Maryland bicycle accidents are occurring at a startling rate across the state. The majority of these accidents take place in larger urban areas, such as Baltimore or Washington, D.C., and most occur at intersections. Intersections present a particularly dangerous situation to bicyclists because many drivers are unfamiliar with the traffic laws as they pertain to bicyclists, and they assume that the bicyclist is going to yield to them. However, that is not what the law requires.
As a general rule, motorists must treat bicyclists as though they are any other vehicle on the road, with some exceptions. For example, motorists must take care in passing bicyclists and should leave ample room when pulling back in front of a bicyclist after passing. Additionally, motorists must leave at least three feet between their vehicle and the bicyclist. A driver’s failure to safely follow the traffic laws may result in their financial liability to anyone injured in an accident.
Settlement Reached in Bicycle Accident Case Involving Garbage Truck
Earlier last month, a settlement agreement was reached in a case involving a man who was struck by a garbage truck while riding his bicycle on the shoulder of the road. According to a local news report covering the accident and subsequent personal injury case, the parties agreed to settle the lawsuit for $2.6 million.
According to the article, the bicyclist was traveling on the right shoulder of the road when he was passed by a garbage truck. The garbage truck then began to initiate a right-hand turn in front of the bicyclist, cutting him off. The bicyclist attempted to brake to avoid the collision, but he fell off his bike and landed underneath the truck. The truck then ran the bicyclist over, resulting in serious injuries.
The bicyclist suffered serious scarring to his face and fractured several bones in his face and around his left shoulder. Due to a complication during a subsequent surgery, the bicyclist was left without eyesight in his left eye. The bicyclist filed a personal injury lawsuit against the driver of the truck, as well as the city that employed him.
Initially, the defendant claimed that the bicyclist was at fault in causing the collision and for allowing his injuries to be more severe by not wearing a helmet. However, the case was not taken to trial.
Have You Been Injured in a Maryland Bicycle Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been injured in a Maryland bicycle accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. The dedicated Maryland personal injury attorneys at the law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers have extensive experience handling a wide range of Maryland bicycle and motorcycle accident cases, and we know what it takes to be successful on our clients’ behalf. Call 410-654-3600 to schedule a free consultation with an attorney to discuss your case today. Calling is free, and we will not bill you for our services unless we are able to help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
More Blog Posts:
Commuter Bicycle Accidents in Baltimore and Washington, D.C., Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published December 20, 2017.
Maryland Motorcycle Accidents Caused by Inattentive Drivers, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published December 6, 2017.