Baltimore Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Cyclists who are struck by motor vehicles often suffer serious injuries, and sometimes even fatal injuries.

Accident victims frequently face daily pain, expensive medical bills, extended time off work, and significant emotional trauma. Cyclists should talk with a knowledgeable attorney to understand their legal options.

An experienced bicycle accident lawyer at Greenberg Law Offices can offer trusted guidance and help you seek accountability and financial compensation.

Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

Greenberg Law Offices, Baltimore Office

6 E. Biddle Street
Baltimore, MD 21202

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Baltimore

Busy streets, narrow lanes, heavy traffic, and aggressive drivers create risks for cyclists every day in Baltimore.

Most bike accidents occur because drivers of cars and trucks fail to look out for bicycle riders and fail to see them.

Common causes of bicycle accidents that our attorneys handle include:

• Distracted driving
• Drunk driving
• Failure to yield
• Unsafe lane changes
• Speeding and aggressive driving
• Dooring accidents

Baltimore traffic laws give bicycle riders the same rights to use Baltimore roads as automobile drivers, except where specifically prohibited.

When a car driver fails to respect cyclists’ rights to ride on the road and causes a crash, the motorist can cause life-altering injuries. An experienced bicycle accident attorney can fight to hold careless motorists financially account-able for the harm they caused.

What to Do After a Baltimore Bicycle Crash

Building a compelling bike crash claim begins with you. In the hours and days following the collision, you should:

Seek Medical Care

Always see a doctor as soon as possible.

Some serious injuries, such as traumatic head injuries, may not be immediately apparent except to a trained medical professional. A medical evaluation can provide documentation linking your injuries to the accident.

Don’t Discuss Fault

Arguing, apologizing, or discussing fault with the driver can only hurt your personal injury claim.

Report the accident to the police and, if you are able, take crash scene photos while waiting for the police to respond. Remain calm and polite, and let an attorney handle the rest.

Contact a Lawyer

Protect your legal rights and avoid making early mistakes that can compromise your claim by contacting an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.

Insurance companies may contact you to request recorded statements or pressure you to accept a lowball settlement offer.

You should always refer them to your attorney whenever possible. You should not provide a recorded statement or sign any papers presented by an insurance company without legal advice.

Maryland’s Bicycle Safety Laws

Maryland law gives cyclists important rights and responsibilities, both of which can affect a bicycle accident claim. Understanding bicycle safety laws can help you protect your rights when pursuing fair compensation.

Laws for Cyclists

Under Maryland law, bicyclists generally have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of motor vehicles. Cyclists must:

• Ride in the same direction as traffic
• Follow traffic laws and obey speed limits and traffic signals
• Use lights and reflective gear when riding at night
• Ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb, except when turning left, avoiding hazards, or traveling at the speed of traffic

All cyclists under the age of 16 must wear a helmet when riding on public property, and all riders are strongly encouraged to wear helmets.

While the lack of a helmet will not automatically prevent you from recovering compensation, insurers may use your decision not to wear one to deflect blame and reduce your payout.

Laws for Motor Vehicles

Drivers must share the road safely with cyclists. Maryland law requires all motorists to:

• Leave at least three feet of space when passing a bicycle
• Yield to cyclists when turning across a bike lane
• Check for approaching bicycles before opening a car door to prevent dooring accidents
• Exercise caution to avoid colliding with any cyclist

Bicycles do not offer protection for riders. Even minor collisions can cause severe injuries. An experienced attorney can investigate the accident to identify any violations and then develop a compelling claim for maximum compensation.

Understanding Maryland’s Contributory Negligence in Bicycle Accidents

One of the biggest factors in bicycle accident claims is the Maryland contributory negligence rule.

Under this doctrine, you can not recover compensation if you contributed to a bicycle accident in any way.

Insurance companies often use this harsh rule to their advantage, avoiding paying insurance claims arising from serious accidents. To counter these tactics, our attorneys present compelling evidence showing that the at-fault party is entirely to blame for what happened.

Compensation You Could Receive in a Baltimore Bicycle Accident Case

Compensation for bicycle accidents can address both the financial losses and personal harm the bicyclist experienced. That may include:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Property damage to your bicycle

We work closely with medical and financial experts to determine the full impact of the accident on your life, and then calculate maximum compensation.

Time Limits for Filing a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit in Baltimore

Under Maryland law, you typically have three years from the date of the crash to file a bicycle accident lawsuit.

If you miss this deadline, courts will likely dismiss your personal injury case, and you may lose your right to seek compensation. Seeking legal representation as soon as possible is essential.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the answers to some of the most common questions clients ask our bicycle accident lawyers:

Do I need a lawyer for a minor bicycle accident?

You don’t legally need to hire an attorney to pursue a personal injury claim, but even minor accident cases can prove complicated to handle on your own.

A skilled attorney can lead you through the legal process, provide guidance based on experience, and help you avoid costly errors along the way.

What if the driver fled the scene?

If a driver flees, you still have legal options.

For example, uninsured motorist coverage on your own auto insurance policy can sometimes cover hit-and-run accidents. Our attorneys investigate every available source of compensation.

How long will my case take?

Case timelines depend on various factors, including the severity of injuries, the length of recovery, the strength of evidence, insurance disputes, and whether the case goes to court. Simpler claims can take a few months to resolve, while more involved ones can take a year or more.