Earlier this month, a former Navy Seal was killed when he was struck while he was riding a bicycle in Bethesda, Maryland. According to one local news source, the accident occurred in the area of the 6000 block of Massachusetts Avenue at around 6:15 in the morning.Evidently, the man was riding his bike eastbound on Massachusetts Avenue when he was struck by a Chevy Malibu. The Malibu was also heading eastbound on Massachusetts Avenue. At the time of the accident, the bicyclist was riding on the shoulder and wearing his helmet. However, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Malibu was not injured in the accident.
Police are in the midst of an investigation into what caused the fatal bicycle accident. They did tell reporters that the man remained on the scene after the accident. At the time of the article’s publication, there have been no charges filed against the driver of the Malibu. However, that could change as the investigation continues.
Bicycle Accidents in Maryland
Each year in Maryland, there are hundreds of accidents involving bicyclists, ranging in seriousness from those causing minor injuries to those resulting in fatalities. In many of these cases, the bicyclist was not at fault in the accident and was a completely innocent victim of another driver’s negligence.
When a bicyclist is hit by a motorist and seriously injured or killed, that rider or their family may be entitled to monetary compensation for their injuries or losses through a Maryland negligence or wrongful death action. In either of these situations, the plaintiff must show that the defendant driver was somehow negligent and that the driver’s negligence resulted in the plaintiff’s injury or loss. Once this is proven, the plaintiff must show that they suffered some kind of compensable damages.
Damages in a negligence lawsuit can vary depending on the severity of the injuries and the type of negligent act that gave rise to liability in the first place. However, it is not uncommon for successful plaintiffs to receive compensation for past and future medical expenses and lost wages, as well as for the pain and suffering associated with the accident. In some rare cases, a plaintiff may be able to recover punitive damages for especially egregious behavior on the part of the defendant. To learn more, call a dedicated Maryland personal injury attorney with questions.
Have You Been Injured in a Maryland Bicycle or Motorcycle Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been involved in a serious Maryland motorcycle or bicycle accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for all that you have been put through. The skilled and compassionate advocates at the Maryland-based personal injury law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers have decades of experience handling all kinds of personal injury actions and have the experience you need to feel comfortable throughout the trial process. Call 410-654-3600 today to set up a free consultation.
More Blog Posts:
22-Year-Old Dies in Left-Turn Motorcycle Accident in Timonium, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published August 12, 2015.
Maryland Motorcyclist Killed in Gaithersburg U-Turn Accident, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published July 24, 2015.