Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog
Earlier last month in Dallas, Texas, a 26-year-old bicyclist was seriously injured after she was struck and knocked off her bicycle by a drunk driver. According to one local news source, the bicyclist spoke to reporters after the accident, telling them that the key to avoiding accidents like the one that seriously injured her is driver education.
Evidently, the bicyclist had stopped at an intersection and was waiting for traffic to clear before crossing. However, once she started to cross the intersection, a vehicle approached. The vehicle entered the intersection and didn’t slow down until it hit her, knocking her off her bike and seriously injuring her. Thankfully, the woman was wearing a helmet. However, she still suffered serious injuries, including a concussion and neck injuries. She is expected to make a full recovery over the next several weeks.
The driver who struck the bicyclist was arrested and charged with driving under the influence and intoxication assault.
Bicycle Accidents on Maryland Roads
Bicycle accidents are some of the scariest accidents because there is so little to protect the cyclist against the mass of the other vehicle involved. Most often, bicyclists involved in an accident experience at least some level of injury. In fact, each year in Maryland, there are over 700 accidents involving bicycles. Of those, about 550 result in serious injury, and about 10 result in a fatality.
Liability in Bicycle Accidents
Like people using cars, trucks, and motorcycles, bicyclists have a right to use public roads. When sharing the road with a bicyclist, a motorist has the same duty to ensure the safe operation of their vehicle as they do around any motorized vehicle. Thus, when a driver’s negligence results in an accident in which a bicyclist is injured, that driver may be held liable by the bicyclist for any injuries sustained as a result of the accident.
One issue that commonly arises in bicycle accident cases is the alleged fault of the plaintiff. Since the law in Maryland subscribes to the harsh legal doctrine of contributory negligence, a bicyclist who is found to be at all at fault in the accident will be prevented from recovery. This is a tactic often used by drivers in an attempt to evade liability completely. To learn more about bicycle accident cases, contact a dedicated Maryland personal injury attorney.
Have You Been Injured in a Maryland Bicycle Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been involved in any kind of Maryland bicycle accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. Because of the harsh laws in Maryland, everything should be done to prevent a savvy defense attorney from shifting a small amount of blame onto you, which would effectively prevent you from recovering a penny. Call the Maryland-based law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers to speak with a dedicated personal injury attorney about your case. Calling is free and will not result in any obligation on your part unless we can recover for you in your case.
More Blog Posts:
Former Episcopal Bishop in Baltimore Pleads Guilty to Automotive Manslaughter and Other Related Charges, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published October 7, 2015.
Former Navy Seal Killed in Bethesda Bicycle Accident, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published September 18, 2015.