Baltimore Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Bike Accidents in Maryland Can Result in Serious Injuries

Biking is a fun and common form of exercise that is also environmentally-friendly. Biking is a popular way for people to commute to and from work and run day-to-day errands. Although bicycling is a relatively safe means of travel, lives are often put at risk due to the negligence of drivers that share the road with cyclists. Bicycle riders involved in an accident tend to sustain more serious injuries including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, contusions, fractures, facial injuries, internal bleeding, and even death. This is due in part to the fact that bicycles are small in size, quieter vehicles, less visible than other modes of transport, and lack a protective barrier.

If you have been struck by a vehicle, whether it be a car, SUV, truck or bus, while riding your bike, you have options to recover compensation for any injuries or damages incurred. First, you may be eligible to recover reparation through your auto insurance policy. Secondly, you can file a lawsuit against any and all parties responsible for your accident. If your bicycle crash involved a commercial vehicle, you may also be able to take action against the company that owned and operated the vehicle. In some situations, you may be entitled to include the city in the lawsuit. Established more than a quarter-century ago, the law offices of LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton, P.A. have been aggressively advocating for and protecting the rights of bicycle accident victims throughout the state of Maryland.

Avoiding Bicycle Accidents on Maryland’s Roadways

According to the laws in Maryland, bicycles are considered vehicles. Bicyclists are required to obey all the traffic signals and laws in Maryland just like all other motorists. These statutes are intended to help promote a safe and enjoyable riding experience for everyone. Some of the traffic laws for bicyclists include:

If a bike lane is present, bicycle riders must use it instead of the roadway. Exceptions to this are when turning, passing or avoiding a hazard.
When riding in the roadway, bicyclists must stay as close to the right as possible unless avoiding a pedestrain, passing a stopped or slowed vehicle, making a left turn, or avoiding a dangerous road condition.
Bicycles are not permitted on any roadway in which the speed limit is greater than or equal to 50 miles per hour.
Bicycles must be equipped with brakes.
Bicyclists are not permitted to carry any objects that would prevent them from keeping both hands on the handlebars or anything that would obstruct their view or interfere with their ability to remain balanced on their bike.
Your bicycle must be equipped with a white-beam headlamp and a red rear reflector or light that enhances visibility at night and during inclement weather conditions.
Children under 16 years old must wear a helmet while riding, whether while operating a bike or riding as a passenger.

Following these safety measures and other Maryland bicycle statutes can help you avoid an accident and can also help prove that you did not contribute to an auto accident in a civil case.

Steps to Take if You Have Been Hit by Another Vehicle

No matter how careful you are or if you obey all the bicycle traffic rules and regulations, you are still at risk of being hit by another negligent driver. If you have been involved in a bicycle accident, consider the following recommendations:

Seek immediate medical care and have your injuries documented, no matter how minor.
Contact the police and get a copy of the officer’s report of the incident.
Take photos of the accident scene, if you can.
Collect information from the driver: driver’s license number, the driver’s auto insurance policy information, license plate number and contact information including name, address and phone number.
Obtain contact information from any witnesses.
Do not speak or negotiate with the insurance company.
Consult with a qualified personal injury lawyer experienced in handling bicycle accident cases.

Baltimore Bicycle Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Help You in the Aftermath of a Bicycle Wreck

The Baltimore accident lawyers at the Leviness, Tolzman & Hamilton, P.A. have successfully resolved numerous bicycle accident claims for cyclists in and around the Baltimore area and throughout Maryland. We are dedicated to helping injured bikers recover compensation for their medical expenses, pain and suffering, property damage and lost wages. If you or someone you love has been injured in a bicycle accident, we encourage you to contact the team at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton, P.A. at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contacting our firm online to schedule your free initial consultation with our Baltimore bicycle accident lawyers. We have a 24-hour hotline to take phone calls from accident victims. We handle personal injury claims throughout Maryland on a contingency basis. Your satisfaction is our top priority.