most Maryland roads, except on highways where bicycles are prohibited. Motorists must give cyclists at least three feet of space when passing, as failure to do so may lead to an accident and liability.
• Bicycling Under the Influence: It is illegal to operate a bicycle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs in Maryland. Cyclists who violate this law can be ticketed or arrested, and intoxication can affect liability in an accident case.

Recovering Compensation from a Bicycle Accident

Recovering compensation after a bicycle accident can be complex. In Maryland, compensation for bicycle accidents typically falls under two categories: filing a car accident claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance and pursuing a personal injury lawsuit.

Car Accident Claims

In many cases, bicycle accidents are caused by negligent motorists. If a driver is at fault, their car insurance may cover your injuries, property damage, and other expenses. Maryland is a "fault" state, meaning you must file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company to seek compensation. The claims process involves:

• Collecting Evidence: This includes photographs of the accident scene, police reports, witness statements, and medical records. Evidence is critical in establishing liability and the extent of damages.
• Communicating with the Insurance Company: Insurance companies may attempt to minimize the amount they pay. Having a Maryland bicycle accident lawyer on your side can help prevent unfairly low settlement offers and ensure that you receive fair compensation.
• Negotiating a Settlement: Many car accident claims are resolved through negotiation. Rowe Weinstein & Sohn will negotiate on your behalf, working to secure a settlement that covers your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.

Personal Injury Lawsuits

If a fair settlement cannot be reached with the insurance company, you may choose to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. Personal injury lawsuits allow you to seek compensation for:

• Medical Expenses: Covering all past, current, and future medical costs related to your injuries.
• Lost Wages and Lost Earning Capacity: Recovering income lost during recovery and compensation for any diminished earning potential due to lasting injuries.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensating for physical pain, emotional suffering, and reduced quality of life resulting from the accident.
• Punitive Damages: In cases where the defendant’s actions were especially reckless, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior.

Maryland follows a rule of "contributory negligence," meaning if you are found even partially at fault for the accident, you may be barred from recovering compensation. This makes it crucial to work with an experienced attorney who can gather evidence to clearly demonstrate the other party’s liability.

How Rowe Weinstein & Sohn Can Help

At Rowe Weinstein & Sohn, our Maryland bicycle accident lawyers understand the challenges that accident victims face, and we are here to help you through every stage of your case. Our team will:

• Investigate Your Case: We thoroughly investigate the accident, collect evidence, and consult with experts as needed to build a strong case.
• Handle Communications and Negotiations: We manage all interactions with insurance companies, negotiating aggressively to secure fair compensation.
• Represent You in Court if Needed: If your case goes to trial, we will advocate passionately on your behalf, presenting your case to achieve the best possible outcome.

Contact Rowe Weinstein & Sohn at (301) 450-5742 to speak with a compassionate and knowledgeable Maryland bicycle accident lawyer.