Baltimore’s inner-city streets buzz daily with traffic—buses, trains, trucks, cars, foot traffic, and bicycles. When a bicyclist gets into an accident with a car or large commercial truck, the consequences can turn deadly.
If you or someone you love suffered injuries in a bicycle accident due to another person’s negligence, you might qualify to receive compensation. You might find that having a Baltimore bicycle accident lawyer look over your case at no charge could relieve some of the burdens associated with filing a personal injury lawsuit.
Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC, today at (800) 761-5225 and let us help you heal. By allowing us to manage your case, you’ll free up time to mend and process the event without the added strain of reliving the traumatic event. The initial consultation is free.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Baltimore
Riding a bicycle is a great way to move about the streets of Baltimore. However, due to Charm City’s high traffic volume, your chances of getting in an accident more than double—the Maryland Vehicle Administration (MVA) reported 864 bicycle accidents in 2017, with 715 resulting in injuries and 11 deaths.
Here are some common causes of bicycle accidents in Baltimore:
- Dooring: Maryland Code §21-1209 describes this as when a person opens their door in the bike lane to hit a cyclist purposefully. A driver who does this could face criminal charges.
- Drunk drivers: Intoxicated drivers might not have the reaction time to avoid collisions with bicyclists.
- Poor road conditions: Rain, snow, ice, or poorly maintained roads all can lead to bicycle accidents.
- Distracted driving: Texting on the phone or fiddling with the radio can take a driver’s eyes off the road, causing them to swerve into the bike lane or sideswipe bicycles.
- Speeding: Drivers going over the speed limit will have less time to stop before hitting a bicycle.
For a free legal consultation with a bicycle accidents lawyer serving Baltimore, call (800) 761-5225
Bicycle Safety Task Force
Maryland designated a Bicycle Safety Task Force to accumulate data, with the goal to help protect cyclists across the state. They found ways to enhance current laws and correct counterproductive laws that cause confusion. Two rules highlighted in their findings that the city has undertaken to improve include:
- Mandatory bike lane use: According to Maryland Code §21-1205.1, you must use bike lanes when present. Exceptions exist to using them, such as the need to pass another bike, debris or hazards blocking the bike path, or when you make a left turn.
- Ride to the right: Maryland Code §21-1205 outlines that a person using a bicycle or scooter at speeds less than the traffic flow must ride as far to the right as possible, subject to the same exceptions as using a bike lane. However, poor road conditions and the three-foot law create issues when trying to follow this rule.
Both laws have the goal of enhancing safety. Also, keep in mind that you must follow all traffic laws while riding a bike in Baltimore, as outlined in Maryland Code §21-1202.
All these requirements provide a perfect illustration of the difficulties that can arise when trying to follow the law. For example, if a car is in the bike lane, and you veer left to go around the car and hit a pothole, who is to blame: the car driver, you, or the city for failing to fix the pothole?
This example shows why you might find it beneficial to work with a Baltimore bicycle accident lawyer after a crash. Call the team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC, today for a free case review. We can examine the details and choose the best course of action according to your circumstances.
Baltimore Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near Me (800) 761-5225
How a Baltimore Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help You
Due to the various causes of bicycle accidents, filing a lawsuit might leave you confused. Who should you sue? How do you file an insurance claim? Knowing what you qualify to receive and the time frame you have to file are other factors to consider.
Working with a Baltimore bicycle accident attorney provides you the tools you might need to manage your case efficiently. They could utilize years of experience and extensive knowledge of the law to make the process as painless as possible.
Furthermore, negotiating compensation with insurance companies or government entities might feel intimidating, and if you suffered injuries, it could add undue stress when you should spend your time healing. These situations are never easy, but the team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC, can offer ways to make them more approachable.
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Damages You Could Receive in a Bicycle Accident Case
You can typically recover economic and noneconomic damages in personal injury claims resulting from bicycle crashes, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Repair bills
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement
A bicycle accident lawyer can explain what compensation you might qualify to receive for your injuries and losses.
Time Limits for Filing a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit in Baltimore
According to Maryland Code § 5-101, a person has three years from the accident date to file a personal injury case. Depending on who might have liability, other statutes of limitations could apply—such as when suing government entities and personnel.
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Contact a Baltimore Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today
Finding the right lawyer to advocate for you should not add stress to your situation. The team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC, stands ready to support you and fight for the compensation you deserve. Bicycle accidents usually result in severe injuries and often happen due to the negligence of a person or entity. Why hesitate because you are unsure of what to do? We are here to help you figure it all out.
Hiring a Baltimore bicycle accident lawyer to assess your case may prove what you need to manage your stress and allow you to focus on healing. They can relieve you of having to gather evidence and build a case so you can take time to mend.
Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC, today at (800) 761-5225 for a free case evaluation. We make sure to uphold your rights. We work on contingency, so you won’t have to worry about payment unless you recover an award.
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